Trademark Registration Online for Your Brand Name, Logo, or Slogan
Your brand name, logo, or slogan is the identity of your business. To keep it safe, it is important to do trademark registration correctly. It is also very important to choose the right NICE Class and provide correct information in the application. Small mistakes can lead to an examination objection and the process can take more time. LegalSewa helps you with the preparation and filing of the application on the IP India Portal.
Published On: 14 Oct, 2026
- Trademark Search Support
- Class Selection
- TM-A Filing Assistance
- Application Tracking
- Objection & Hearing Support
Trademark Registration Form
Instructions
What is Trademark Registration in India?
Trademark registration is a way to give legal protection to your brand name, logo, slogan or other unique mark. In simple words, this is done to protect your brand identity and prevent others from misusing the same or similar marks.
In India, a trademark application is filed in the Trade Marks Registry through Form TM-A. After registration, you get legal rights to the registered mark and have the basis to take action in case of infringement.
Some things should be kept in mind before applying:
Trademark Search
Your name or logo is not already registered or applied for with any similar mark.
NICE Class
It is important to choose the right class for your goods or services. There are a total of 45 classes in the NICE Classification.
Type of Mark
Your application is for a word mark, device mark, logo, or any other eligible mark.
Application Details
Correct information about the applicant and a clear description of goods and services have to be given.
Therefore, trademark registration is not limited to filling out the TM-A form only. Getting the right trademark search, class selection and application filing right from the beginning helps make the process easier.
How Trademark Registration Online Benefits Your Business?
Trademark registration gives you legal rights to use and protect your brand name, logo, or slogan for the goods or services covered by the registration and you can grow it with the same identity for years.
Most people think that this is just to protect against copying. In fact, the benefits go much further:
Customers remember your brand
Once the name and logo are registered, customers start seeing it as a real identity, not just another brand.
New products under the same name
Once the brand is secure, it becomes easier to launch new products under the same name – no need to think of a new name again and again.
Easy to give franchise
If you want to go into a franchise model, then a registered trademark is the first thing that partners ask for.
Earning from licensing
You can let any other business use your trademark with conditions and earn in return.
Protection on online marketplaces
A registered trademark can help you raise complaints about unauthorised use of your brand on supported marketplaces.
10 years, then renewal
Once registered, a trademark is generally valid for 10 years from the date of application. It can be renewed for further 10-year periods.
Important Note: Most business owners think about trademark registration only when a competitor copies their name – that is, by then it is too late. It is wise to start the registration process at the time of starting the business, or as soon as the brand name is decided.
Trademark Types: What Can You Register?
Most business owners just register the brand name and think the job is done. But trademarks aren’t just limited to names – your logo, slogan, perhaps a distinctive sound or packaging shape are entitled to the same protection, provided they meet the requirements of trademark law.
See the table below to see what types of things are registered:
| Trademark Type | What It Means | Real-World Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Word Mark |
Your brand name or words are protected as a trademark, regardless of the font or style used. |
TATA, AMUL, Google |
|
Logo / Device Mark |
Protects a logo, symbol, or visual design used to identify your brand. |
Nike Swoosh, Apple Logo |
|
Composite Mark |
The brand name and logo are registered together as one combined mark. |
Brand Name, Logo |
|
Slogan / Tagline |
A distinctive phrase or tagline associated with your brand can be protected. |
Nike’s “Just Do It” |
|
Sound Mark |
A distinctive sound or tune that helps people identify a brand. |
Nokia Tune, Yahoo Jingle |
|
Shape Mark |
Protects a distinctive shape of a product or its packaging. |
Coca-Cola Bottle Shape |
|
Colour Combination |
A distinctive combination of colours associated with a brand may be protected when it meets trademark requirements. |
Colgate’s Red & White |
|
Collective Mark |
Used by members of an association or group to show their membership or association. |
CA Association Mark |
|
Certification Mark |
Shows that goods or services meet certain standards relating to quality, origin, material or other characteristics. |
Woolmark |
So what should you register – Name or Logo?
It depends on how people recognize you. People remember by name, so focus on a word mark. If people recognize the logo after seeing it, then the device mark is more useful.
Some businesses choose to register both separately, because the name and the logo can be copied in different ways and can have different protection.
Check Trademark Availability Before Filing
Before filing a trademark, you need to check whether your brand name or logo is already registered in someone else’s name – not just the exact word, but also similar words.
Recently, a case came in at LegalSewa. The client wanted to register the word “Zyntra” for his brand. They thought the name was completely new. But the search revealed that a word by the name “Zintra” was already registered – different spelling, but the same pronunciation. It was caught in time; otherwise, the application could have gotten stuck in objection.
Therefore, a proper trademark availability search needs to look at the following:
| What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
|
Similar Names |
A similar mark may already exist |
|
Existing Applications |
Someone else may have already applied for the same or a similar name |
|
Trademark Status |
You need to know if the similar mark is registered, pending, objected to, or opposed |
|
Trademark Class |
Search within the right trademark class, or the results stay incomplete |
|
Goods & Services |
Check what products or services the similar mark is being used for |
|
Phonetic Similarity |
Different spelling, same sound when spoken out loud can still be a problem |
Why is an exact word search not enough?
The Zyntra-Zintra example shows why an exact word search is not always enough. The spelling may be different, but the names can sound similar. So, trademark status, class, phonetic similarity and related goods or services should also be checked.
One thing is clear: conflict is detected first through search, but registration is not guaranteed.
Which Trademark Class Does Your Business Need?
Your trademark protection only covers what is mentioned in the application – so choosing the right class is just as important as choosing the right name.
Nice Classification in India follows: a total of 45 classes, Class 1-34 for goods, and 35-45 for services.
| Business Type | Commonly Relevant Class |
|---|---|
|
Clothing, footwear and headwear |
Class 25 |
|
Retail, advertising and business services |
Class 35 |
|
Education and training |
Class 41 |
|
Software development and IT services |
Class 42 |
|
Restaurants and food services |
Class 43 |
A case we saw in LegalSewa
One of our clients used to sell furniture, but also provide interior-design consulting services under the same brand name. One class was for products, the other for services – if one were left out, protection may not have extended to those goods or services
The right class is not determined by your business name or industry label. It depends on what exactly you’re selling or what kind of service you’re providing – which is why this step is often skipped or rushed.
Who can apply for a trademark and what documents are required?
Any individual or eligible business/entity can apply for a trademark. It is not necessary to be a company. Applicant Details, Trademark Details and Goods or Services should be filled in correctly in the application.
Who can apply?
Individual
Can apply for a trademark in one's own name.
Sole Proprietor
You can apply for a trademark to be used in your business.
Startup/Small Enterprise
You can apply for your business with the necessary supporting documents.
Partnership / LLP
A trademark application can be filed in the name of a partnership firm or LLP.
Company
You can apply for a trademark for your products or services.
Trust / Society
You can apply for a trademark related to your activities.
Foreign Applicant
An eligible foreign applicant can file a trademark application in India.
What documents are required?
The list of documents is not the same for every applicant. It depends on which applicant type you are and on what basis you are filing.
| Requirement | What May Be Required |
|---|---|
|
Applicant Details |
Name, address, and contact details |
|
Identity Details |
PAN and other identity information, where required |
|
Business / Entity Details |
Information related to the business or entity |
|
Trademark Representation |
Brand name, logo, device mark, or other mark representation |
|
Goods or Services |
Clear description of the products or services |
|
Applicant Category |
Applicant category and supporting proof |
|
Authorised Signatory |
Signatory details, where required |
|
Power of Attorney |
Required when an agent or authorised representative is appointed |
|
Prior-Use Documents |
User Affidavit and supporting evidence, where prior use is claimed |
Trademark Registration Process with LegalSewa
In trademark registration, it is not necessary to just file the application. It is also important to properly check the trademark search, class selection and application details before filing.
Share Your Details
Share your brand name, logo (if available), business details and information about your products or services. If the logo is not ready yet, then logo design support can also be taken, for which there may be a separate charge.
Trademark Search
Before filing, your proposed trademark is checked against existing and similar marks, so that possible conflicts can be detected in advance.
Choose the Right Class
The relevant trademark class and goods/services description are reviewed according to your products or services.
Prepare the Application
Applicant details, trademark representation and necessary supporting information are prepared for filing.
File TM-A Application
All details are checked and the TM-A application is filed. Depending on the applicant and filing method, DSC or Aadhaar-based eSign may be used where permitted.
DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) Note: An individual or sole proprietor may use Aadhaar-based eSign where permitted. Other applicants or authorised representatives may require DSC depending on the filing method. If a DSC is required, LegalSewa can also help you with the DSC process.
Status Tracking and Further Support
After the application is filed, its status is tracked. If an examination objection, reply, or hearing is required, LegalSewa provides support at that stage.
What Happens After Filing?
Filing is not a guarantee of registration. The application can go through different stages of the Trade Marks Registry, such as examination, objection response, journal publication and opposition. After these stages, if the application remains eligible for registration, the trademark can be registered.
Note: You can also file the trademark application yourself. LegalSewa provides professional support to business owners who require assistance in the process of trademark search, class selection, application preparation, filing and so on.
Easy Information About Trademark Symbols: ™, ®, © and ℠
Applying for a trademark and getting it registered are not the same thing. These small symbols help show what type of claim you are making for your brand or creative work.
| Symbol | Easy Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
|
™ |
Trademark claim |
You can use it with your brand name, logo or symbol. Trademark registration is not required to use ™. |
|
® |
Registered trademark |
Use it only after your trademark has actually been registered. Filing an application alone does not mean you can use ®. |
|
© |
Copyright |
Used for photos, videos, designs, articles and other original creative work. |
|
℠ |
Service mark |
Used with a name or symbol that identifies a service. |
Easy way: ™ = Trademark claim | ® = Registered trademark
Keep in mind: Do not use ® just because you have filed a trademark application. Use ® only after your trademark has been registered.
Trademark Registration Cost: Government Fee and Consultancy Charges
The cost of trademark registration is divided into two parts:
Government fee
LegalSewa Consultancy Fees
The government fee depends on your applicant category and is charged per trademark, per class
| Fee | Individual / Startup / Small Enterprise | Company / LLP / Partnership / Trust / Society |
|---|---|---|
|
Government Fee (E-Filing) |
₹4,500 |
₹9,000 |
|
LegalSewa Consultancy Fee |
₹1,499 |
₹1,999 |
|
Total Amount Payable |
₹5,999 |
₹10,999 |
What is the difference between ₹4,500 and ₹9,000?
1) If you apply in the name of an individual:
Government E-Filing fee is ₹4,500. MSME certificate is not required in this category.
2. If you are a Startup or Small Enterprise:
You may be eligible for a government fee of ₹4,500. For this, relevant government proof may have to be provided, such as DPIIT Startup Recognition or Udyam/MSME Registration.
3. If you apply in the name of a Company, LLP, Partnership, Trust or Society:
If you do not qualify in the Individual / Startup / Small Enterprise category, the government e-filing fee will be ₹9,000.
Important thing: Just because of a Udyam/MSME certificate, every applicant does not automatically get the fee of ₹ 4,500. One has to qualify in the respective category and provide necessary proof.
Note: The government fees given above are for one trademark and one class. Government fees may increase if you apply for more than one class.
How Long Does Trademark Registration Take?
There is no fixed time for trademark registration. After filing Form TM-A, it may take time depending on the checking, publication and further processing of the application.
Normal case
If no objection or opposition comes, the process can proceed smoothly.
Objection
When a Registry objection is received, a reply has to be given, which may increase the time.
Opposition
If a person or business objects, the process may take longer.
Keep in mind: No one can guarantee “trademark registration in 7 days”. The application can be filed quickly, but final registration depends on the government process.
™ can be used for unregistered marks, while ® can only be used for registered trademarks.
Why Choose LegalSewa for Trademark Registration?
Pre-Filing Review
We check your applicant details and trademark search before filing to help reduce common mistakes.
Clear Pricing
Government trademark fees and LegalSewa consultancy charges are shown separately, so you know what you are paying for.
Personal Support
Our team helps you understand each step and keeps you updated about your application.
Online Support Across India
Get trademark registration support online, whether you are an individual, startup, small business, or company.
Private Consultancy
LegalSewa is an independent private consultancy, not the Trade Marks Registry. We do not promise automatic approval or guaranteed registration.
- CONTENT REVIEWED BY
Your brand name is an important part of your business. Nitish Kumar Singh reviews the information on this page about trademark applications, required details, and the steps involved in registering a trademark.
- Last Reviewed: 14 Oct, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
If the Trademark Registry raises an examination objection to your application, there is no need to panic. You have to reply to the objection within the specified time. If necessary, a hearing may also be held, after which the application can proceed further in the registration process.
Trademark objection and opposition happen at different stages. Objection comes during the examination of Trademark Registry, whereas opposition is filed by a third party after the application is published in the Trade Marks Journal.
You can check the status of your trademark application online. For this, enter your application number on the IP India Trade Marks system. From there, you can see the current status of the application and available updates such as examination or other proceedings.
No. Your mark does not get registered merely by filing a trademark application. Do not use ® while the application is pending. Use the ® symbol only when your trademark has actually been registered.
Yes. You can file separate trademark applications for your brand name and logo. This can be especially useful if you want to give separate trademark protection to both your name and your visual logo.
Yes. If your business provides different goods or services, you can apply in more than one trademark class. It is important to choose the right class, because trademark protection is limited to the goods or services that are specified in the application.
After trademark registration, use your registered mark properly and keep an eye on any similar or copied brands in the market. Keep your registration details safe and remember the renewal date, so that there is no hassle in maintaining trademark protection.
Yes. A registered trademark remains valid for 10 years from the date of application. After this, it can be renewed for a further period of 10 years by completing the necessary procedures.
Yes, in some cases. If the businesses offer different goods or services and there is little chance of customer confusion, the same name may be registered. For example, XYZ Soap and XYZ Software may be possible.
Ready to Protect Your Brand?
Your brand name, logo, or slogan can become an important part of your business. Before filing, make sure you have the right trademark, class, documents, government fee and filing details.
LegalSewa can help you with the trademark search, class selection, application filing and further support when required.