Trademark Registration Portal

Trademark Registration service/ट्रेडमार्क पंजीकरण सेवा

Trademark / TM Registration

In the competitive business world, products are often distinguished by their names and special features that make them unique. From the logo to the music to the packaging, these elements come together to create what we call a brand. In today's digital age, protecting your brand image has never been more important. Whether you are starting a new business, managing an established business, or starting a business journey as an individual, registering an online business is an important step in promoting your products, special and unique services. At IndiaFiles, we understand that in today's market it is important to protect your business objectives and ensure the quality of your products and services. That's why we provide professional service with business practices. Whether you are a start-up business or a solo entrepreneur, our professional team will guide you through the difficult online business registration process. Protect your brand image and protect your intellectual property rights.

What is a Trademark

According to the Indian Trademark Act 1999 (Section 2 (zb)), a trademark is a distinctive sign that distinguishes a product or service from its competitors in the market. It has many elements such as symbols, designs, instructions or any identifying feature associated with a particular brand. The important thing is that the trademark is available to individuals, companies or legal entities and is available for use by various organizations and individuals.

Why Should You Register Your Trademark?

Registering your trademark is essential for protecting your brand and ensuring its success.

  • Legal Protection: Provides exclusive rights to use and defend your brand against unauthorized use.
  • Nationwide Rights: Offers protection across the entire country, supporting business expansion.
  • Deters Infringement: Signals that your brand is protected, discouraging potential infringers.
  • Establishes Ownership: Creates a public record of your rights, aiding in disputes and conflicts.
  • Provides Remedies: Allows you to seek legal remedies like damages and injunctions in case of infringement.
  • Enhances Brand Value: Adds credibility and can create additional revenue streams through licensing.
  • Access to Customs Recordation: Helps prevent the importation of counterfeit goods by recording your trademark with customs authorities.
  • Trademark registration is a strategic investment that safeguards your brand, enhances its value, and ensures protection across the marketplace.

    Who Can Apply for Trademark Registration Online?

    • Individuals: Business owners, entrepreneurs, and freelancers can apply in their name.
    • Partnership Firms: Firms can register in the firm's name, listing all partners.
    • Companies: Private and public companies can apply, with the company owning the trademark.
    • LLPs: LLPs can register in the LLP's name, with ownership belonging to the LLP.
    • Non-Profit Organizations: Trusts, societies, and charities can protect their logos and names.
    • Joint Owners: Multiple individuals or entities can jointly register a trademark.
    • Foreign Applicants: Foreign nationals or entities can apply in India with local representation.
    • Proprietorship Firms: Sole proprietors can register under their name, owning the trademark.

    In summary, almost any entity or individual engaged in trade, business, or charitable activities can apply for trademark registration online, ensuring their brand is legally protected.

    Types of Trademark Registrations in India

    • Product Marks: Used to identify goods or products. These trademarks distinguish the product from others in the market.
    • Service Marks: Used to identify and distinguish the services provided by a business, rather than physical goods.
    • Collective Marks: Registered by organizations, associations, or groups to indicate that the members belong to a specific group and adhere to certain standards.
    • Certification Marks: Indicate that a product or service meets a specific standard or has been certified by an authorized body.
    • Shape Marks: Protect the distinct shape of a product or its packaging that sets it apart from others.
    • Pattern Marks: Protect specific patterns that are used as identifiers of a brand.
    • Sound Marks: Protect unique sounds associated with a product or service, like jingles or tunes.
    • Word Marks: Register the name, word, or letters associated with a product or service.
    • Device Marks: Protect logos, symbols, or other visual representations associated with a brand.

    These types of trademark registrations help businesses protect various aspects of their brand identity in India.

Trademark Search?

A trademark search is the process of checking existing trademarks to determine if your desired mark is available for registration. It involves searching for exact matches, phonetic similarities, and visually similar marks within the relevant classes to identify potential conflicts. This search can also include common law and international trademarks to ensure comprehensive protection. Conducting a trademark search is crucial to avoid legal disputes, confirm the uniqueness of your mark, and ensure it is eligible for registration.

Choosing the Correct Trademark Class

When registering a trademark, selecting the appropriate trademark class is crucial. Trademark classes categorize goods and services into 45 different classes, with Classes 1-34 covering goods and Classes 35-45 covering services. Here’s how to choose the correct trademark class:

  • Identify Your Goods or Services: Determine what products or services your trademark will represent. This is the first step in finding the right class.
  • Consult the Trademark Classification Guide: The classification guide lists all 45 classes and provides descriptions for each. Review the guide to find the class that best fits your goods or services.
  • Consider Multiple Classes: If your business offers a range of products or services across different categories, you may need to register your trademark in multiple classes. Each class requires a separate application.
  • Look at Similar Trademarks: Check trademarks registered by competitors or in your industry to see which classes they are registered under. This can give you insight into which class might be most appropriate.
  • Seek Professional Advice: If you’re unsure, consulting with a trademark attorney or professional can help ensure you choose the correct class. They can provide guidance based on your specific business needs.
  • Plan for Future Expansion: Consider your business’s future growth. If you plan to expand into new product lines or services, you might want to register in additional classes to cover future activities.

Choosing the correct trademark class is vital for protecting your brand effectively. It ensures that your trademark is registered in the categories that align with your business activities, providing comprehensive legal protection.

Types of Trademark Searches

When conducting a trademark search, various types of searches can be performed to ensure your desired mark is unique and doesn't infringe on existing trademarks. Here are the main types:

  • Exact Match Search: This search looks for trademarks that are exactly the same as your proposed mark. It checks for identical words, phrases, or designs that are already registered or pending registration.
  • Phonetic Search: A phonetic search examines trademarks that sound similar to your proposed mark, even if they are spelled differently. This helps identify marks that might cause confusion in the marketplace due to their pronunciation.
  • Similarity Search: This search looks for trademarks that are visually or conceptually similar to your mark. It considers marks that might have similar designs, logos, or meanings, which could cause consumer confusion.
  • Class-Based Search: A search focused on specific trademark classes relevant to your goods or services. This ensures that no similar trademarks exist within the same category or class where you intend to register your mark.
  • Comprehensive Search: A thorough search that includes exact matches, phonetic similarities, and similar-looking marks across all classes. It also covers both registered trademarks and pending applications.
  • International Search: If you plan to expand your business globally, an international search checks for similar trademarks in other countries. This is important for protecting your brand in multiple jurisdictions.
  • Common Law Search: This search covers unregistered trademarks that may not be in official databases but are still in use. It helps identify potential conflicts with brands that are protected under common law rights.

When to Conduct a Trademark Search

  • Before Filing: It's advisable to conduct a search before filing a trademark application to ensure the mark is not already in use.
  • For Rebranding: If you're considering rebranding or launching a new product, a trademark search can help ensure the new brand identity is available.

Required Documents & Details for Online Trademark Registration

To initiate the online trademark registration process in India, you will need to furnish the following initial details:

  • Applicant's Name: The name of the individual, company, or entity applying for the trademark registration.
  • Business Type: Specify the type of business entity, such as sole proprietorship, partnership, private limited company, etc.
  • Business Objectives: Provide a brief description of your business objectives or activities.
  • Brand/Logo/Slogan Name: Clearly mention the name, logo, or slogan that you intend to trademark.
  • Registration Address: Furnish the official address of the entity applying for the trademark.

In addition to these details, you will be required to submit the following documents to complete the trademark registration online, or even logo trademark registration process:

Applicant Type Required Documents
Individuals PAN card, Aadhar card
Proprietorship GST certificate, PAN card, Aadhar card
Company Incorporation certificate, Company PAN card, MSME Certificate (if applicable), Logo (if applicable)
Partnership Firms Partnership deed, Partnership PAN card, MSME registration certificate, Logo (if applicable)
Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) LLP deed,Incorporation certificate, LLP PAN card, Logo (if applicable)
Trusts Trust deed, Trust PAN card, Logo (if applicable)

Trademark Filing Process in India

After completing the trademark search, the next step is filing the trademark registration application with the Trademark Registrar.

The Vienna Codification Process

The Vienna Classification, also called the Vienna Codification, is an international system that categorizes the figurative elements of trademarks. After filing the trademark registration application, the Trademark Registrar will apply the Vienna classification to the trademark's figurative elements.

Trademark Examination

After completing the Vienna Codification, the trademark registration application will be assigned to a Trademark Registrar's officer. The officer will assess the application for accuracy and generate a trademark examination report. Based on this report, the officer can accept the application, allow it for trademark journal publication, or raise objections to the registration process.
In the event of objections, the applicant can address the concerns before the Trademark Officer. If the officer finds the justifications satisfactory, the trademark will be approved for publication in the Trademark Journal.

Trademark Journal Publication

Once the Trademark Registrar accepts the application, the trademark will be published in the Trademark journal. This journal, published weekly, contains details of all trademarks the Registrar receives. Members of the public have the opportunity to raise objections if they believe the trademark registration could harm their interests. If no objections are submitted within 90 days of publication, the trademark will be registered within 12 weeks.

Trademark Hearing

A Trademark Hearing Officer will schedule a hearing if a third party objects to the application. Both the applicant and the opposing party have the chance to present their arguments. Based on the hearings and evidence, the Trademark Hearing Officer will decide whether to accept or reject the application.

Trademark Registration

In cases where no objections or oppositions are raised, the trademark registration certificate will be prepared and issued. A trademark is officially considered registered when the Trademark Registration Certificate is issued, granting the owner exclusive rights to the mark. For example, a logo trademark registration will be approved if it doesn't receive any objection or opposition.
At this point, the ® symbol can be added to the logo or trademark.

Trademark Objection

Trademark objections are typically one of the initial stages in the trademark registration process. Instead of outright denial, the Registrar seeks valid reasons or explanations regarding the trademark's registrability.

Trademark Opposition

Trademark opposition occurs when a third party files an objection against registering a trademark. The Registry accepts oppositions from any natural or legal person, including individuals, businesses, partnership firms, and trusts.

Trademark Renewal

After successfully registering your trademark, it remains valid for ten years from the filing date. To ensure the continued protection of your trademark, it is imperative to renew it every ten years.

Trademark vs Copyright vs Patent

Trademark

what's protected

Any word, phrase, symbol or design that recognizes and differentiates the source of one party's goods from those of another.

REQUIRMENTS FOR PROTECTION

A mark must be distinguishable, in the sense that it must be able to identify the source of a certain good.

TERM OF PROTECTION

As long as the mark is used in commerce.

RIGHTS GRANTED

Right to use the mark and to prohibit others from using identical marks in a way that could create confusion about the goods or services' origin

Copyright

what's protected

Inventions, such as procedure, manufacturer, composition, machines of matter as well as improvements to these.

REQUIRMENTS FOR PROTECTION

A fresh, valuable, and unusual invention is required.

TERM OF PROTECTION

20 years

RIGHTS GRANTED

Right to restrict others from manufacturing, selling, or importing the patented invention.

Patent

what's protected

Books, articles, music, photography, sculptures, dances, sound recordings, motion films and other original works of authorship.

REQUIRMENTS FOR PROTECTION

A work must be unique, original, and created in a tangible manner.

TERM OF PROTECTION

Author’s life span+ 70 years.

RIGHTS GRANTED

Copyrighted works have the power to dictate their reproduction, creative works, circulation, public performance, and display.

Frequently Asked Questions?



Can I Do Trademark Registration myself?

Yes, you can technically file a trademark registration application yourself, but In some cases, using a trademark attorney may be more cost-effective in the long run, as they can help prevent rejections and delays. 10 april 2018


Who Can Do Trademark Registration?

Generally, anyone wishing to protect their brand names, logos, slogans, or other identifiers linked to their products or services can register their trademarks.
People or Company Owners,

  Businesses and Organizations,
  Attorneys for Trademarks and Authorized Representatives. 10 april 2018

Trademark   registration Can be renewed in india after....?

As long as the necessary procedures are followed and the renewal payments are paid on a regular basis, trademark registration in India can be extended forever. A trademark registration is initially good for ten years after the application date. It can then be extended for additional consecutive terms of ten years each. 10 april 2018


How Trademark registration Process?

There are generally multiple steps involved in the trademark registration procedure:
Trademark Lookup:
submitting the application 
Analysis: Release: 
Time of Opposition: Registration 

Maintenance: 10 april 2018


How to do trademark registration in India?

Anyone can register a trademark himself if he/she have knowledge about trademark registration process and if do not know about the process and objections then find a authorized trademark attorney because filling a trademark by the help of an attorney is very cost effective and good decision. 10 april 2018


How to check a trademark is registered or not?

Where to check trademark registration?

You can check the status of your trademark registration online through the official website of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks. Use the "Trademark Status" or "Public Search" feature and enter your application number or other relevant details to view the status. 10 april 2018


Who Can Apply for trademark registration?

Any individual, business, or legal entity can apply for trademark registration. This includes individuals, companies, partnerships, and sole proprietorships. The applicant can be the owner of the business, a legal representative, or an authorized agent. 10 april 2018


Why trademark registration is important?

Trademark registration is crucial because it legally protects your brand identity, preventing others from using similar names, logos, or symbols. It establishes ownership rights, helps build brand recognition, and can increase the value of your business. Additionally, it provides legal recourse in case of trademark infringement. 10 april 2018


Trademark registration for private limited company?

A private limited company can register a trademark by filing an application with the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks. The process includes choosing a unique trademark, conducting a search to ensure it's not already in use, and submitting the required documents, such as the company's registration certificate, along with the application and fees. The trademark can be registered for various classes based on the goods or services the company provides. 10 april 2018


Trademark registration for partnership firm?

A partnership firm can register a trademark by filing an application with the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks. The process includes selecting a unique trademark, conducting a search to ensure it's not already in use, and submitting the necessary documents, such as the partnership deed and authorization letter, along with the application form and fees. The trademark can be registered under various classes based on the nature of goods or services provided by the firm. 10 april 2018


Trademark registration with logo?

Trademark Application Form (TM-A) completed
A clear image or soft copy of the logo Verification of the
  applicant's identity and address
  Evidence of Business Registration (if any)
  signed Form-48 (if appropriate, a power of attorney) 10 april 2018


Trademark registration without DSC(Digital signature)?

NO, To use an online file system to file trademarks, one must have a valid Digital Signature Certificate. To ensure the security and legitimacy of electronic documents, the Information Technology (IT) Act of 2000 mandates the use of digital signatures. 10 april 2018


Trademark registration for M.S.M.E?

A Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) can register a trademark by filing an application with the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks. The process involves choosing a unique trademark, conducting a search to ensure it isn't already registered, and submitting the necessary documents, such as the MSME registration certificate and an authorization letter if filed through an agent. MSMEs may benefit from reduced fees for trademark registration. The application can be filed online, covering various classes based on the goods or services offered. 10 april 2018


What is a trademark logo?

A trademark logo is a symbol or design that identifies and distinguishes a brand, product, or service. 10 april 2018


What is the difference between a trademark and copyright?

Trademark: Protects brand identifiers like names, logos, and slogans that distinguish goods or services in the market. For example, the logo of a company or a brand name.
Copyright: Protects original creative works such as books, music, movies, and art from being copied or used without permission. For example, a novel, a song, or a painting. 10 april 2018


What does logo registration involve?

Logo registration involves submitting a formal application to the trademark office to obtain legal protection for your logo. This process includes:
Filing an Application: Complete and submit the required forms and details about your logo.
Paying Fees: Pay the applicable registration fees.
Review Process: The trademark office examines the application to ensure the logo is unique and not already registered. 10 april 2018


How do you register a brand as a trademark?

Register a brand by filing a trademark application online with the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks. 10 april 2018


What is the cost of registering a trademark?

The cost varies, typically ranging from ₹4,500 to ₹9,000, depending on the applicant type and number of classes.
Trademark Registration Fees:
For Individuals: Typically ₹4,500 per class.
For Companies and Other Entities:Typically ₹9,000 per class. 10 april 2018


What is a trademark certificate?

A trademark certificate is an official document issued by the trademark office that confirms your trademark has been successfully registered.
Official documents related to trademark registration may include:
Application Form:Completed trademark application form (e.g., Form TM-A).
Proof of Identity:Identification documents of the applicant (e.g., Aadhaar card, passport).
Business Registration:Documents proving the existence of your business (e.g., company registration certificate).
Trademark Representation:A clear representation of the trademark (logo, name, etc.).
Authorization:If applicable, a power of attorney if an agent or attorney is filing on your behalf.
Proof of Use:Evidence of how the trademark is used in commerce (e.g., product packaging, advertising). 10 april 2018


Can you provide examples of well-known trademarks?

Examples include Apple, Nike, Coca-Cola, and Tata. 10 april 2018


How can I check the status of my trademark application?

Check the status online via the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks website using your application number. 10 april 2018


What is a word mark in trademark terminology?

A word mark is a type of trademark consisting of text, such as a brand name or slogan. 10 april 2018


What is a device trademark?

A device trademark is a logo or symbol used to represent a brand or product visually. 10 april 2018


What documents are needed for trademark registration?

Required documents include the trademark application form, proof of identity, and a representation of the trademark. 10 april 2018


How do I determine the appropriate class for my trademark?

Determine the class by referring to the Nice Classification system, available on the trademark office’s website. 10 april 2018