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A Trademark is a unique sign — a name, logo, tagline, or combination — that distinguishes your goods or services from competitors. Registering your trademark gives you exclusive rights to use it in India and the legal power to stop others from copying it. Without registration, your brand is vulnerable.
- Brand/company name (e.g., "Legal Chanakya")
- Logo or device mark
- Tagline / slogan
- Product name
- Shape of goods (3D marks)
- Colours, sounds, and smells (non-traditional marks)
Why Register a Trademark?
- ✅ Exclusive rights — only you can use the mark for registered goods/services
- ✅ Legal protection — can sue infringers in court + claim damages
- ✅ ™ symbol immediately, ® symbol after registration
- ✅ Brand asset — can be licensed, franchised, or sold
- ✅ Prevents domain/social media squatting
- ✅ 10-year validity, renewable indefinitely
Government Fees
| Applicant Type | Filing Fee (per class) |
|---|---|
| Individual / Startup / MSME | ₹4,500 (online) / ₹5,000 (physical) |
| Company / LLP / Partnership | ₹9,000 (online) / ₹10,000 (physical) |
Step-by-Step Trademark Registration Process
Search the IP India trademark database to ensure no identical or similar mark already exists for your class of goods/services. This step is critical to avoid rejection.
Trademarks are filed under 45 classes (1–34 for goods, 35–45 for services). Selecting the correct class(es) is essential. An error here can leave your brand unprotected in your actual business area.
File Form TM-A on ipindia.gov.in with the mark image, applicant details, class selection, and specification of goods/services. Pay the government fee.
The Examiner reviews the application and may issue an Examination Report raising objections. You have 1 month to respond to any objection.
If accepted, the mark is published in the official Trademark Journal for 4 months. Anyone can file an opposition during this period.
If no opposition is filed (or opposition is resolved in your favour), the Registration Certificate is issued. Valid for 10 years from the date of application.
The complete process from filing to certificate takes 18 months to 3 years on average. However, you can use the ™ symbol immediately after filing. The ® symbol can only be used after the certificate is issued. An Expedited Examination is available for an additional fee to speed up the examination stage.
Your brand is your most valuable long-term asset. Protecting it with a trademark is not optional — it is essential. Legal Chanakya's IP team handles end-to-end trademark registration, responds to examination objections, and defends your mark against oppositions.
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