{"id":295,"date":"2026-07-18T21:15:37","date_gmt":"2026-07-18T15:45:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.taxaj.com/learn\/trademark-registration-in-india-2026-fees-classes-timeline\/"},"modified":"2026-08-18T20:43:02","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T15:13:02","slug":"trademark-registration-in-india-2026-fees-classes-timeline","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.taxaj.com/learn\/trademark-registration-in-india-2026-fees-classes-timeline\/","title":{"rendered":"Trademark Registration in India (2026): Fees, Classes & Timeline"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction<\/h2>\n

A trademark is one of the most valuable intellectual property assets of a business. It helps customers identify a brand and distinguishes its products or services from competitors. A trademark may include a brand name, business name, logo, word, symbol, tagline, product name, label, packaging element or combination of words and devices. In India, trademark registration is primarily governed by the Trade Marks Act, 1999<\/strong> and the Trade Marks Rules, 2017<\/strong>, administered by the Trade Marks Registry under the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks. Registration gives the proprietor statutory rights over the mark and strengthens the ability to act against unauthorised use, infringement and brand imitation.<\/p>\n

What is a Trademark?<\/h2>\n

A trademark is a sign capable of distinguishing the goods or services of one business from those of another. It can include word marks<\/strong> (company, product and brand names, taglines), logo or device marks<\/strong> (a graphical symbol or design), sound marks<\/strong>, shape marks<\/strong> (unique product or packaging shape) and distinctive colour combinations<\/strong>, subject to legal requirements.<\/p>\n

Why is Trademark Registration Important?<\/h2>\n

Registration provides exclusive statutory rights<\/strong> to use the mark for the registered goods\/services, stronger legal protection<\/strong> against infringement, and helps prevent brand copying<\/strong>. A registered trademark also becomes a valuable intellectual property asset<\/strong> that can be assigned, licensed, franchised or commercially exploited, and it builds brand value<\/strong> and market credibility.<\/p>\n

Who Can Apply?<\/h2>\n

An application can be filed by an individual, sole proprietorship, partnership firm, LLP, private or public limited company, startup, small enterprise, trust, society, association of persons, foreign individual or foreign company. It is filed in the name of the person or entity claiming to be the proprietor of the mark.<\/p>\n

Understanding Trademark Classes in India<\/h2>\n

Registration is based on the international Nice Classification System<\/strong>. There are 45 classes<\/strong> \u2014 Classes 1\u201334 for goods<\/strong> and Classes 35\u201345 for services<\/strong>. Selecting the correct class is one of the most important stages of the process.<\/p>\n

Trademark Classes for Goods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Class<\/th>\nMajor Goods Covered<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Class 1<\/td>\nChemicals used in industry and science<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 2<\/td>\nPaints, varnishes and preservatives<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 3<\/td>\nCosmetics and cleaning preparations<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 4<\/td>\nIndustrial oils, fuels and lubricants<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 5<\/td>\nPharmaceuticals and medical preparations<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 6<\/td>\nCommon metals and metal products<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 7<\/td>\nMachines and machine tools<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 8<\/td>\nHand tools and implements<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 9<\/td>\nComputers, software, electronics and scientific equipment<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 10<\/td>\nMedical and surgical equipment<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 11<\/td>\nLighting, heating and cooling equipment<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 12<\/td>\nVehicles<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 13<\/td>\nFirearms and ammunition<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 14<\/td>\nJewellery and watches<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 15<\/td>\nMusical instruments<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 16<\/td>\nPaper, printed material and stationery<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 17<\/td>\nRubber and insulating materials<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 18<\/td>\nLeather goods, bags and luggage<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 19<\/td>\nNon-metallic building materials<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 20<\/td>\nFurniture<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 21<\/td>\nHousehold and kitchen utensils<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 22<\/td>\nRopes, tents and textile fibres<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 23<\/td>\nYarns and threads<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 24<\/td>\nTextiles and fabrics<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 25<\/td>\nClothing, footwear and headgear<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 26<\/td>\nLace, embroidery and accessories<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 27<\/td>\nCarpets and floor coverings<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 28<\/td>\nGames, toys and sporting articles<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 29<\/td>\nMeat, dairy products and processed foods<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 30<\/td>\nCoffee, tea, bakery products and spices<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 31<\/td>\nAgricultural and horticultural products<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 32<\/td>\nNon-alcoholic beverages<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 33<\/td>\nAlcoholic beverages<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 34<\/td>\nTobacco and smokers’ articles<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Trademark Classes for Services<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Class<\/th>\nMajor Services Covered<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Class 35<\/td>\nAdvertising and business management<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 36<\/td>\nFinancial, insurance and real estate services<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 37<\/td>\nConstruction and repair services<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 38<\/td>\nTelecommunications<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 39<\/td>\nTransport, logistics and storage<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 40<\/td>\nTreatment of materials<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 41<\/td>\nEducation, training and entertainment<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 42<\/td>\nTechnology, software and scientific services<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 43<\/td>\nRestaurants, cafes and accommodation services<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 44<\/td>\nMedical, beauty and agricultural services<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 45<\/td>\nLegal, security and personal services<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Trademark Registration Government Fees (2026)<\/h2>\n

Applications are generally filed using Form TM-A<\/strong>. The fee is charged per trademark, per class, per application:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Applicant Category<\/th>\nE-Filing Government Fee<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Individual<\/td>\n\u20b94,500 per class per mark<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Startup<\/td>\n\u20b94,500 per class per mark<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Small Enterprise<\/td>\n\u20b94,500 per class per mark<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Other Applicants<\/td>\n\u20b99,000 per class per mark<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

So a company (not in the concessional category) applying for the same trademark in three classes would generally pay \u20b927,000 for electronic filing.<\/p>\n

Step-by-Step Registration Process<\/h2>\n

Step 1: Conduct a Trademark Search<\/h3>\n

Before filing, run a detailed search for identical, similar and phonetically similar marks, existing applications and registered trademarks. A proper search reduces the chance of objections and opposition.<\/p>\n

Step 2: Select the Correct Class<\/h3>\n

Identify the appropriate class(es) based on the goods and services offered. Incorrect classification may limit protection.<\/p>\n

Step 3: Prepare the Application<\/h3>\n

Include applicant details, trademark representation, correct class, description of goods\/services, user claim and supporting documents.<\/p>\n

Step 4: File Form TM-A<\/h3>\n

File with the Trade Marks Registry; an application number is generated and you may start using the \u2122 symbol.<\/p>\n

Step 5: Formality Check<\/h3>\n

The Registry reviews basic procedural requirements; issues may arise from incorrect classification, incomplete documents or defective authorisation.<\/p>\n

Step 6: Examination<\/h3>\n

The Examiner reviews the application under the Trade Marks Act, 1999 and may accept it or raise objections under Section 9<\/strong> (absolute grounds \u2014 descriptive, generic or non-distinctive marks) or Section 11<\/strong> (relative grounds \u2014 identical or deceptively similar to an earlier mark).<\/p>\n

Step 7: Reply to Examination Report<\/h3>\n

If objected, submit a detailed response within the prescribed timeline with legal arguments, factual distinctions, evidence of prior use and precedents.<\/p>\n

Step 8: Hearing<\/h3>\n

If the response is not accepted, the matter may be listed for a hearing where arguments supporting registration are presented.<\/p>\n

Step 9: Publication in the Trademark Journal<\/h3>\n

On acceptance, the mark is published to allow third parties to oppose it.<\/p>\n

Step 10: Registration Certificate<\/h3>\n

If accepted with no opposition (or opposition decided in the applicant’s favour), the trademark proceeds to registration and a certificate is issued. The proprietor can then use the \u00ae symbol.<\/p>\n

Opposition Period<\/h2>\n

After publication, a 4-month opposition period<\/strong> is available to third parties. If none is filed, the application proceeds towards registration.<\/p>\n

Trademark Registration Timeline (2026)<\/h2>\n

There is no single guaranteed timeline \u2014 it depends on examination, objections, hearings and opposition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Stage<\/th>\nIndicative Timeline<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Trademark Search<\/td>\n1\u20132 working days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Application Preparation & Filing<\/td>\n1\u20133 working days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Formality & Examination<\/td>\nDepends on Registry processing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Reply to Objection<\/td>\nWithin prescribed period<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Journal Publication<\/td>\nAfter acceptance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Opposition Period<\/td>\n4 months<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Registration<\/td>\nAfter completion of applicable stages<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

For a straightforward, unopposed application, registration may commonly take several months to over a year. Avoid relying on promises of guaranteed registration within a fixed period.<\/p>\n

Validity & Renewal<\/h2>\n

A registered trademark is valid for 10 years<\/strong> from the date of application and can be renewed indefinitely for successive 10-year periods by filing the prescribed form and fee.<\/p>\n

Is an Indian Trademark Valid Internationally?<\/h2>\n

No \u2014 trademark rights are territorial. Indian registration primarily provides protection within India. For overseas protection, file directly in foreign jurisdictions or use the Madrid Protocol where appropriate.<\/p>\n

Common Mistakes to Avoid<\/h2>\n

Filing without a trademark search, choosing the wrong class, filing only the logo (ignoring the word mark), ignoring examination reports, missing opposition deadlines, and using the \u00ae symbol before registration.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

Trademark registration protects a business’s brand identity and intellectual property rights. In 2026 you can file electronically through Form TM-A<\/strong> at \u20b94,500 per class per mark<\/strong> for individuals, startups and small enterprises and \u20b99,000 per class per mark<\/strong> for other applicants. Since trademarks can be renewed indefinitely, a registered mark can become a long-term commercial asset.<\/p>\n

Need expert help?<\/h2>\n

TAXAJ\u2019s Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries and legal team handle this end-to-end for businesses and individuals across Delhi, Bengaluru, Goa and Bihar. Ask a question in our Community<\/a> or get in touch with TAXAJ.<\/p>\n

This guide is general information and is not a substitute for professional advice. Rules, rates and deadlines can change \u2014 verify the latest position on the relevant official portal or consult a professional before acting.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A 2026 guide to trademark registration in India \u2014 the 45 Nice classes, government fees (Form TM-A), the step-by-step process, objections, opposition, timeline and renewal.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-295","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-legal-ipr"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.taxaj.com/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/295","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.taxaj.com/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.taxaj.com/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.taxaj.com/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.taxaj.com/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=295"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.taxaj.com/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/295\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1366,"href":"https:\/\/www.taxaj.com/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/295\/revisions\/1366"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.taxaj.com/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=295"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.taxaj.com/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=295"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.taxaj.com/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=295"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}