A registered trademark (®) gives your brand name, logo, or slogan exclusive legal protection — preventing competitors from using a similar mark in the same business category. BigMind Consulting provides end-to-end trademark registration services in India, covering thorough trademark search, class selection, TM-A e-filing, objection response drafting, and opposition handling — protecting your brand's identity from day one.
What can be registered as a trademark in India?
Step-by-step trademark registration process
Trademark Search
Before filing, BigMind conducts a comprehensive search on the IP India Trademark Database to check for identical or similar existing trademarks in your target class. This prevents objections and wasted filing fees.
Class Selection
Identify the correct Nice Classification class(es) for your goods/services. Filing in the wrong class provides no legal protection for your core business activities.
File TM-A Application on IP India Portal
File Form TM-A (online) on the IP India e-filing portal with the trademark representation, applicant details, class, and date of first use (if the mark is already in use). BigMind manages the e-filing.
Trademark Examination Report (TER)
The Trade Marks Registry Examiner reviews the application and issues a TER accepting it or raising objections. For e-filed applications, this typically occurs within 1 month.
Respond to Objections (if raised)
If an objection is raised under Section 9 or 11 of the Trade Marks Act, a reply must be filed within 30 days. BigMind drafts and files professional objection responses backed by legal arguments.
Publication in Trade Marks Journal
Upon acceptance, the trademark is published in the Trade Marks Journal for 4 months. Third parties can file oppositions during this period.
Trademark Registration Certificate
If no opposition is filed (or opposition is decided in your favour), the Trade Marks Registry issues a Registration Certificate. The ® symbol can now be used.
Common trademark classes for India and Northeast businesses
| Class | Covers | Typical Business |
|---|---|---|
| Class 29 | Processed foods, dairy, packaged meats, fish, preserved vegetables | Food processing units, dairy brands, packaged food sellers |
| Class 30 | Tea, coffee, rice, flour, spices, bakery products | Tea brands (India tea), spice sellers, bakeries |
| Class 35 | Business management, retail services, advertising | Consulting firms, retail stores, digital marketing agencies |
| Class 36 | Financial services, insurance, real estate | Financial advisors, NBFCs, insurance agents |
| Class 41 | Education, training, entertainment services | Coaching institutes, schools, content creators |
| Class 43 | Restaurant, hotel, catering services | Restaurants, cloud kitchens, caterers, hotels |
| Class 42 | IT, software, technology services | Software companies, IT firms, SaaS businesses |
Government fees for trademark filing in India
| Applicant Category | E-Filing Fee (per class) | Physical Filing Fee (per class) |
|---|---|---|
| Individual / Startup / MSME | ₹4,500 | ₹5,000 |
| Company / LLP / Other Entity | ₹9,000 | ₹10,000 |
BigMind professional fees for trademark search, filing, and correspondence are quoted separately. Individuals and MSME-registered businesses enjoy the reduced fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does trademark registration take in India?
Trademark registration in India typically takes 18–24 months from the date of filing, provided no objections or oppositions are raised. The initial Trademark Examination Report (TER) is typically issued within 1 month for e-filed applications. If an objection is raised, it must be responded to within 30 days. If opposed after publication, the opposition process adds 3–6 months. BigMind Consulting manages the entire timeline.
What is the difference between TM (™) and the registered trademark symbol (®)?
™ (TM) can be used by any business after filing a trademark application — it signals a claimed trademark even before registration is granted. ® (Registered) can only be used after the trademark has been formally registered by the Trade Marks Registry. Using ® before registration is a legal offence.
Can I register a logo and brand name separately?
Yes. A logo (device mark) and a brand name (word mark) are separate trademarks and can be registered independently in the same class. BigMind Consulting recommends registering both the brand name and logo separately to maximise brand protection.
How many trademark classes are there and which one applies to my business?
There are 45 Nice Classification classes — 34 for goods (Classes 1–34) and 11 for services (Classes 35–45). You must apply in the class(es) that cover your specific goods or services. A single trademark application can cover one class. If you operate across multiple categories, you need separate applications for each class. BigMind advises on the correct class selection.
How long is a registered trademark valid in India?
A registered trademark in India is valid for 10 years from the date of registration. It can be renewed indefinitely in successive 10-year periods by filing Form TM-R with the applicable renewal fee. Failure to renew results in the trademark being removed from the Register.
Ready to protect your brand?
BigMind Consulting handles trademark search, class selection, TM-A filing, and objection responses for businesses across India.
BigMind Consulting · Trademark Registration & Brand Protection · India & Pan-India