Guide · registration

Trademark registration in India: the process, for reference.

A practitioner's overview of the TM-A journey from a cleared name to a renewable registration — and the statutory deadlines your practice should docket at each stage.

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The registration process, step by step

  1. 1

    Search & clear the mark

    A public search across the relevant Nice class(es) gauges availability and likelihood of acceptance before filing.

  2. 2

    Classify the goods/services

    Map to the 45-class Nice system and file in every class in which the mark is used or intended — protection is class-specific.

  3. 3

    File Form TM-A

    Word, device or combined mark, with applicant details, class, specification and, where relevant, a user affidavit and power of attorney.

  4. 4

    Examination & reply

    The Registry issues an examination report, often citing s.9 or s.11 grounds; a reply is due, typically within about a month of receipt.

  5. 5

    Advertisement & opposition

    On acceptance the mark is advertised in the Journal, opening the 4-month opposition window under s.21(1) — not extendable.

  6. 6

    Registration & renewal

    If unopposed, the mark registers for 10 years from the filing date, renewable indefinitely under s.25.

Fees & timeline at a glance

Government fee (Form TM-A)

  • Individual / Startup / MSME (e-filing)₹4,500 / class
  • Others (e-filing)₹9,000 / class
  • Registration term10 years

Per mark, per class. Indicative — verify against the current Trade Marks Rules.

Typical timeline

  • Filing → examination reporta few months
  • Reply to examination reportwithin ~1 month of receipt
  • Advertisement → opposition window4 months (s.21(1))
  • Registration (if unopposed)≈ 8–18 months total

The opposition window is fixed and not extendable — the single most important date to docket.

Frequently asked questions

How long does trademark registration take in India?
An unopposed, objection-free application typically registers in about 8–18 months. The 4-month Journal opposition window (s.21(1)) is a fixed part of the timeline and cannot be shortened or extended.
What are the government fees?
E-filing Form TM-A is ₹4,500 per class per mark for an individual, startup or MSME, and ₹9,000 per class for others. Professional fees are separate. Verify the current Trade Marks Rules schedule before filing.
Do you file trademarks?
No — TM Watch is software for IP practitioners, not a filing service. This guide is reference material; the platform's job is to docket the deadlines below, sync status and watch the Journal for the marks your practice manages.
Which deadlines should a practice docket?
The examination-reply window, the non-extendable 4-month opposition window (s.21(1)), and the 10-year renewal with its grace and restoration windows (s.25). TM Watch computes each from the register with its statutory basis.

Software for practitioners — not a filing service. TM Watch is the platform your practice runs on: it tracks status, computes statutory deadlines with their basis, watches the Journal and prepares drafts for your review. Every date is advisory — verify against the official Registry record. TM Watch never files, pays, or signs anything with the Registry; you, the attorney, stay in control of every action.

Docket the registration lifecycle.

Let TM Watch compute every deadline in this guide from the register, with its statutory basis.

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