A registered trademark is your strongest legal tool to protect your brand name, logo, slogan and other unique identifiers. Here is the complete guide for 2025.
What Can Be Trademarked?
Brand names and business names, logos and symbols, slogans and taglines, product packaging, distinctive sounds (jingles) and in certain cases, specific colours associated with a brand.
Step-by-Step Trademark Registration Process
Step 1 — Trademark Search: Search the IP India database (ipindia.gov.in) to ensure your proposed trademark is not already registered or confusingly similar to existing marks.
Step 2 — Choose Correct Class: Trademarks are registered under 45 classes. Choosing the wrong class means your mark gives no protection for your actual products/services.
Step 3 — File Form TM-A: File on the IP India portal with trademark representation, applicant details, class number and goods/services description.
Step 4 — Examination: The Registrar examines the application within 3–6 months. You have 30 days to respond to any objections (examination report).
Step 5 — Publication & Opposition: Accepted trademarks are published in the weekly Trademark Journal. A 4-month opposition period follows.
Step 6 — Registration: If no opposition, the Registration Certificate is issued. Valid for 10 years, renewable indefinitely.
Cost (2025)
Government fee: ₹4,500/class for individuals, startups and MSMEs. ₹9,000 for others. CatchMinds Solutions offers complete trademark registration from ₹6,999 all-inclusive.
Important: TM vs ® Symbol
Use ™ immediately after filing. You can only use ® after your registration is officially granted. Using ® before registration is a legal offence in India.
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