Office of the Controller General of IP India

Trademark Registration

Secure your corporate brand identity. We manage your Form TM-A filings with the CGPDTM, coordinate international Madrid Protocol registrations, and handle customs IP recordations to block counterfeit goods.

Understanding Trademark Registration under the Trade Marks Act 1999

A **Trademark** is a unique visual symbol—such as a brand name, logo, slogan, label, or packaging design—used by a business to distinguish its goods or services from competitors. Governed by the Trade Marks Act, 1999, registration grants exclusive legal ownership and nationwide rights to utilize and license the brand identity.

For exporters and manufacturers, protecting intellectual property is a vital step in securing international trade equity. Registering your trademark in India establishes a solid legal foundation. This registration allows you to utilize global intellectual property treaties, such as the **Madrid Protocol**, to file for international protection and record your brand with customs to prevent unauthorized copies from crossing borders.

💡 MSME Concessions on Trademark Filing Fees

The standard statutory government filing fee for a corporate Trademark application (Form TM-A) is 9,000 Rupees. However, by holding an active **MSME Udyam Registration Certificate**, your business qualifies for a **50% government fee concession**, reducing the filing cost to 4,500 Rupees per class.

Protecting Your Brand at Customs Ports

Once your trademark is successfully registered in India, we can record your intellectual property directly with the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). This records your brand details in the Indian Customs electronic database, authorizing customs officers at sea, air, and dry ports (ICDs) to inspect and confiscate unauthorized counterfeit imports before they enter the domestic market.

Filing Process: Step-by-Step Port Activation

Registering a trademark requires performing thorough availability searches and mapping classifications. We assist your trade teams through the process:

1

Trademark Availability Search

We perform an exhaustive search of the CGPDTM public database across your target classes to identify phonetically or visually similar marks that could cause rejection.

2

Form TM-A Dossier Drafting

Our team drafts your application, mapping your products to the correct trade classes and establishing your "user date" to show when you first used the brand.

3

Electronic Submission & Verification

The application is signed with your Class 3 DSC, submitted with your Udyam Certificate to claim fee concessions, and the system issues your official application number, allowing you to use the ™ symbol immediately.

4

Examination and Publication Monitoring

We monitor your application through the government's examination phase, managing any clarification requests or objections, and track the process until the trademark is published in the Trade Marks Journal and approved for registration.

Required Document Checklist

  • High-resolution soft copy of your logo design, brand name, or slogan.
  • PAN card and Aadhaar card of the authorized applicant.
  • An active MSME Udyam Registration Certificate (to claim the 50% government fee concession).
  • Signed Power of Attorney (Form TM-M) authorizing our team to represent your brand.
  • User Affidavit and documentary proof (such as invoices or shipping bills) if you are claiming prior use of the brand in commerce.

Benefits for Exporters & International Trademark Filing

For Indian exporters, a registered trademark is essential for global market expansion. The Madrid Protocol simplifies international protection by allowing you to file one application through CGPDTM to register your trademark in 130+ member countries. This provides cost-effective protection in key markets like USA, EU, UK, China, and Southeast Asia, enabling you to expand your export business while safeguarding your brand identity internationally.

Why Trademark Registration is Critical for Exporters?

  • Prevents counterfeiting and brand imitation in international markets
  • Enables customs IP recordation to block counterfeit imports
  • Required for e-commerce platform registration (Amazon Seller Central, Alibaba, etc.)
  • Builds brand credibility with international buyers
  • Protects against trademark squatting in target export markets
  • Essential for licensing and franchise opportunities abroad

Complementary Services for Complete IP Protection

Strengthen your brand protection strategy with these related compliance services:

MSME Udyam Registration

Get 50% fee concession on trademark filing

Learn More →
Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate

Required for CGPDTM digital filing

Learn More →
IEC Registration

Essential for export-import business

Learn More →

Why Trust One Link Exim Solutions for Trademark Registration?

500+

Trademark Applications Filed

85%

Objection Success Rate

18-24

Months Average Timeline

130+

Countries via Madrid Protocol

Expert Team: Our IP specialists have 10+ years of experience in CGPDTM filings, trademark law, and international IP protection. We stay updated with the latest examination guidelines and legal precedents to maximize your registration success.

Frequently Asked Questions - Trademark Registration

What documents are required for trademark registration in India? +
Required documents include: (1) Trademark image/logo in JPG/PNG format, (2) PAN card of applicant, (3) Aadhaar card, (4) MSME Udyam Certificate for fee concession, (5) Power of Attorney (Form TM-M), (6) User affidavit with date of first use, (7) Address proof of applicant, (8) Company incorporation certificate for entities.
How long does trademark registration take in India? +
Trademark registration typically takes 18-24 months. Breakdown: Application filing (1-2 days), CGPDTM examination (12-18 months), examination report response (if required, 1-2 months), Trade Marks Journal publication (3-4 months), opposition period (4 months), and registration certificate issuance. We provide real-time status updates throughout the process.
What are trademark classes and how many are there? +
The NICE Classification system divides goods and services into 45 trademark classes: Classes 1-34 for goods (chemicals, textiles, machinery, etc.) and Classes 35-45 for services (advertising, education, legal services, etc.). You must file separate TM-A applications for each class your business operates in. For example, a clothing brand needs Class 25, while a restaurant needs Class 43.
What happens if my trademark application is objected? +
If examiner raises objections under Section 9 (absolute grounds - descriptive marks) or Section 11 (relative grounds - similar existing marks), you must file a detailed response within 1 month with legal arguments, evidence of distinctiveness, and user data. If objection is not satisfied, a hearing before the Trademark Registry may be scheduled. Our legal team achieves 85% success rate in overcoming objections.
What is the difference between ™ and ® symbols? +
The ™ symbol indicates a pending trademark application or common-law rights claim. You can use it immediately after filing TM-A. The ® symbol indicates a registered trademark with CGPDTM. You can only use ® after receiving the Registration Certificate. Misusing ® without registration attracts penalties under Section 120 of Trade Marks Act.
How do I renew my trademark registration? +
Trademark renewal is done using Form TM-R and must be filed within 6 months before expiration date (10 years from original filing). Renewal fee is ₹9,000 per class (₹4,500 for MSME). Late renewal possible with surcharge (₹5,000/₹2,500) within 6 months after expiry. We send automated reminders to ensure timely renewal and continuous brand protection.
Can I trademark my brand name in multiple countries? +
Yes. Through the Madrid Protocol, you can file one international application through CGPDTM to register your trademark in 130+ member countries including USA, EU, UK, China, Australia, and Southeast Asian nations. Benefits include single application, centralized renewal, cost savings of 60-70% compared to individual filings, and unified management of all registrations.
What if someone copies my registered trademark? +
If someone uses your registered trademark without authorization, you can: (1) Send legal cease-and-desist notice, (2) File civil suit for infringement seeking injunction and damages, (3) File criminal complaint under Section 29/30 of Trade Marks Act, (4) Record IP with customs to block counterfeit imports at ports. With customs recordation, counterfeit goods are seized before reaching market.
💬