Trademark Registration: Definition, Meaning & Guide for Indian Businesses

Trademark registration in India gives you exclusive legal rights over your brand name, logo, slogan or design across one or more of 45 trademark classes. Filed with the Trade Marks Registry.

What is Trademark Registration?

A trademark is anything that distinguishes your business — name, logo, tagline, shape, colour combination, sound. Registration is voluntary but strongly recommended: a registered trademark gives you the exclusive right to use the mark in your category and to sue infringers for damages. Apply on ipindia.gov.in. The process: search for conflicts (free TM Public Search), file in the right class (45 classes covering different industries — software is Class 9, IT services Class 42, food Class 30), pay government fee (₹4,500 individual/MSME, ₹9,000 others per class), respond to examination report, publish for opposition, registration certificate. Total time: 18-24 months. Use ™ after filing; ® only after registration.