Trademark Registration Cost in India – Fees & Process Guide

Explore trademark registration cost in India for individuals, startups & businesses. Full guide on filing, renewal, govt. fees & common legal pitfalls.

Protecting your brand is one of the most strategic moves a business can make. In India, the best way to safeguard your business identity is through trademark registration. Whether you’re launching a new startup, growing an SME, or rebranding an existing venture, understanding the trademark registration cost in India and the process involved is crucial.

In this comprehensive guide, we have covered everything from creation costs to legal fees and common pitfalls to avoid, helping you budget effectively and register your trademark with confidence.

✅ What Is a Trademark?

A trademark is a unique symbol, word, phrase, logo, or combination that distinguishes your goods or services from competitors. Once registered, it grants the owner exclusive legal rights, preventing unauthorized use or infringement.

💸 Trademark Registration Cost in India: Stage-by-Stage Breakdown

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the costs involved at various stages of trademark registration:

1. Trademark Creation and Design

The journey begins with choosing a distinctive mark. This could be:

• A coined word (e.g., “Zomato”)

• A logo or symbol

• A combination of words and graphics

✅ Cost:

• Self-created wordmark: ₹0

• Logo design by professional: ₹5,000 to ₹50,000+ (depends on the designer)

• DIY logo (do-it-yourself – if you have design skills): Free

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Similarity with existing trademarks → May trigger objections under Section 11 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999.

• Descriptive names (e.g., “FreshJuice”) → Rejected under Section 9 for lack of distinctiveness.

• Difficult-to-pronounce names → Affects customer recall, SEO, and searchability.

• Narrow scope names → Limits brand expansion in future.

• Skipping legal advice → Increases chances of refusal or delays.

💡 Pro Tip: Choose a trademark that is simple, unique, scalable, and easy to remember.

2. Trademark Search and Clearance

Before filing, a trademark search is essential to check for existing or conflicting marks. It reduces the risk of rejection and legal battles.

✅ Cost:

• Self-search: Free via IP India website

• Professional attorney search: ₹5,000 to ₹35,000+ (depends on the Professional attorney)

🔍 Don’t Miss:

• Comprehensive clearance (including global/common law rights)

• Domain name check – Ensures brand consistency online

💡 Pro Tip: Investing in a professional search can save lakhs in future rebranding or litigation.

3. Filing the Trademark Application

After clearing your mark, it’s time to file the application.

🔧 Requirements:

• Applicant details

• Trademark representation

• Description of goods/services

• User or Priority claim (if any)

• Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

✅ Fee:

• Government fees (per class):

  • Individuals/Startups: ₹4,500 (online), ₹5,000 (offline)

  • Companies: ₹9,000 (online), ₹10,000 (offline)

• Class 3 DSC: ₹2,500 to ₹3,500

• Attorney fees: ₹5,000 to ₹25,000+ per class (depends on the Professional attorney)

Total Estimated Cost:

• Self-filing (individual): ₹8,000 – ₹9,000

• Via attorney (individual/company): ₹12,000 – ₹25,000+ (depends on the Professional attorney)

4. Examination of Trademark Application

Once filed, your application is examined by a Trademark Officer.

🔍 What Happens:

• Legal review for distinctiveness, similarity, or public policy issues

• Issuance of Examination Report (if objections exist)

✅ Cost:

• Self-response: Free

• Attorney reply to objections: ₹5,000 – ₹25,000+ (depends on the Professional attorney)

• Show cause hearing (if required): ₹5,000 – ₹55,000+ (depends on the Professional attorney)

💡 Pro Tip: A strong, legally-sound response increases the chances of acceptance without appeal.

5. Trademark Publication and Opposition

If accepted, the mark is published in the Trademark Journal for 4 months to invite third-party opposition.

✅ Cost:

• No opposition: No additional cost

• If opposed:

  • Attorney fees: ₹10,000 – ₹55,000+ + (depends on the Professional attorney)

  • Additional legal proceedings, documentation, evidence submission

⚠️ Be prepared: Opposition can delay registration by 6 months to several years.

6. Trademark Registration

If no opposition arises (or you win the opposition case), your trademark is registered, and a Certificate of Registration is issued.

✅ Benefits:

• Legal ownership

• Nationwide protection

• Brand credibility boost

✅ Validity:

• 10 years from date of application

• Renewable indefinitely

7. Trademark Use, Monitoring & Enforcement

Post-registration, active use and monitoring are essential:

• Use it consistently to prevent abandonment.

• Monitor for infringement.

• Enforce rights via cease & desist notices, infringement suits, or damages claims.

💡 Non-use for 5+ years may lead to cancellation.

8. Trademark Renewal

Trademarks must be renewed every 10 years to remain valid.

✅ Cost:

• Online renewal fee: ₹9,000 per class

• Offline/manual fee: ₹10,000 per class

• Late renewal (within grace period): Add ₹5,000 late fee

🕑 Grace Period:

• 6 months before expiry

• 6 months after expiry (with surcharge)

✅ Restoration:

• Within 1 year of expiration

• Fee: ₹9,000 (online), ₹10,000 (offline)

Is Trademark Registration Worth It?

Absolutely. Trademark registration in India is a low-cost, high-return investment for businesses serious about building and protecting their brand. It:

• Shields your identity from misuse

• Enhances your credibility

• Protects your long-term growth

Don’t leave your brand vulnerable. Take control today by registering your trademark—whether you choose the DIY route or consult a trademark attorney.

Protect your brand. Safeguard your future. Start your trademark registration journey now.

FAQs on Trademark Registration in India – Fees & Process Guide

Q1. Is trademark registration mandatory in India?
No, but registration offers legal protection and exclusive rights, which unregistered marks do not enjoy.

Q2. How long does it take to register a trademark in India?
6 to 18 months (if no objections or oppositions).

Q3. Can I register a trademark for multiple classes?
Yes. Each class requires a separate fee and application.

Q4. What happens if someone uses my registered trademark?
You can send a legal notice, sue for infringement, and seek injunctions or damages.

Q5. Can a foreign company register a trademark in India?
Yes. Foreign applicants can register trademarks in India via local agents or attorneys.

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This content is for general information only, not legal advice. For specific legal concerns, Lawfluencers can be contacted at hello@lawfluencers.com!