Checklist
Documents required
- 1Clear soft copy of the wordmark or logo (JPEG, 8×8 cm, 300 dpi)
- 2PAN card of applicant (individual or business)
- 3Aadhaar / address proof of applicant
- 4Certificate of Incorporation / Partnership Deed (for companies / firms)
- 5Udyam / MSME certificate (50% government fee discount)
- 6Power of Attorney on ₹100 stamp paper (Form TM-48)
- 7Affidavit of prior use with first-use date and evidence (if claiming prior use)
- 8List of goods / services with the correct Nice classification class
Process
Step-by-step process
- 1Conduct a public trademark search on the IP India portal to check availability
- 2Identify the correct Nice classification class(es) — 1–34 for goods, 35–45 for services
- 3Prepare Form TM-A with applicant details, mark, class and goods / services description
- 4Sign Form TM-48 Power of Attorney in favour of the trademark agent
- 5Pay the government fee — ₹4,500 (individual / startup / MSME) or ₹9,000 (others) per class, per application
- 6File Form TM-A online; receive an application number and use ™ immediately
- 7Examination report issued in 4–8 months; respond to objections within 30 days
- 8Mark is published in the Trademarks Journal for 4 months — opposition window
- 9If no opposition, certificate of registration is issued and ® can be used
- 10Renew the trademark every 10 years using Form TM-R
As of 2026
Fees & timeline
| Government fee (individual / startup / MSME) | ₹4,500 per class per application |
|---|---|
| Government fee (others) | ₹9,000 per class per application |
| Use of ™ symbol | Immediately after filing |
| Use of ® symbol | After registration certificate is issued |
| End-to-end timeline (uncontested) | 12–18 months |
| Validity | 10 years (renewable) |
Figures reviewed as of September 2026. Government fees may change without notice.
Frequently asked questions
- Yes. The ™ symbol can be used the moment a trademark application is filed and an application number is allotted. The ® symbol can only be used after the Registrar issues the registration certificate, which usually takes 12–18 months.
- The government fee is ₹4,500 per class per application for individuals, startups and MSMEs, and ₹9,000 per class per application for all other applicants. Each additional class requires a separate fee.
- A registered trademark is valid for 10 years from the date of application. It can be renewed indefinitely by filing Form TM-R and paying the renewal fee within 6 months before expiry.
- The ™ symbol indicates that a mark has been claimed as a trademark — it can be used even on unregistered marks. The ® symbol indicates the mark is registered with the Trademarks Registry under the Trade Marks Act, 1999, and may only be used after registration is granted.
Can I use the ™ symbol immediately after filing in India?+
How much does trademark registration cost in India?+
How long is a trademark valid in India?+
What is the difference between TM and R symbols?+
Based in Jammu? We handle trademark registration in india — process, cost & timeline (2026) locally — see our detailed Jammu guides for startup registration in Jammu.