Trademark Registration Fees in India (2026)

Understanding the cost of trademark protection is the first practical step before filing an application. In India the total outlay has two distinct components — the statutory government fee payable to the Trade Marks Registry, which is fixed by the Trade Marks Rules, 2017, and the professional fee charged separately by your attorney or consultant. This article sets out the current 2026 government fees by applicant type, mode of filing and class, and explains how professional charges sit on top of them.

How trademark fees are structured in India

The application for registration of a trademark is filed on Form TM-A. The government fee is charged on a per-class, per-mark basis. This means the fee applies once for each class of goods or services you select, and separately for each distinct mark you wish to register. If you file one mark in three classes, you pay the applicable fee three times.

Two factors decide the exact amount: who the applicant is, and whether the application is filed online (e-filing) or physically at the Registry. The Rules give a concession to a defined category of applicants and also a small discount for filing electronically, which is why online filing by an eligible applicant attracts the lowest fee.

Who qualifies for the concessional fee

The lower slab applies to an applicant that is an individual, a startup, or a small enterprise (commonly described as the individual/startup/MSME category). For this purpose:

• Individual — a natural person applying in their own name.
• Startup — an entity recognised as a startup by the competent authority (DPIIT recognition, and for foreign entities an equivalent status).
• Small enterprise — an enterprise falling within the investment and turnover thresholds under the MSME framework, supported by valid Udyam registration.

Any applicant outside these categories — for example, a private limited company, an LLP, a partnership firm treated as a body corporate, or a large enterprise — pays the standard (higher) fee. Where two or more parties apply jointly, the category with the higher fee usually governs, so a company joining an individual as co-applicant will attract the standard rate.

Government fees for Form TM-A (2026)

The official fee for filing a trademark application, per class per mark, is set out below.

• Individual, startup or small enterprise — e-filing: Rs 4,500 per class.
• Individual, startup or small enterprise — physical filing: Rs 5,000 per class.
• All other applicants — e-filing: Rs 9,000 per class.
• All other applicants — physical filing: Rs 10,000 per class.

These figures are the statutory fees only and do not include professional charges. Note that filing fees paid to the Registry under the Trade Marks Rules, 2017 are non-refundable in all circumstances, including where the application is objected to, opposed, abandoned or ultimately refused. This makes a proper search and classification exercise before filing especially worthwhile.

Worked examples

A few illustrations of how the per-class, per-mark rule works out in practice, assuming e-filing:

• An individual filing one mark in one class: Rs 4,500.
• An individual filing one mark in two classes: Rs 9,000 (Rs 4,500 x 2 classes).
• A company filing one mark in one class: Rs 9,000.
• A company filing one mark in three classes: Rs 27,000 (Rs 9,000 x 3 classes).
• A startup filing two different marks, each in one class: Rs 9,000 (Rs 4,500 x 2 marks).

Other common trademark form fees

Beyond the initial application, the Registry prescribes fees for the main post-filing and lifecycle events. The most frequently encountered are summarised below (e-filing and physical rates, per class where applicable).

• Renewal of registration (Form TM-R), due every ten years — Rs 9,000 (e-filing) / Rs 10,000 (physical) per class.
• Renewal with surcharge, where renewal is made within the grace period after expiry — an additional surcharge of Rs 4,500 (e-filing) / Rs 5,000 (physical) applies over the renewal fee.
• Restoration and renewal of a mark removed from the register (Form TM-R) — Rs 9,000 (e-filing) / Rs 10,000 (physical) plus the renewal fee.
• Notice of opposition or application for rectification (Form TM-O) — Rs 2,700 (e-filing) / Rs 3,000 (physical) per class.
• Assignment or transfer, and related requests (Form TM-P) — commonly Rs 9,000 (e-filing) / Rs 10,000 (physical).
• Registered user (licence) application (Form TM-U) — Rs 4,500 (e-filing) / Rs 5,000 (physical).
• Search and issue of a certificate (Form TM-C) — Rs 9,000 (e-filing) / Rs 10,000 (physical), with an expedited option available at a higher fee.

The concessional individual/startup/small enterprise slab principally applies to the TM-A application fee. Renewal and most other form fees are charged at a single prescribed rate regardless of applicant category, so the same amount applies to individuals and companies alike.

Professional fees are separate

The amounts above are payable to the Government of India. A trademark attorney or consultant charges a professional fee on top, and this varies with the scope of work rather than being fixed by statute. Typical professional work includes a pre-filing availability search, advice on the correct class or classes, preparation and electronic filing of the application, monitoring the status, and responding to any examination report or objection raised by the Registry.

Professional fees also depend on whether the matter stays straightforward or moves into a contested stage. Replying to an examination report, attending a show-cause hearing, or defending an opposition each involves additional effort and is usually quoted separately. When comparing quotations, confirm clearly what is included so that later stages do not come as a surprise, and remember that the government fee remains payable per class in every case.

Points to keep in mind on cost

• Choose classes carefully — each additional class multiplies the government fee, so file only in classes that reflect genuine present or intended use.
• Prefer e-filing where possible; it is both faster and cheaper than physical filing.
• Keep Udyam or DPIIT recognition documents ready if you intend to claim the concessional slab, as the Registry may require proof.
• Budget for renewal every ten years so that a registered mark is not lost through lapse.
• Treat the search stage as an investment; because filing fees are non-refundable, a well-cleared mark avoids paying twice.

Frequently asked questions

Is the trademark government fee charged per class or per application?

It is charged per class and per mark. A single application covering multiple classes attracts the fee for each class, and separate marks are counted separately.

Can a company claim the Rs 4,500 concessional fee?

No. The Rs 4,500 e-filing slab is reserved for individuals, recognised startups and small enterprises. A private limited company or LLP that does not qualify as a startup or small enterprise pays Rs 9,000 per class for e-filing.

What is the difference between e-filing and physical filing fees?

E-filing attracts a lower fee — Rs 4,500 or Rs 9,000 per class depending on applicant type — while physical filing at the Registry costs Rs 5,000 or Rs 10,000 per class respectively. Online filing is generally recommended.

Are trademark government fees refundable if the application fails?

No. Fees paid to the Trade Marks Registry are non-refundable in all circumstances, including objection, opposition, abandonment or refusal, which is why a proper search before filing is important.

Do I have to pay professional fees in addition to government fees?

If you engage an attorney or consultant, yes. Professional fees are separate from the statutory government fees and vary with the scope of work, such as searching, classification, filing and responding to objections.

If you would like the government fees calculated for your specific situation and a clear quote for the professional work, TAXAJ can handle your trademark registration end to end, along with wider IPR advisory, so your brand is protected without the guesswork. Reach out to our team to get started.