Types of Trademarks You Can Register in India
- akashkumar06
- Jul 16, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 17, 2025
Trademarks are a crucial part of any business strategy, allowing you to protect your brand identity and gain exclusive rights over its usage. In India, the Trade Marks Act, 1999 governs trademark registration and allows for various types of trademarks to be registered based on the nature and purpose of the mark. Understanding these types is important if you want to register your brand effectively.
1. Word Mark
A word mark is one of the most common types of trademarks and includes any word or combination of words, letters, or numerals. It gives protection to the word itself, regardless of the font, style, or design in which it is presented. Registering a word mark offers broader protection as it covers all visual representations of the word.
2. Device Mark (Logo)
A device mark refers to any symbol, logo, image, or artwork that is used to represent a brand. If your business uses a specific graphic or image to create brand identity, it can be registered as a device mark. This type of trademark protects the visual elements of your brand, but not the text unless it is part of the design.
3. Combination Mark
A combination mark is a blend of a word and a logo or image. This type is useful when both the brand name and visual design are central to your brand identity. Many well-known brands use a combination of both word and image, which can be registered under this category for broader protection.
4. Letter and Numeral Mark
This type of trademark includes letters or numbers that are stylized or arranged in a distinctive way. For instance, abbreviations or numeric codes that identify a product or service can be registered as trademarks. It’s essential that these combinations are unique and not generic.
5. Slogan or Tagline
A slogan or tagline that clearly represents your brand can also be trademarked. If your slogan is catchy, original, and directly associated with your product or service, you can register it as a trademark. This helps in protecting the marketing identity of your business.
6. Sound Mark
Sound marks are non-conventional trademarks. If a specific sound or jingle is used to identify your brand and has become recognizable among consumers, it can be registered as a sound mark. In India, examples include the Yahoo yodel or the ICICI bank jingle.
7. Shape of Goods or Packaging
The unique shape of a product or its packaging can also be trademarked if it distinguishes your product from others. This is often seen in industries like cosmetics, beverages, and confectionery, where packaging plays a vital role in branding.
8. Color Mark
Although rare and difficult to obtain, color trademarks can be registered if a specific color or combination of colors is strongly associated with a brand. The applicant must prove that the color has acquired distinctiveness through use.
9. Pattern Mark
A pattern that is regularly used on a product or packaging and has become associated with a particular brand can also be registered as a trademark. This is more common in the textile and fashion industries.
Conclusion
Registering the right type of trademark not only gives your business a legal edge but also helps in building and safeguarding your brand’s reputation. Whether it’s a name, logo, sound, or even packaging, each element plays a role in your brand's identity and can be protected under Indian trademark law. Before you apply, it’s advisable to analyze which category fits your mark best and consult a professional for a smoother registration process.
Read more about trademark :
How Trademark Registration Helps Your Business Stand Out in India Trademark Registration in India — Why It Matters for Your Business Build Trust Before You Advertise: The Role of Trademark Registration
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