Trademark Registration in India 2026: Startup Guide

Michel February 20, 2026

In 2026, trademark registration in India is no longer just a legal formality — it is steps towards securing your business identity. As a private online service provider, we assist startups, entrepreneurs, MSMEs, and companies in securing their brand identity through a structured and compliant online register trademark process.

While the trademark is officially granted by the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, we provide professional end-to-end support ranging from search to filing, objection handling, and final registration support.

We protect your brand legally, efficiently, and without procedural errors.

What is Trademark Registration in India?

A trademark is a unique identity that differentiates your goods or services from others in the market, that include following:

  • Brand name
  • Logo
  • Tagline
  • Symbol
  • Device mark
  • Sound mark

Under the Trade Marks Act, 1999, once approved and registered, the owner receives exclusive rights to use the mark across India.

Through proper tm registration, your brand becomes a legally protected asset.

Why Startups Must Register Trademarks Online in 2026

India’s startup ecosystem is expanding in e-commerce, SaaS, fintech, D2C, and digital services. Without trademark registration, your brand is not legally secured.

We regularly assist clients who face:

  • Brand name copying
  • Marketplace listing conflicts
  • Investor due diligence issues
  • Legal notices from similar mark holders

Early online trademark filing prevents such risks and strengthens your brand trust.

Delay in registration may result in objections, oppositions, or forced rebranding, which can be costly and difficult.

Step-by-Step Process to Online Apply Trademark in India

As a professional private service provider, we help to manage the complete online filing process through the official government portal. Below is the structured approach we follow:

1. Comprehensive Trademark Search

Before filing, we conduct an availability search in the public database maintained by the Indian Trademark Registry.

This step helps:

  • Avoid similar or identical marks
  • Reduce objection risk
  • Improve approval chances

A proper search is the foundation of strong trademark registration.

2. Correct Class Selection (NICE Classification)

India follows the international NICE Classification system:

  • Classes 1–34: Goods
  • Classes 35–45: Services

Incorrect classification is one of the most common mistakes in tm registration.

We analyze your business activity and select a suitable class as per your business to ensure legal security.

3. Filing the Trademark Application (Form TM-A)

We prepare and file your application online with:

  • Applicant details
  • Logo (if applicable)
  • MSME / Startup business certificate (optional)
  • User affidavit (if claiming before use)

Once filed, you receive a TM number, allowing you to use the ™ symbol instantly.

For structured assistance, you can explore our professional trademark registration support page.

4. Examination by Trademark Officer

After filing online, the Trademark Registry examines the application under Sections 9 and 11 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999.

The examiner may:

  • Accept the mark
  • Raise an objection
  • Call for a hearing

If an objection is issued, a legally drafted trademark objection reply must be filed within the prescribed timeline.

We prepare detailed, structured replies supported by case precedents and usage proof. You can learn more about our professional trademark objection reply assistance for handling such cases effectively.

5. Trademark Journal Publication

If accepted, the trademark is published in the Journal for 4 months.

During this period:

  • Any third party may file an opposition
  • If no opposition is filed, registration proceeds

We monitor publication status and keep our clients updated.

6. Registration Certificate Issuance

If no opposition application is filed against your application, the Registry issues the Registration Certificate.

At this time, you have a legal right to use the ® symbol.

The trademark remains valid for 10 years and can be renewed without any limit.

Government Fees for Trademark Registration (2026)

As per the updated fee structure:

  • ₹4,500 – Individual or Startup / MSME for online filing
  • ₹9,000 – Company for online filing

Professional service charges vary depending on class coverage, objection handling, and hearing representation.

We maintain transparent pricing and process clarity for every client.

Documents Required for Register Trademark

For Individual / Proprietorship

  • PAN Card
  • Aadhaar
  • Logo (if available)

For Company / LLP

  • Certificate of Registration
  • Company PAN
  • Authorized signatory details

For Startup (DPIIT Recognized)

  • Startup recognition certificate

Proper documentation ensures smoother online trademark application processing.

Common Reasons for Trademark Objection

Even properly filed applications may receive objections due to:

  • Descriptive or generic name
  • Similar existing trademark
  • Lack of distinctiveness
  • Incorrect class selection

A professional response strategy significantly increases acceptance probability.

We draft responses aligned with registry standards and legal provisions under the Trade Marks Act, 1999.

Benefits of TM Registration for Businesses

1. Legal Ownership

Prevents misuse of your brand name.

2. Business Expansion Support

Essential for big companies like Amazon, Flipkart, and other marketplace brand protection programs.

3. Investor Trust

Registered trademarks increase valuation and business review.

4. Licensing & Franchising Growth Possibilities

Creates long-term revenue through brand legal registration.

5. International Protection

Once registered in India, you can expand your business globally through the Madrid Protocol managed by the World Intellectual Property Organization.

Time Period for Trademark Registration in India

  • Filing acknowledgment: Immediate
  • Examination: 1–3 months
  • Objection handling (if any): 1–6 months
  • Journal publication: 4 months
  • Final registration: 6–12 months (if uncontested)

Timelines may vary based on registry workload and objection status.

Mistakes to Avoid During TM Registration

  • Filing without conducting a search
  • Choosing generic brand names
  • Selecting the wrong class
  • Missing objection deadlines
  • Filing without legal drafting support

Professional assistance minimizes these risks of rejection and increases the chances of approval.

Why Choose a Private Online Trademark Service Provider?

While the government grants the registration, private service providers help to ensure:

  • Accurate filing
  • Proper class coverage
  • Strong objection handling
  • Compliance with registry requirements
  • Follow-up till approval

We simplify the online filing process so that startups can focus on business growth while we handle the complexities of the process.

Protect Your Brand in 2026

Your brand is your business identity, reputation, and a long-term valuable asset. 

If you are launching a startup, website, app, or product in India, the first legal step should be to online register a trademark and protect your business name properly.

We provide complete assistance for tm registration, structured filing, and strategic online trademark services to ensure your brand remains legally secure and future-ready.

 

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