Trademark registration: documents, fees and how to apply online and offline
Stops others from using your brand name or logo; protection runs from the date of filing.
How to apply online, step by step
- Search the trademark register on IP India for similar marks.
- File Form TM-A online with the mark, the class of goods or services and the user date; attach the DPIIT or Udyam certificate for the lower fee.
- Reply to the examination report if objections are raised; the mark is advertised in the Trade Marks Journal.
- If nobody opposes within 4 months, the registration certificate is issued.
How to apply offline (in person)
- File Form TM-A on paper at the Trade Marks Registry (Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai or Ahmedabad); the paper fee is higher.
Documents required for Trademark registration, and how to get each
PAN card of each founder / director / partner
Get it online
- Instant e-PAN: on the Income Tax e-filing portal choose 'Instant e-PAN', enter Aadhaar and the OTP; the e-PAN PDF arrives in minutes, free.
- Or apply on Protean (NSDL) or UTIITSL with Form 49A for a printed card.
Get it in person
- Fill Form 49A at a PAN centre (Protean / UTIITSL facilitation centre), attach ID, address and date of birth proof and a photo, pay the fee; the card is posted to you.
Fee: Instant e-PAN free; printed card about Rs 107 (Indian address) · Time: Minutes (e-PAN); about 2 weeks (printed card) · Official site
Aadhaar of each founder (linked to a working mobile number)
Get it online
- Already enrolled: download e-Aadhaar from myAadhaar (uidai.gov.in) with the OTP; update the address online with a proof.
Get it in person
- Enrol, or update the mobile number or biometrics, at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or bank / post office enrolment centre.
Fee: Enrolment free; updates Rs 50 to Rs 100 · Time: Download instantly; updates up to about 30 days · Official site
Udyam registration certificate
Get it online
- See 'Udyam registration' below: issued online the same day, free.
Get it in person
- District Industries Centre can help.
Fee: Free · Time: Same day · Official site
Board resolution or letter of authorisation for the person who signs applications
Get it online
- Draft on the letterhead, have it signed by the directors or partners and scan it as a PDF.
Get it in person
- Same, signed on paper; keep the original.
Fee: Free · Time: Same day
Questions people ask
How much does Trademark registration cost?
Rs 4,500 per class online for individuals, startups and small enterprises; Rs 9,000 for others (paper filing costs more)
How long does Trademark registration take?
Filing instantly; registration often 6 to 18 months
Who issues Trademark registration?
Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks
Can I apply for Trademark registration without an agent?
Yes. Every step above can be done by the founder on the official portal or at the office; agents and consultants are optional.
Official source: https://ipindia.gov.in/trade-marks.htm. Rules and fees change; the official page is the authority. Checked October 2026.
Find out everything your startup needs
The Startup Evaluator lists the registrations and licences for your sector, State and team size, in the order to get them, with costs, schemes and a three-year cash plan. All licence guides.