Trademark Registration Fees in India – Guide for Applicants

Learn everything about Trademark Registration Fees in India, including government fees, professional charges, and renewal fees for individuals, startups, and companies.

In India, trademark registration is a crucial step for businesses, as it helps protect their brand identity, logos, names, and symbols. With the increasing awareness about intellectual property rights (IPR), more entrepreneurs, startups, and companies are looking to secure trademarks for their products or services. However, one common question that arises is: What are the trademark registration fees in India?

This blog aims to provide an in-depth look at the trademark registration process in India, focusing specifically on the fees associated with it. We will break down the costs, the factors influencing them, and why it is important to invest in registering your trademark.

Understanding Trademark Registration

A trademark is a symbol, logo, word, name, or design that represents a product or service and distinguishes it from others. In India, trademarks are governed by the Trade Marks Act, 1999, and are registered by the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (CGPDTM).

Once registered, a trademark offers several advantages, such as:

1. Exclusive Rights to use the mark.

2. Legal Protection in case of infringement.

3. Brand Recognition and differentiation in the market.

4. Intangible Asset that can be sold or licensed.

Trademark Registration Fees in India

The trademark registration fees in India vary based on different factors, such as the type of applicant (individuals, startups, MSMEs, or companies), the number of classes under which the trademark is to be registered, and whether the applicant chooses to file the application online or offline.

1. Trademark Government Fees for Registration

The Indian government has set the following trademark registration fees:

• For Individuals/Proprietorship/Startups/MSMEs:

  • For a Single Class: ₹4,500

  • For Multiple Classes: ₹4,500 per class

• For Companies/Partnerships/LLPs:

  • For a Single Class: ₹9,000

  • For Multiple Classes: ₹9,000 per class

Note: Trademark registration in India is class-based, meaning the fees are charged per class of goods or services. A business can apply for multiple classes if its products or services fall under different categories.

2. Trademark Search Fees

Before applying for a trademark, it’s recommended to conduct a trademark search to ensure that the trademark isn’t already in use or registered by someone else. While this search can be done for free on the official CGPDTM website, many applicants prefer hiring professionals to conduct a more thorough search. Trademark search services generally cost between ₹3,000 to ₹5,000, depending on the complexity.

3. Professional Fees for Trademark Registration

While the government fees are fixed, additional costs may be incurred if you hire a professional or trademark attorney to help with the registration process. Professional fees for trademark registration can range from ₹5,000 to ₹25,000+ depending on the services provided, such as:

• Trademark search and analysis.

• Preparing and filing the trademark application.

• Responding to any objections from the Trademark Registry.

• Handling the entire process until the certificate is issued.

4. Renewal Fees for Trademarks

Trademarks in India are valid for 10 years from the date of registration. After the 10-year period, the trademark owner must renew the trademark to maintain its protection. The renewal fees are:

• For Individuals/Startups/MSMEs:

  • ₹4,500 per class (for online renewal)

  • ₹5,000 per class (for offline renewal)

• For Companies/Partnerships/LLPs:

  • ₹9,000 per class (for online renewal)

  • ₹10,000 per class (for offline renewal)

Renewing your trademark helps ensure continued protection, so it’s essential to keep track of the renewal deadlines to avoid additional penalties or losing rights to your mark.

5. Additional Costs

There may be some other incidental costs associated with trademark registration, including:

• Objection or Opposition Fees: If someone objects to your trademark application or opposes the registration, you may need to file a response or attend hearings. These proceedings may involve additional legal costs.

• Appeals: If your trademark application is refused, you can file an appeal, which incurs additional costs for legal representation and filing fees.

Why Is Trademark Registration Important?

Trademark registration is an essential step for businesses in India. The registration provides legal protection against unauthorized use, infringement, and counterfeiting of your brand. Some benefits include:

1. Exclusive Rights: You have the exclusive right to use the trademark for the goods and services it represents.

2. Legal Action: In case of any infringement or unauthorized use, you can take legal action against the violators.

3. Brand Protection: Trademark registration protects your brand identity from competitors.

4. Intellectual Property Asset: A registered trademark is an intangible asset that can increase the value of your business.

Conclusion

Trademark registration is a valuable investment for businesses looking to protect their brand identity. The registration process in India is relatively simple, and the government fees are reasonable. By registering your trademark, you can safeguard your brand and gain exclusive rights to use your logo, name, or design.

It’s important to consult with a trademark attorney or professional to navigate the registration process smoothly, ensuring your application is error-free and filed correctly. Understanding the trademark registration fees and associated costs will help you plan better and budget for this important step in your business journey.

For more guidance, stay updated with the latest developments in trademark law, and remember to file your application on time to avoid any legal hurdles