Trademark Registration Process

Here's exactly what happens after you file, from the moment of online trademark filing through to the registration certificate.

Step 1 — Filing acknowledgment

Upon filing of the Form TM-A application, the Registry issues an official receipt with the filing date and application number — this happens the same day, regardless of what comes next.

Step 2 — Examination

The application undergoes formal examination by the Trade Marks Office, reviewing its inherent registrability (Section 9) and any conflict with existing marks (Section 11).

Step 3 — Examination report and reply, if objected

If an objection is raised, an examination report issues, and a written response — with evidence of distinctiveness or prior use where relevant — must be filed within 30 days. In some cases a hearing with the Examiner follows.

Step 4 — Acceptance and Journal publication

If the application is accepted, it's published in the Trade Marks Journal, opening a 4-month window during which any third party can file an opposition.

Step 5 — Opposition, if filed

If a third party opposes the mark, a Counter Statement must be filed within 2 months of the opposition notice, followed by evidence rounds and potentially a hearing.

Step 6 — Registration certificate

If the opposition window passes with no opposition (or any opposition is successfully defended), the Registrar issues the registration certificate, and the mark becomes valid for 10 years from the original filing date, renewable indefinitely.

Realistic timeline

The filing itself is instant, but the full process — start to certificate, assuming no objection or opposition — realistically takes 8 to 24 months given current Registry workload. Government fees are ₹4,500 per class for individuals, startups and Udyam-registered MSMEs, and ₹9,000 per class for other applicants.