Complete guide on Trademark Registration Fees in India – Know the professional fees, govt fees for individuals, Proprietorship, MSME and startups, companies.
Securing your brand with a registered trademark is a crucial step for any business or entrepreneur in India. Understanding the trademark registration fees in India is essential before filing an application with the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trademarks. Whether you’re an individual, MSME, startup, or private limited company, the fee structure varies based on your entity type and filing mode.
Let’s dive into the detailed breakdown of government fees for trademark registration in India in 2025.
Understanding Trademark Registration in India
A trademark is a word, symbol, logo, name, or design that represents your brand and distinguishes your goods or services from others. In India, trademarks are governed by the Trade Marks Act, 1999 and registered through the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (CGPDTM).
Benefits of Trademark Registration:
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✅ Exclusive rights to use the mark
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✅ Legal protection from infringement
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✅ Strong brand identity and customer trust
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✅ An intangible asset that can be sold or licensed
Trademark Registration Fees for Individual
For individuals applying for trademark registration under their personal name (not through a business entity), the government offers a discounted fee structure:
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Fee (E-Filing): ₹4,500 per class
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Fee (Physical Filing): ₹5,000 per class
👤 Best For: Freelancers, solo creators, personal brands, authors, and independent professionals.
📌 Note: If the application is filed under a business name – even a sole proprietorship – the fee may be classified under the “others” category unless MSME/Startup proof is submitted.
Trademark Registration Fees for Proprietorship
If you’re operating under a sole proprietorship, you may be eligible to file as an individual. This means the trademark registration fees for proprietorship would as:
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Fee (E-Filing): ₹4,500 per class
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Fee (Physical Filing): ₹5,000 per class
✅ Tip: Ensure your proprietorship does not fall under any corporate category to avoid being charged at a higher rate.
Trademark Registration Fees for Private Limited Company
Private limited companies are classified as “others” under the Trade Marks Rules, so they are charged at a higher rate:
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Fee (E-Filing): ₹9,000 per class
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Fee (Physical Filing): ₹10,000 per class
💡 Pro Tip: To reduce trademark registration costs, private limited companies can consider registering as an MSME to avail of concessional filing fees (more on this below).
Trademark Registration Fees for MSME
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are entitled to a 50% concession in trademark registration fees. To avail of this benefit:
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You must obtain a valid Udyam Registration Certificate from the MSME portal.
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Submit the certificate along with your trademark application.
Applicable Fees for MSMEs:
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Fee (E-Filing): ₹4,500 per class
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Fee (Physical Filing): ₹5,000 per class
🎯 Important: The MSME benefit is available only if the certificate is uploaded while filing the application. Failure to do so will attract the higher corporate fee slab.
Filing as an MSME in India brings a strategic cost benefit to small businesses and entrepreneurs. Here’s why:
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Reduced government fee
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Equal legal protection under the Trademarks Act, 1999
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Recognition as a responsible and credible business entity
📝 Example: A small textile manufacturer with MSME registration pays only ₹4,500 per class instead of ₹9,000 per class.
Trademark Registration Fees for Startups
The Indian government promotes innovation by offering concessional trademark filing fees for registered startups. Here’s how it works:
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Must be recognized as a startup under the Startup India initiative.
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Must hold a valid Certificate of Recognition from the DPIIT.
Applicable Fees for Startups:
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Fee (E-Filing): ₹4,500 per class
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Fee (Physical Filing): ₹5,000 per class
✅ Pro Tip: Upload your startup recognition certificate when filing your TM-A application to claim the benefit.
Professional Fees for Trademark Registration – Additional Costs to Consider
While the government fee is fixed, here are some potential extra expenses during the trademark registration journey, you may also incur are such as:
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✅ Trademark search fee (optional): May be charged if conducted via a best trademark lawyer in India or top trademark law firms in India. Why hire a professional? many applicants prefer professional help to detect conflicting or deceptively similar marks that a casual search might miss.
- ✅ Best Trademark Attorney fees: Varies for trademark application filing (typically ₹5,000–₹15,000)
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✅ Objection Handling: Professional responses to examination reports by a trademark lawyer in India – ₹10,000 to ₹25,000+
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✅ Opposition Proceedings: If someone files a formal objection – ₹20,000 to ₹35,000+
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✅ Appeals and Hearings: If the application is refused or contested – ₹40,000 to ₹55,000+
Online & Offline Govt Fees for Trademark Registration Fees in India
The fees depend on your business type, number of classes selected, and the mode of filing (online or offline).
Applicant Type | Filing Mode | Fee Per Class |
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Individual / Proprietorship / Startup / MSME | Online | ₹4,500 |
Individual / Proprietorship / Startup / MSME | Offline | ₹5,000 |
Limited and Private Limited Company / LLP / Partnership | Online | ₹9,000 |
Limited and Private Limited Company / LLP / Partnership | Offline | ₹10,000 |
💡 Note: Trademarks are classified into 45 different classes, and the fee is charged per class of goods or services. E-filing is cheaper, faster, and allows real-time status tracking via the IP India Portal.
Why Invest in Trademark Registration?
Here’s why thousands of Indian businesses are protecting their brand:
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🔒 Legal Safeguard: Prevent others from copying or misusing your brand
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🎯 Market Differentiation: Build a distinct identity in a crowded marketplace
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📈 Business Asset: A trademark increases your company’s valuation and goodwill
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🧾 Litigation Advantage: It’s easier to defend your brand legally if registered
FAQs about Trademark Registration Fees in India
Q. Is GST applicable on trademark registration fees in India?
No, government filing fees are exclusive of GST. However, if you’re hiring a professional, their service may attract 18% GST.
Q. Can I register a trademark in multiple classes?
Yes. Each class requires a separate fee. For example, ₹4,500 x 2 classes = ₹9,000 for MSMEs/startups/individuals.
Q. Can I change my entity type after filing?
No. Filing under the wrong category may lead to rejection or higher fees. Always file under the correct type.
Q. What are the trademark registration fees in India for individuals?
A. For individual, the government fee is ₹4,500 per class for online filing (and ₹5,000 offline).
Q. What is the cost of registering a trademark for a company?
A. Companies, LLPs, and partnerships pay ₹9,000 per class (online) or ₹10,000 (offline).
Q. How much do trademark lawyers in India charge?
A. Between ₹5,000 and ₹25,000+ depending on the scope (search, filing, response, etc.).
Conclusion: Choose the Right Trademark Filing Strategy
Understanding the trademark registration fees in India helps you budget effectively and avoid overpaying. Whether you’re a startup, MSME, individual, or private company, filing under the right category ensures you get the benefits you’re entitled to.
Before applying:
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Verify your entity type.
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Check MSME or Startup eligibility.
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Prefer e-filing to reduce costs and processing time.
🔐 Secure your brand identity today with a registered trademark – and do it smartly by optimizing your filing cost!
📩 Need help? Lawfluencers can be contacted at hello@lawfluencers.com for any specific legal concerns or personalized legal consultations.
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This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.