Trademark registration is the legal process of securing exclusive rights to your unique brand name, logo, or symbol. In India, it is governed by the Trade Marks Act, 1999, which allows you to protect and exclusively use your intellectual property in the marketplace. The trademark application process involves filing Form TM-A with the Trademark Office and selecting the appropriate class for your goods or services. This classification ensures that your brand receives the correct legal protection. Once registered, you gain the right to use the ® symbol, signifying that your trademark is officially recognized.
Who Should Register a Trademark
Any individual or business using a unique name, logo, or slogan should register it before someone else does.
Startups and new businesses
Established brands and enterprises
Freelancers and personal brands
MSMEs and online sellers
Trademarks Act, 1999: Governs trademark registration and protection in India.
Scope: Covers registration, assignment, and enforcement of trademark rights.
Authority: Administered by the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trademarks.
Types of Registration Trademarks
Choosing the right type of trademark is essential for brand protection, legal rights, and market distinction. Trademarks are categorized based on what they represent and how they identify a brand’s identity. Below are the key types:
Benefits of Registering a Trademark
Trademark registration provides a legal monopoly over your brand identity, transforming your name and logo into enforceable business assets.
Exclusive Ownership: Provides the sole legal right to use the mark nationwide and sue for infringement.
Brand Authority: Increases credibility with customers and partners by using the ® symbol.
Financial Asset: Increases company valuation and can be sold, franchised, or used as loan collateral.
Scalability: Facilitates easier business expansion and provides a basis for international trademark filing.
Long-Term Security: Offers 10 years of protection with the option to renew indefinitely.
Your Brand Is an Asset - Protect It Now
Register your trademark today and secure exclusive rights before someone else does.
Essential Documents for Registration
Securing your brand identity through trademark registration is a critical step for any business. To ensure a smooth online filing process via Form TM-A, having your documentation ready is essential.
The specific requirements vary depending on your legal structure. Find your category below to see exactly what you need to prepare.
Individuals & Sole Proprietorships
For independent creators and solo business owners, the documentation is straightforward and focused on personal identification.
Form TM-A: The primary application form.
Brand Assets: A high-resolution copy of your logo (if applicable).
Power of Attorney (Form-48): Required if an attorney or agent is filing on your behalf.
Identity Proof: Aadhar card, PAN card, Passport, or Driving License.
Address Proof: Recent utility bill, bank statement, or Voter ID.
User Affidavit: Necessary if you are claiming "prior use" of the mark.
Partnership Firms
Partnerships must provide both firm-level documentation and identification for the authorized partner.
Form TM-A & Logo copy
Partnership Deed: Or the official Firm Registration Certificate.
PAN Card: The specific PAN card issued to the Partnership Firm.
Signatory Proof: Identity and Address proof of the partner signing the application.
Small Business Benefits: MSME Certificate or Startup Recognition Certificate (DPIIT) to avail of reduced government fees.
Power of Attorney (Form-48) & User Affidavit
Companies (Private Ltd, Public Ltd, or LLPs)
Corporate entities require proof of incorporation and authorization for a specific representative.
Certificate of Incorporation: Or the registered LLP Deed.
Company/LLP PAN Card: Copy of the entity's tax identification.
Authorized Signatory: Identity and Address proof of the person authorized to sign.
Fee Reductions: MSME or DPIIT Startup Recognition Certificate (highly recommended for lower filing costs).
Standard Forms: Form TM-A, Logo, Power of Attorney (Form-48), and User Affidavit.
Other Applicants (Trusts, NGOs, & Societies)
Non-profits and other collective bodies follow a similar path to corporations but include their specific founding documents.
Document Type | Details |
Founding Docs | Trust Deed or Incorporation Certificate |
Taxation | Trust PAN Card and GST Certificate |
Signatory | ID & Address proof of the Authorized Signatory |
Standard Filings | Form TM-A, Logo, and Power of Attorney (Form-48) |
Evidence | User Affidavit |









