Trademark & Copyright
Register & protect your trademark with expert consultation
Owning a trademark means owning your brand's identity—logo, symbol, and name. Safeguard it legally with our quick and reliable registration and renewal services. Fast, online, and hassle-free.
- Filing done within a day
- Use ™ once filed
- Valid for 10 years
Need help with Trademark Registration & Renewal?
Fill the form to get a free consultation.
Register your trademark & protect your brand name from intruders
A trademark refers to any distinctive mark, symbol, name, logo, design, letter, numeral, or word that an individual or business uses to uniquely identify its goods or services from those of others. It helps customers clearly recognize and distinguish one's products or services in the marketplace.
The registration and protection of trademarks are governed by the Trade Marks Act, 1999. Obtaining a trademark registration is essential because it grants the owner exclusive legal rights over the brand — including its use, sale, production, and distribution — ensuring protection against unauthorized usage by others.
Trademark symbols explained
™ Trademark · ℠ Service Mark · ® Registered Mark · © Copyright
- What is the difference between ™ and ®?
When there is a TM on the brand name or logo, it indicates that the trademark application has been filed and the registration is under process. An applicant can use the TM beside their brand name or logo once the application is filed and they can use it until the registration is done.
After completion of registration, the TM gets replaced by the ® symbol which means the trademark registration is completed and it is valid for 10 years.
- What if the trademark expires?
You can apply for the restoration of an expired trademark within 6 months from its expiry date to keep using it. But the delay of 6 months can be risky and shall attract additional fees and documentation.
- Registration vs renewal
Trademark Registration is a long process that takes a number of documents and requires more time than the renewal. A renewal is basically for continuing your ownership and use of the trademark, while registration is the initial process to get its exclusive ownership. After completion of every 10 years, the trademark needs to be renewed.
Importance of trademark registration in India
Exceptional rights
The registered owner gets exclusive rights over use within registered classes and the ability to sue for unauthorised use.
Increases trust and loyalty
Trademarks build recognition and confidence, contributing to loyal, long-term customers choosing your brand over others.
Product differentiation
Customers quickly identify your items when your mark distinguishes goods or services from competitors.
Gives a sense of identity to a product's quality
Registration provides visual confirmation of your product or service quality via the brand's logo.
Creating assets
A registered trademark is intellectual property that can be licensed, assigned, or franchised—an asset on the balance sheet.
Use of the ® symbol
After registration, you may use the ® symbol, and you can take action in court for clear infringements of exclusive rights.
Protect against infringement
You can get an injunction against unauthorised usage; without permission your mark may not be used by anyone, including rivals.
Ten years of low-cost protection
Registration is inexpensive to maintain and grants protection for 10 years with renewal at each term.
Global trademark registration
Prior Indian registration can support international filings and builds credibility for wider recognition.
Eligibility criteria for trademark registration
In India, anybody who claims to be the trademark owner, whether an individual, proprietor, corporation or other legal organisation, can apply for a trademark. The trademark application can be filed, and the "TM" sign can be used within a few days of filing.
The Trade Mark Registry takes a minimum 6-8 months to register if there's no objection raised by the Registry. In case of an objection, it might take up to 18 months. After the trademark is registered and the registration certificate is issued, the registered symbol i.e. ®, can be used.
Once a trademark registration is done, it will be valid for ten years from the registration date and has to be renewed at the due time.
Who can obtain a trademark
- Individual / Proprietor / HUF
Any individual, sole proprietor, or member of a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) can apply for a trademark in their own name. The applicant may or may not currently own a business, as long as they intend to use the mark in the future for trade or services.
- Joint applicants
Two or more individuals or entities jointly owning a brand can apply together as joint applicants. The trademark rights will be shared equally among them as per their mutual agreement.
- Partnership firm
A partnership firm can apply for a trademark under the firm's name. All partners' names should be mentioned in the application. In case a minor is a partner, the name of the guardian representing the minor must also be included.
- LLP (Limited Liability Partnership)
A Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) must apply in its own name as it is a separate legal entity. The individual partners cannot file the trademark in their personal capacity, as ownership belongs to the LLP.
- Private Limited / OPC / Public Limited Company
All registered companies — whether Private Limited, One Person Company (OPC), or Public Limited — should file the trademark in the company's name. Since a company is a separate legal entity, the directors or shareholders cannot apply individually.
- Trust / Society / NGOs
Trusts, societies, and non-profit organizations can apply for a trademark under their registered name. The managing trustee, secretary, or authorized representative must be mentioned in the application as the applicant.
- Government bodies
Government departments, public sector undertakings, or statutory bodies may file trademarks for official emblems, programs, or services offered by the government in their respective names.
- Foreign nationals / foreign companies
Foreign individuals or companies can apply for trademark registration in India under their legal name as registered in their home country. The application must include details such as country of registration, governing law, and an Indian address for correspondence.
Kinds of trademark registration in India
Service mark
A service mark represents a service rather than a product. Its primary function is to differentiate service providers in classes 35-45 from others.
Marks in the series
Marks registered for usage before or after a chain of items that share a similar suffix, prefix, or symbol.
Mark of sound
A sound mark is connected to a product or service from a provider. Sound logos (audio mnemonics) often appear at the beginning and end of ads.
Documents needed for trademark registration
- Applicant's / Company name
- Business type
- Business details
- Brand / logo / slogan name
- Office / business address
- Form‑48 signed (Power of Attorney / Vakalatnama)
- Signatory identification evidence
- Proof of the signatory's address
- Business validation (depends on the type of business)
- MSME registration certificate / Udyog Aadhar (optional)
Advantages of registering trademarks
A trademark is a distinct identity that distinguishes your organisation, product, or service from the competition. A registered trademark is the intellectual property/intangible asset of your company. It safeguards your investment in building client trust and loyalty.
Exclusive right
The registration of Trademark gives you the exclusive right to use the registered trademark and indicate so by using ® next to your brand name.
Legal protection
If you doubt that your trademark is being copied, you can take legal action and sue—provided your logo, brand name, or slogan is registered.
Differentiates product
Registering a trademark ensures competitors won't use it; customers won't be confused.
Creation of asset
A registered trademark is a right created which can be sold, assigned, franchised, or commercially contracted.
Global trademark registration
For those expanding outside India, an Indian registration offers a strong base along with established goodwill.
Build trust and goodwill
Helps create permanent customers who remain loyal and consistently opt for the same brand.
Renew your trademark before it expires
The validity of the Trademark exists for 10 years. Hence, one should renew their Trademark certificate within the mentioned period to avoid any objection & interruption. This application has to be filed on or before 6 months from the date of expiration of the registration.
The trademark renewal can be done in two ways:
- Renewal with a change to any sign or words in the existing trademark
- Renewal without a change
Documents needed for trademark renewal
- Details of applicant — name, address and nationality
- Power of Attorney
- Trademark Registration Certificate issued by the Ministry
- Copy of TM-A (the application filed with the TM Registry)
- Registration certificate, if the applicant is a corporate body or other entity
Benefits of trademark renewal
Secure your brand names
It gives incessant and continuous protection to the brand from getting dissolved.
Keeps your legal rights
Not renewing would lead to the loss of legal rights, not only for the owner but also for everyone associated with it.
Increases brand value
With a renewal of every term after 10 years of being in the business, brand value rises and any infringement against it could lead to compensation. Also, the owner can issue a licence in return for monetary exchanges.
Diminishes duplicity
It also diminishes the chances of duplicity after renewal at the end of every term.
How trademark renewal works
Upload your details and make payment
Get a call from a TM expert
Expert will analyze, examine and make a report
Drafting of trademark renewal done
Expert will send you the draft for approval
Congratulations! Your trademark renewal has been successfully applied
Why CertifyKaro for your trademark
- We conduct thorough research regarding your TM availability from the Govt. records
- The authorization letter is prepared from our side in order to file the trademark on your behalf
- You will be guided on the classes you have to apply under
- We provide assistance with form fill-up with the Registrar
- You receive regular updates from our side till the registration is completed
- Our client does not have to take on any responsibility of filing the trademark
How we work
From your first call to the final certificate, one dedicated expert handles your file.
Fill our registration form & make the payment
Our trademark expert searches the class of your brand
We draft the authorization letter (Form‑48)
Upload the required documents
Our expert files the TM application
Congratulations! You can use ™ next to your brand
How your application moves
Trademark Registration & Renewal
- Fill our registration form & make the payment
- Our trademark expert searches the class of your brand
- We draft the authorization letter (Form‑48)
- Upload the required documents
- Our expert files the TM application
Frequently asked questions
What is a Trademark?
A trademark is an intellectual property identifying goods or services from a specific source by means of a recognizable sign, design, or expression. Trademarks used to identify services are called service marks.
What can be registered as a Trademark?
Words, logos, symbols, shapes, colors, sounds, and even combinations of these that uniquely identify the source of goods or services.
What Trademarks are not registrable?
Generic terms, descriptive terms without acquired distinctiveness, deceptive or scandalous marks, and marks identical or confusingly similar to earlier marks for related goods/services.
What are the consequences of failure to renew the trademark?
In the case of non-renewal, the consequences are severe. The trademark would be removed from the register and any other person can claim it and get it registered to their name.
When to file a renewal of trademark?
The trademark renewal can be done anytime within 6 months of expiration of 10 years of trademark registration. Any further delay above 6 months will attract extra fee. If the renewal process is not completed within 12 months of expiration of trademark, the trademark will be removed from the trademark register.
What is a Trademark class?
Classes categorize goods and services (1–34 for goods, 35–45 for services) so applications can specify the scope of protection.
How long does it take to file a Trademark application?
Filing can be done within a day. Examination and registration timelines vary and can take several months.
What is meant by trademark 'opposed'?
If the trademark resembles or infringes any existing trademark, or might cause damage for any other reason, the aggrieved party may file an objection and the examiner may resolve the issue based on the parties' statements and evidence. When an objection arises, the examiner informs the applicant, who needs to reply within sixty days; failing that, the application is deemed abandoned.
When can I use the ™ symbol?
You may use ™ once you start using the mark or file an application. Use ® only after registration is granted.
How long is a registered trademark valid for?
Typically 10 years from the filing/registration date, renewable indefinitely for additional 10‑year periods.
Do I need to be physically present for the process?
No. CertifyKaro is an online platform — all you need is an internet connection on your phone or computer and the required documents, and we can get the job done even if you are at the remotest location in India.
Get your Trademark Registration & Renewal done by experts
100% refund if the application is not filed within the committed timeline.