A Trademark is a unique mark used to identify goods or services of a business. It may include:
Name
Logo
Symbol
Tagline
Colour combination
Shape of goods
Sound mark, etc.
A registered trademark legally distinguishes a business from competitors and prevents unauthorized use.
Trademark Registration is a legal process under the Trade Marks Act, 1999 that grants exclusive rights to use a particular mark for business activities and protects it from misuse.
Provides legal protection from infringement.
Grants exclusive rights to use the mark.
Helps in brand recognition & goodwill building.
Allows legal action against unauthorized use.
Gives rights for international trademark filing (Madrid Protocol).
Can be sold, assigned, or franchised.
Creates a valuable business asset.
Individual
Proprietorship
Partnership Firm
LLP
Private Limited or Public Limited Company
NGO / Trust / Society
Startup or MSME
For Individuals / Proprietors:
Aadhaar Card
PAN Card
Logo (optional if applying for word mark)
Email & Mobile Number
TM-48 (Power of Attorney)
For Companies / Firms:
Incorporation Certificate / Partnership Deed / Trust Deed
Authorization Letter
Logo
TM-48
Aadhaar & PAN of authorized signatory
Step 1: Trademark Search
Checking the availability of the proposed name/logo.
Step 2: Filing Application (Form TM-A)
Application is filed under the appropriate class (1 to 45).
Step 3: Allotment of Application Number
Applicant can immediately start using ™ symbol.
Step 4: Examination by Registry
Registrar examines and may raise objections.
Step 5: Reply to Examination Report
Legal reply must be filed if objections appear.
Step 6: Publication in Trademark Journal
Trademark is published for 4 months for public opposition.
Step 7: Registration & Certificate
If no opposition is received, the ® registration certificate is issued.
Trademark is valid for 10 years.
Can be renewed every 10 years indefinitely.
After registration, the applicant can use the symbol ®.
Trademark classes are divided into Goods (Classes 1–34) and Services (Classes 35–45).
A. GOODS (CLASS 1–34)
Class 1
Chemicals used in industry, science, agriculture, fertilizers, adhesives.
Class 2
Paints, varnishes, lacquers, colorants, inks.
Class 3
Cosmetics, soaps, detergents, perfumes, beauty products.
Class 4
Industrial oils, greases, fuels, candles.
Class 5
Pharmaceuticals, medicines, health supplements, sanitizers.
Class 6
Common metals, metallic building materials, locks, hardware.
Class 7
Machines and machine tools, motors, engines, agricultural tools.
Class 8
Hand tools, cutlery, knives, agricultural implements (hand-operated).
Class 9
Electronics, computers, software, scientific devices, mobiles.
Class 10
Medical instruments, surgical devices, diagnostic tools.
Class 11
Apparatus for lighting, heating, cooking, cooling—fans, AC, geysers.
Class 12
Vehicles and transport equipment—cars, bikes, cycles, parts.
Class 13
Firearms, explosives.
Class 14
Jewelry, watches, precious metals.
Class 15
Musical instruments.
Class 16
Paper, stationery, books, packaging materials.
Class 17
Rubber, plastics, insulation material.
Class 18
Leather goods, bags, wallets, luggage.
Class 19
Non-metal building materials—cement, bricks, wood.
Class 20
Furniture, mirrors, cushions, mattresses.
Class 21
Household utensils, kitchenware, glassware.
Class 22
Ropes, nets, tents, sacks, tarpaulins.
Class 23
Yarns and threads.
Class 24
Textiles, bed covers, blankets, fabrics.
Class 25
Clothing, footwear, headgear.
Class 26
Lace, embroidery, ribbons, buttons, wigs.
Class 27
Carpets, rugs, mats, wallpaper.
Class 28
Games, toys, sports equipment.
Class 29
Meat, fish, dairy, oils, packaged foods (non-vegetarian & vegetarian).
Class 30
Flour, rice, bread, spices, sweets, tea, coffee.
Class 31
Agricultural products, seeds, live animals, fresh fruits & vegetables.
Class 32
Non-alcoholic beverages, mineral water, juices, soft drinks.
Class 33
Alcoholic beverages (except beer).
Class 34
Tobacco products, matches, lighters.
Class 35
Advertising, business management, retail/wholesale shops, online stores.
Class 36
Financial services, banking, real estate, insurance.
Class 37
Construction, repair, installation services.
Class 38
Telecommunication, broadcasting, online communication.
Class 39
Transport, travel, packaging, warehousing, logistics.
Class 40
Treatment of materials: recycling, printing, custom manufacturing.
Class 41
Education, training, entertainment, sports, cultural activities.
Class 42
Scientific & technology services, IT services, software development, R&D.
Class 43
Hotel, restaurant, catering, hospitality.
Class 44
Medical, beauty care, veterinary services, agriculture.
Class 45
Legal services, security services, social services for individuals.