Overview

Overview

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:

Product Mark

Identifies and distinguishes goods rather than services. This includes brand names, logos, or symbols.

Product Mark

Identifies and distinguishes goods rather than services. This includes brand names, logos, or symbols.

Product Mark

Identifies and distinguishes goods rather than services. This includes brand names, logos, or symbols.

Product Mark

Identifies and distinguishes goods rather than services. This includes brand names, logos, or symbols.

Service Mark

These marks outline services provided by a company. Brand names or logos identifying a service are called service marks.

Service Mark

These marks outline services provided by a company. Brand names or logos identifying a service are called service marks.

Service Mark

These marks outline services provided by a company. Brand names or logos identifying a service are called service marks.

Service Mark

These marks outline services provided by a company. Brand names or logos identifying a service are called service marks.

Certification Mark

This indicates that a product or service meets specific standards. Example: The ISI (Indian Standard Institute) mark and the FSSAI mark.

Certification Mark

This indicates that a product or service meets specific standards. Example: The ISI (Indian Standard Institute) mark and the FSSAI mark.

Certification Mark

This indicates that a product or service meets specific standards. Example: The ISI (Indian Standard Institute) mark and the FSSAI mark.

Certification Mark

This indicates that a product or service meets specific standards. Example: The ISI (Indian Standard Institute) mark and the FSSAI mark.

Collective Mark

Used by a group or association to identify goods and services from its members.

Collective Mark

Used by a group or association to identify goods and services from its members.

Collective Mark

Used by a group or association to identify goods and services from its members.

Collective Mark

Used by a group or association to identify goods and services from its members.

Shape Mark

Protects the distinctive shape of a product or its packaging.

Shape Mark

Protects the distinctive shape of a product or its packaging.

Shape Mark

Protects the distinctive shape of a product or its packaging.

Shape Mark

Protects the distinctive shape of a product or its packaging.

Pattern Mark

Protects distinctive patterns or designs used on products or packaging.

Pattern Mark

Protects distinctive patterns or designs used on products or packaging.

Pattern Mark

Protects distinctive patterns or designs used on products or packaging.

Pattern Mark

Protects distinctive patterns or designs used on products or packaging.

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

6-Step Process for Registration

Biz Pillar follows a structured six-step process to ensure accuracy and timely approval without legal issues.

6-Step Process for Registration

Biz Pillar follows a structured six-step process to ensure accuracy and timely approval without legal issues.

Step

1

Trademark Search & Consultation

We check availability and assess registration feasibility to avoid objections or conflicts.

Step

4

Examination & Objection Handling

We respond to trademark examiner objections, if raised.

Step

5

Journal Publication

Your trademark is published for public opposition review.

Step

2

Class Selection

We identify the correct trademark class based on your goods or services.

Step

3

Application Filing

Form TM-A is filed with accurate details and supporting documents.

Step

6

Registration Certificate Issued

If no opposition arises, your trademark is registered and certified.

Step

1

Trademark Search & Consultation

We check availability and assess registration feasibility to avoid objections or conflicts.

Step

4

Examination & Objection Handling

We respond to trademark examiner objections, if raised.

Step

5

Journal Publication

Your trademark is published for public opposition review.

Step

2

Class Selection

We identify the correct trademark class based on your goods or services.

Step

3

Application Filing

Form TM-A is filed with accurate details and supporting documents.

Step

6

Registration Certificate Issued

If no opposition arises, your trademark is registered and certified.

Step

1

Trademark Search & Consultation

We check availability and assess registration feasibility to avoid objections or conflicts.

Step

4

Examination & Objection Handling

We respond to trademark examiner objections, if raised.

Step

5

Journal Publication

Your trademark is published for public opposition review.

Step

2

Class Selection

We identify the correct trademark class based on your goods or services.

Step

3

Application Filing

Form TM-A is filed with accurate details and supporting documents.

Step

6

Registration Certificate Issued

If no opposition arises, your trademark is registered and certified.

Step

1

Trademark Search & Consultation

We check availability and assess registration feasibility to avoid objections or conflicts.

Step

4

Examination & Objection Handling

We respond to trademark examiner objections, if raised.

Step

5

Journal Publication

Your trademark is published for public opposition review.

Step

2

Class Selection

We identify the correct trademark class based on your goods or services.

Step

3

Application Filing

Form TM-A is filed with accurate details and supporting documents.

Step

6

Registration Certificate Issued

If no opposition arises, your trademark is registered and certified.

Questions & Answers

Have more questions? Don't hesitate to email us:

01

How long does trademark registration take?

Trademark registration usually takes 18–24 months if there are no objections or oppositions.

02

When can I start using the TM symbol?

03

When can I use the ® symbol?

04

Is trademark registration mandatory?

05

Can a trademark be renewed?

Questions & Answers

Have more questions? Don't hesitate to email us:

01

How long does trademark registration take?

Trademark registration usually takes 18–24 months if there are no objections or oppositions.

02

When can I start using the TM symbol?

03

When can I use the ® symbol?

04

Is trademark registration mandatory?

05

Can a trademark be renewed?

Questions & Answers

Have more questions? Don't hesitate to email us:

01

How long does trademark registration take?

Trademark registration usually takes 18–24 months if there are no objections or oppositions.

02

When can I start using the TM symbol?

03

When can I use the ® symbol?

04

Is trademark registration mandatory?

05

Can a trademark be renewed?

Questions & Answers

Have more questions? Don't hesitate to email us:

01

How long does trademark registration take?

Trademark registration usually takes 18–24 months if there are no objections or oppositions.

02

When can I start using the TM symbol?

03

When can I use the ® symbol?

04

Is trademark registration mandatory?

05

Can a trademark be renewed?