Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks
Trademark registration in India
Everything you need to register your brand. 7 steps, 18–24 mo average timeline.
Registration steps
Search the Indian TM Registry at ipindiaservices.gov.in. Check ‘Trade Marks’ → ‘Public Search’ for identical and similar marks in your class.
Search phonetically similar names too — the registry rejects marks that sound alike.
Identify which of the 45 Nice Classification classes your goods/services fall under. You need a separate application for each class.
Class 25 (clothing), Class 35 (retail), and Class 42 (software) are most common for startups.
File online at ipindiaonline.gov.in with applicant details, trademark representation, goods/services description, and class number.
Startups and individuals get 50% fee reduction. File under ‘Proposed to be Used’ if not using yet.
Registry assigns a Vienna code for device marks. Examiner reviews compliance with the Trade Marks Act, 1999.
Most objections come from Section 9 (descriptive) or Section 11 (similarity to existing marks).
If the examiner raises objections in their Examination Report, respond within 30 days with arguments or evidence of distinctiveness.
You can attend hearings via video. Always prepare a written submission regardless.
Accepted marks are published in the Trade Marks Journal for 4 months. Anyone can file an opposition during this period.
Monitor the journal — if someone opposes, you have 2 months to file a counter-statement.
If no opposition, the Registry issues a Registration Certificate. Your mark is protected under ® for 10 years from filing date.
Set a reminder to renew 6 months before expiry. Late renewal is possible up to 1 year after.
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ipindia.gov.in