Trademark Registration Fees in India – A Complete Breakdown

Trademark registration is a vital step in securing your brand identity. But for many startups and small business owners, the cost involved is an important factor when deciding whether to register their brand. Understanding the trademark registration fees in India can help you plan your budget and avoid any unexpected costs.

In India, the trademark registration process is governed by the Trade Marks Act, 1999 and administered by the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks. The total cost of registration includes government fees, professional or attorney charges (if applicable), and any additional costs related to legal objections or oppositions.

Government Fees for Trademark Registration

The official fees for trademark registration in India depend on the type of applicant and the mode of application. Here’s a breakdown of the government charges:

1. For Individuals, Startups, and Small Enterprises

If you are an individual, a recognized startup, or a registered small enterprise, you are eligible for a reduced government fee.

• Filing fee per trademark per class (online filing): ₹4,500

• Filing fee per trademark per class (physical filing): ₹5,000

To claim this lower fee, you must submit supporting documents that prove your eligibility under the startup or small enterprise category. These documents may include Udyam Registration or Startup India recognition certificates.

2. For Other Applicants (Companies, LLPs, etc.)

Entities that are not startups or small enterprises must pay the standard government fee.

• Filing fee per trademark per class (online filing): ₹9,000

• Filing fee per trademark per class (physical filing): ₹10,000

For businesses applying for trademark registration under multiple classes, the fee is charged separately for each class. For example, if you’re applying under Class 25 and Class 35, you must pay the fee twice.

Attorney or Professional Fees

Many businesses choose to hire trademark consultants or legal professionals to assist with filing, managing objections, or handling oppositions. While not mandatory, professional assistance can increase the chances of successful registration and help avoid mistakes.

Attorney fees can vary widely based on the complexity of the case, experience of the professional, and services offered. Here’s a general estimate:

• Trademark search and consultation: ₹500 to ₹1,500

• Trademark application filing: ₹1,500 to ₹4,000

• Objection reply drafting: ₹2,000 to ₹5,000

• Trademark hearing representation: ₹5,000 to ₹15,000

• Opposition handling (per stage): ₹5,000 to ₹20,000

Some firms offer package deals that include filing, monitoring, and basic objection handling within a fixed cost.

Additional Costs You May Encounter

In addition to government and attorney fees, there are some optional or situation-based costs to be aware of during the trademark registration process:

1. Trademark Search (Comprehensive)While the basic online trademark search is free, a detailed professional search across all relevant databases can cost between ₹1,000 and ₹3,000.

2. Trademark ObjectionsIf the Trademark Registry raises objections, you will need to file a proper response. Legal drafting and representation can increase your overall cost.

3. Trademark OppositionIf a third party opposes your trademark after publication, you may incur legal fees for defending the application.

4. Trademark RenewalTrademark registration is valid for 10 years and must be renewed before expiry. The current renewal fee is ₹9,000 per class for companies and ₹4,500 per class for individuals/startups/small enterprises (online filing).

5. Rectification or AmendmentIf you need to make changes in the application or address errors, rectification fees may apply. The cost can range from ₹500 to ₹2,000 depending on the request type.

Cost Comparison: Online vs Offline Filing

Filing your application online is not only faster and more convenient but also cheaper. Offline (physical) filing costs ₹500 to ₹1,000 more per application. Therefore, unless you have a specific reason, it is advisable to file online using the IP India portal.

Is Trademark Registration Worth the Cost?

Many new businesses hesitate to invest in trademark registration due to cost concerns. However, the long-term benefits of having exclusive legal rights over your brand name, logo, or slogan far outweigh the initial expenses. It also saves you from costly legal battles if someone else starts using a similar identity.

Registering your trademark early also ensures brand ownership and avoids future conflicts. Considering the potential damage of brand misuse or infringement, the cost of trademark registration is a small price to pay for peace of mind and brand security.

Conclusion

Trademark registration fees in India vary depending on your business structure, number of classes, and whether you seek professional assistance. While individuals and startups benefit from reduced rates, larger entities must pay standard charges. Factoring in attorney fees and additional costs for objections or oppositions is also important. By understanding the complete cost structure, you can plan better and ensure a smoother registration process that protects your brand for years to come.