Trademark Registration

Are you an entrepreneur or business owner in India looking to protect your brand identity? Have you considered trademark registration? Registering your trademark not only gives you legal protection but also helps to establish your brand in the market. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about trademark registration in India, including the benefits, process, and cost. Whether you are a small business or a multinational corporation, trademark registration is a crucial step in securing your brand’s future success. So, let’s dive into the world of trademark registration and learn how it can benefit your business.

1. Trademark Registration in India

In India, trademark registration is a legal procedure under the Trade Marks Act, 1999, and is essential to prevent the misuse of a brand or logo by a third party. By taking this step, companies can establish their ownership and get the legal right to initiate an action against any infringement of the trademark. It is an important tool for promoting business and increasing customer trust and loyalty. The registered trademark also makes it easy for customers to recognize the brand, find a particular product or service, thereby improving the overall sales.

Trademark registration is a critical aspect of protecting any business brand in India. It provides legal protection to the owner and prevents others from exploiting the brand or logo without the owner’s permission. Trademark registration helps in establishing unique brand identity and gives the owner the exclusive rights to use the brand name or logo for its products. By registering a trademark, a company can differentiate its products from others and establish trust and goodwill in the minds of its customers. Apart from protecting the brand, a registered trademark can be an asset that appreciates over time and can be transferred, sold, or franchised.

To register a trademark, one needs to file an application with the Controller General of Patent, Design, and Trademarks, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, along with the necessary documents, including the trademark or logo, details of the applicant, product or service to be registered, and the date of first use. The application is then allotted a number, and the trademark is examined by the Registrar’s office for further processing. The process of trademark registration can take time but is crucial for any business that seeks to protect its brand and establish its unique identity in the market.

2. What can be Registered as a Trademark in India

Trademarks in India can include unique signs, designs, pictures, expressions, and even slogans used to identify goods or services of a certain company. Trademarks are essential because they differentiate one’s products from competitors and can be associated with the brand or product. Trademarks are classified and protected by the Trademark Act, and its rights are protected by law. As such, it is crucial to register a trademark, as it prevents others from copying and misrepresenting goods with your trademark. In India, trademark registration can include the registration of a brand name, logo, slogan, or combination of these elements. Once registered, trademarks are protected and can be renewed for another ten years after expiry with indefinite renewals. Consequently, the trademark owner can protect their brand, its reputation, and ideas invested.

The trademark registry in India was established in 1940, and the trademark act was passed in 1999. The trademark registry implements all the rules and regulations of trademark law in the country. Any individual, company or LLP can apply to be the owner of a trademark. When filing for a trademark, one must choose a unique and distinctive mark that will represent the company and identify the goods or services being provided. The owner must identify which class they belong to among the 45 classes of goods and services. To ensure that the chosen mark is not similar to an already registered mark, it is advisable to conduct a search through the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks’ online portal.

Registering a trademark in India is a simple process that involves filing an application with the necessary documents and paying the fee. The trademark registry examines the application before advertising that it in the Trademark Journal, before ultimately registering and renewing it every ten years. Before filing the application, It is essential to conduct a detailed search to determine if the chosen trademark is unique, distinctive and there is no similar or identical mark existing already in the market. The application must be filed in Form TM-A, either online or physically at the Trademark Registry Office. The application must be backed up with the required documents and complete details of the trademark, including proof of use in case of existing use.

Overall, registering a trademark in India is an essential step in protecting a brand and its reputation from infringement. It ensures that the trademark owner has the exclusive right to use the mark for ten years and can renew it indefinitely. By choosing a unique and distinctive trademark, conducting a thorough search and filing an application with the necessary documents, an owner can ensure that their business is secure and can enjoy economic benefits as long as it remains in operation.

3. Eligibility for Trademark Registration in India

Trademark registration is a crucial step for any business looking to protect their brand in India. To be eligible for registration, the trademark must be distinct and not deceptive. Therefore, generic, laudatory, directly descriptive, common surnames or geographical names should be avoided.

The use of the mark is more significant than filing the application towards registration under Indian Trademarks law. The trademark application can be an ordinary mark without priority or a conventional mark filed within six months from the conventional application. The applicant must provide their name, address, nationality, international class, and a description of goods or services. Additionally, the user date in India or proposed to be used, details of priority, translation and transliteration in English (if not in the Indian language) and power of authority stamped per the Indian Stamps Act must be submitted with the application.

Upon filing of the trademark application, examination occurs within one to two months, and the trademark is either accepted or objected to. If objected, the applicant has 30 days to respond to an official letter, and they may need to attend a show cause hearing. If the trademark is accepted or the objections are waived, it is advertised in the journal, and opposition may be filed within four months. If no opposition is filed or set aside, the trademark is registered, and a registration certificate is issued via email. The registration duration is ten years from the date of the application filing, renewable every ten years thereafter.

4. Steps to Register a Trademark Online in India

Trademark registration is an essential aspect of protecting one’s intellectual property rights in India.

The process of registering a trademark online involves a few crucial steps that every business owner must follow.

Firstly, conducting a thorough search of existing trademarks is vital to ensure that the proposed trademark is unique and distinct.

The next step is filing an application in Form TM-A, either online or physically at the Trademark Registry Office. This form must be filed for the registration of a single mark in a single class of goods and/or services or in multiple classes.

The application must be backed up with the required documents, along with complete details of the trademark. After the examination of the application by the Trademark Registry, it will be published in the Trademark Journal, and only then can it be registered.

Finally, registration of the trademark is valid for ten years before its renewal. This process is crucial since a registered trademark provides exclusive identity to the business and safeguards its brand reputation, and can be used as a tangible asset for licensing, selling, or securing a loan.

5. Documents Required for Trademark Registration in India

Trademark registration is an essential tool that helps businesses protect their brand from unauthorized use and infringement. The process has been simplified by the Indian government, making it easier for entrepreneurs to obtain trademark registration for their brands within a few months. During the process, the applicant is not required to submit original documents, as scan copies suffice. Any individual, Indian or foreign, can easily register a trademark in India without the need to form a legal entity or business. The documents required for registering a trademark in the name of a proprietorship are the same as those for an individual, including identity and address proofs, a copy of the logo, and a signed Form-48.

For small enterprises, startups, proprietorships, and individuals, registering a trademark costs Rs.4500, while all other entities need to pay Rs.9500 as a government fee. In the case of a partnership firm or LLP, the entrepreneur would also need to submit the partnership deed and a Udyog Aadhar registration certificate. For all other applicants, including companies that do not have Udyog Aadhar registration, additional documents such as incorporation certificates, / KYC for partners, and GST certificates may be required. It is important to note that trademark registration is a crucial step in protecting a business’s intellectual property rights, and anyone can oppose a trademark application filed by the applicant for various reasons.

6. Different Categories of Trademark Classes in India

Trademark registration in India involves the classification of goods and services into different categories known as trademark classes. In India, there are 45 different classes of trademarks as per the NICE classification for goods and services. These trademark classes play a vital role in the registration process, as each class represents a distinct set of goods or services. It is essential to select the right class of trademark to ensure a seamless registration process. Furthermore, it is necessary to conduct a thorough trademark search to avoid discrepancies and ensure that the right class is selected.

When filing a trademark application, it is possible to choose more than one class if the business activities involve various goods or services falling under different trademark classifications. However, it is vital to remember that filing for a registered trademark under one class does not provide complete exclusivity over the mark’s use. The trademark only includes exclusivity for the mark’s use in connection with the class of goods or services for which it is registered. Therefore, another entity can file a trademark application for the same mark under another class.

The trademark classification system categorizes finished products based on their function and purpose, with each finished product being classified differently. If a product is not mentioned in any of the classes, it is compared to other finished products indicated in the list. Multi-purpose products are identified in all the classes that correspond to any of their functions. Products made up of different materials are organized by the material that predominates.

Services are classified based on the branches of activities specified in the service classes’ headings and explanatory notes. Rental services, for example, are classified in the same class. Services that provide advice, information, or consultation are classified in the same class as the services related to the subject matter of the advice, information, or consultation.

Overall, understanding the different categories of trademark classes in India is essential for a seamless trademark registration process. Businesses should conduct in-depth research before filing for a trademark application to ensure that the right class is selected, and the trademark search is conducted to avoid discrepancies.

7. Benefits of Trademark Registration in India

1. 1. Trademark registration in India provides numerous benefits to the owner of the brand or mark.

1. 1. The first and foremost advantage is the exclusive right to use the mark in relation to specific goods or services.

1. 1. The owner of a registered trademark can prevent any third party from using a similar or identical mark. This helps in building customer loyalty and goodwill by establishing a unique identity in the market.

1. 1. The registration also protects the brand from infringement, and the owner can take legal action against any breach of rights.

1. 1. The use of the registered trademark symbol (®) adds credibility to the goods or services offered and creates branded recognition.

1. 1. Trademark registration protects the brand on social media platforms as well, and by using the Madrid System, it can be protected in foreign countries for global business expansion.

1. 1. Trademark registration is an intangible asset and is considered a property of the company, which can be assigned or sold for commercial benefit. Unlike patents and copyrights, trademark registration provides uninterrupted protection, and it needs to be renewed every ten years. Therefore, it is essential to protect the brand from the outset by registering the trademark early and avoiding potential financial and time losses later.

8. Timeframe and Cost of Trademark Registration in India

Trademark registration in India is an essential step for businesses to protect their brand identity.

The process of trademark registration can take between 8 to 24 months. Any individual, legal entity, or company can claim ownership of a trademark.

The filing process is quite simple and requires basic information such as name, address, and nationality. The trademark application can be filed within a few days, and the applicant can start using the TM symbol.

Once registered, a trademark is valid for 10 years from the date of filing, which can be renewed from time to time. The registration certificate is issued, and the owner can use the ® symbol next to the trademark.

The registration fee for trademark depends on the type of mark and the class you apply for. The basic fee for individuals, single firms, startups, or small entities (MSMEs) is Rs. 4500/- per class. The government fee for other applicants, such as corporations, partnership firms, society, or trust, is double the fee at Rs. 9000/- per class. However, filing a digital trademark application is easier and comes with a 10% discount on trademark fees.

9. Renewal and Enforcement of Trademark in India

Trademark registration in India is valid for ten years from the date of filing the application. After the initial ten years, it is important to renew the trademark to continue its legal protection. A renewal application must be filed before the expiry of the trademark to avoid any lapse in protection.

To renew the trademark, an application must be filed with the Trademark Registry along with the prescribed fee. The application must be filed in the same manner as the initial application, and any changes made to the original trademark must be reflected in the renewal application.

Once the trademark is renewed, it is protected for another ten years. Enforcement of the trademark rights is the responsibility of the owner. In case of infringement or unauthorized use of the trademark by a third party, the owner can take legal action by filing a suit for trademark infringement in court.

10. Hiring a Professional for Trademark Registration in India

Trademark registration in India is a complex process that requires specialized knowledge and expertise. Thus, it is advisable for business owners to seek the services of a professional for the registration of their trademark.

A trademark professional can provide valuable guidance and assistance throughout the registration process, including conducting a thorough trademark search, preparing the application correctly, responding to office actions, and filing the application with the Trademark Registry.

Moreover, hiring a professional like us can save time, as they are well-versed with the procedures and requirements of the Trademark Registry. They can also provide valuable advice on maintaining and enforcing the trademark after its registration.

11. Disadvantages of Trademark Registration in India

Trademark registration in India comes with a few disadvantages that business owners must be aware of before registering their trademark. These include:

1. Cost: The cost of trademark registration in India can be high, especially for small businesses.

2. Time-consuming: The registration process can take up to two years or more, making it a time-consuming process.

3. Limited protection: A trademark is only protected in the classes it is registered under, which means that a trademark registration does not offer blanket protection for all goods and services.

4. Maintenance: Trademark registration requires regular maintenance, including renewals and filings, which can be an additional expense.

5. Infringement: Even after registration, a trademark can still be infringed upon by a third party, requiring the owner to take legal action. 

13. Process of Trademark Registration in India

Trademark registration in India involves the following steps:

1. Trademark Search: The first step is to conduct a comprehensive search of the trademark database to ensure that the proposed mark is not already being used by someone else.

2. Application Filing: Once the search is complete, the application for registration can be filed online or manually with the Trademark Registry.

3. Examination: Upon filing, the trademark application is examined by the Registrar to verify if it is distinctive in nature and conforms to all the legal requirements.

4. Publication: If the Registrar is satisfied with the application, it is then published in the Trademark Journal for public opposition. If no oppositions are filed within the stipulated period, the trademark proceeds to registration.

5. Registration: Once the trademark is registered, the owner is granted the exclusive right to use the mark in relation to the products or services specified in the registration.

6. Renewal: Trademark registrations are valid for ten years and can be renewed indefinitely by paying the requisite renewal fee.

14. Difference between Trademark, Copyright, Design and Patent

Trademark: A trademark is a distinctive sign that identifies and distinguishes the goods or services of one enterprise from those of another. It can consist of words, logos, slogans, or a combination thereof. Trademarks protect the brand identity, goodwill, and reputation of a business.

Copyright: Copyright protects the original work of authors, artists, and creators in the field of literature, music, art, and dramatic works. It gives the owner the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, perform, display, or create derivative works based on the original.

Design: A design refers to the ornamental or aesthetic features of a product, such as shape, pattern, color, or texture that give it a distinct appearance. Design protection is granted for a period of 10 years and is intended to prevent unauthorized copying or imitation of the original design.

Patent: A patent is a legal right granted to inventors for a new and useful invention. It gives the owner the exclusive right to make, use, sell, or import the invention for a period of 20 years from the date of filing. Patents protect the inventive concept or idea behind a product or process and encourage innovation and creativity.