Everything an Indian founder needs to register a brand name, logo or tagline in 2026 — eligibility, process, costs, classes, timelines and post-registration management.
Your brand is usually the most valuable asset your business will ever build — and the cheapest one to lose. A registered trademark converts your market identity into a legally enforceable monopoly under the Trade Marks Act, 1999. This guide walks you end-to-end through trademark registration in India in 2026.
A trademark is any sign — word, logo, tagline, shape, sound or colour — that distinguishes the goods or services of one business from another. Once registered, you get exclusive pan-India rights to use that mark in your registered class for 10 years, renewable forever.
Any person can apply — individuals, sole proprietors, partnership firms, LLPs, companies, trusts and societies. The applicant becomes the legal owner of the trademark.
Owning the trademark at the entity level (rather than personally) is usually the right strategy if you intend to raise funding or sell the business.
| Stage | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Filing → Application Number | Same day |
| Examination Report | 1–3 months |
| Reply & re-examination | 1–3 months |
| Journal publication | Up to 4 months wait |
| Opposition window | 4 months |
| Certificate issuance | 6–18 months from filing (if unopposed) |
| Applicant type | Fee per class (e-filing) |
|---|---|
| Individual / Sole Proprietor | ₹4,500 |
| Startup (DPIIT-recognised) | ₹4,500 |
| MSME (Udyam-registered) | ₹4,500 |
| All other applicants (Pvt Ltd, LLP etc.) | ₹9,000 |
Get Udyam-registered before filing — the savings on a 3-class application are ₹13,500.
Yes — ™ can be used from the day you file the application. Only ® requires a granted certificate.
No. Indian registration is valid only in India. For other countries, file separately or use the Madrid Protocol via WIPO.
Yes — a registered trademark can be assigned, licensed or franchised. Record the transaction on Form TM-P.
Senior contributor at Taxpex Consultancy. Reviewed by a practising Chartered Accountant. Published on 20 June 2026 · Updated on 20 June 2026.
Trademark & IP — done for you by Taxpex
Prefer a CA to handle this end to end? Trademark Registration is our dedicated, fixed-fee service — this guide explains the process, that page gets it filed.
Go to Trademark RegistrationA plain-English guide to the Nice Classification — what each trademark class covers, with real-world examples and how to pick the right one for your business.
16 June 2026 · 10 minThe real cost of trademark registration in India — government fees, professional charges, examination reply costs, renewal and the hidden costs of skipping the process.
12 June 2026 · 11 minA pre-filing trademark search saves time, money and rejections. Here's exactly how to check if your brand name or logo is available — using the IP India public database.
Currently 7.1% p.a., set quarterly by the Government of India.
via PPF CalculatorYes if you complete 5 years of continuous service. Earlier withdrawal is taxable and may attract TDS.
via EPF Calculator10–15× annual income is a rough guide, but the Human Life Value method (used here) is far more accurate.
via Life Insurance CalculatorTypically 3–7 working days post-document submission. Aadhaar e-KYC authenticated applications are usually faster (3–4 days).
via GST Registration & Filing