In today’s competitive business landscape, a trademark is more than just a logo or symbol—it’s your brand’s identity. Whether you're running a small business, startup, or large corporation, protecting your brand is essential. One of the most common questions entrepreneurs and brand owners have is: What is the trademark registration cost in India? In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about trademark registration fees, government charges, professional fees, and hidden costs—brought to you by Your Law Place.
What is a Trademark?
A trademark is a unique sign, word, phrase, logo, design, or a combination of these elements that distinguishes your goods or services from others. It gives your brand legal recognition and protection, ensuring that no one else can use your identity without permission.
Why Register a Trademark in India?
Registering a trademark is not mandatory, but it provides several benefits:
- Legal Protection: If your mark is registered, you have the exclusive right to use it.
- Brand Recognition: Customers trust registered brands more.
- Asset Creation: A registered trademark becomes a valuable intellectual property asset.
- Deters Infringement: It becomes easier to take legal action against copycats.
- Global Reach: It aids in international trademark filing if you plan to expand.
Who Can Apply for a Trademark?
In India, the following can apply for trademark registration:
- Individuals
- Startups
- MSMEs (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises)
- Companies
- Trusts or Societies
Each applicant type affects the trademark registration cost in India, which we’ll cover below.
Trademark Registration Cost in India: A Breakdown
The total cost of trademark registration depends on several factors like the applicant type, number of classes selected, and whether you're hiring a professional. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
1. Government Fees
The government fee is a fixed amount payable during the application process. These are as follows:
For Individual / Startup / MSME:
- ₹4,500 per class (if filed online)
- ₹5,000 per class (if filed physically)
For Companies and Others:
- ₹9,000 per class (online)
- ₹10,000 per class (physical filing)
Note: You can apply for multiple trademark classes (like clothing, electronics, etc.), and the fee increases accordingly.
2. Professional Charges
Most applicants hire a trademark attorney or a legal service provider like Your Law Place to avoid rejections and delays. The professional fees usually range between:
- ₹2,000 to ₹10,000 (varies based on expertise and services offered)
This usually includes:
- Trademark search
- Filing the application
- Responding to objections (if any)
- Monitoring the application
3. Additional Costs (If Any)
There could be additional charges depending on the circumstances:
- Replying to Examination Reports: ₹2,000 to ₹5,000
- Filing for Opposition Response: ₹3,000 to ₹6,000
- Trademark Renewal (after 10 years): ₹9,000 per class
- Restoration after expiry: ₹10,000 plus late fees
Online vs Offline Filing: Which is Better?
Online filing is cheaper and faster compared to physical (offline) filing.
- Online Filing Benefits:
- Lower fee
- Track status easily
- Faster processing
- Less paperwork
At Your Law Place, we recommend and assist with online filing for faster trademark protection.
Trademark Registration Process in India
To understand the cost, it's also important to know the steps involved:
Step 1: Trademark Search
Before applying, a detailed search is conducted to check if the mark already exists.
Step 2: Application Filing
The application (Form TM-A) is submitted with the required fee and documents.
Step 3: Examination by Registrar
The Trademark Office examines the application and may raise objections.
Step 4: Publication in Trademark Journal
If no objection, the mark is published in the journal. If there's no opposition within 4 months, it proceeds to registration.
Step 5: Registration Certificate
If approved, a registration certificate is issued. The mark is valid for 10 years.
Can Trademark Registration Be Done Without a Lawyer?
Yes, but it’s not advisable unless you’re familiar with legal terms and procedures. Even a minor mistake can result in objections, delays, or rejections. Hiring experts like Your Law Place ensures:
- Proper class selection
- Error-free documentation
- Timely filing
- Response to legal notices/objections
- Complete peace of mind
How to Save on Trademark Registration Cost in India?
Here are a few smart tips:
- File under Startup/MSME: If eligible, register your business under the Startup India or MSME scheme to avail the ₹4,500 government fee.
- Do a Prior Search: Avoid duplicate applications by conducting a comprehensive trademark search.
- Bundle Services: Some legal firms offer trademark + logo + copyright packages at discounted rates.
- Early Filing: The sooner you apply, the better. Delays may lead to someone else taking the same brand name.
Trademark Registration Cost in India for Startups
Under the Startup India scheme, startups get a reduced fee of ₹4,500. To qualify:
- The company must be recognized under DPIIT.
- It should be less than 10 years old.
- Annual turnover must not exceed ₹100 crore.
Your Law Place helps startups with DPIIT registration and end-to-end trademark filing support.
Trademark Classes and Their Impact on Cost
Trademarks are registered under 45 different classes based on the type of goods/services. Common examples:
- Class 9: Electronics, mobile apps
- Class 25: Clothing and apparel
- Class 35: Advertising, marketing, business services
If you want to register your brand in more than one category (e.g., clothing and perfume), the cost increases per class.
Why Choose Your Law Place for Trademark Registration?
At Your Law Place, we offer a simplified, affordable, and transparent trademark registration service. Here's why hundreds of businesses trust us:
- Dedicated legal experts
- Affordable pricing with no hidden fees
- Assistance in objections and oppositions
- End-to-end tracking and updates
- Startup/MSME benefit consultation
We combine legal precision with modern customer service to help you safeguard your brand without legal hassle.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the trademark registration cost in India is crucial for entrepreneurs and businesses who want to protect their brand identity. While the government fee is relatively fixed, hiring the right legal team can make a big difference in ensuring a smooth, error-free process. At Your Law Place, we offer end-to-end support to make trademark registration affordable, fast, and reliable.
Don't wait until someone else registers your brand name. Reach out to Your Law Place today and secure your identity in the market.
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