Protect Your Brand Legacy — Register Your Trademark with Corporate Verdict Today!

Trademark Registration

Trademark Registration is an essential legal process through which businesses gain the power to defend their brand identity, be it a name, logo, symbol, tagline, or design. The Trade Marks Act, 1999 oversees trademark registration, which confers your brand exclusive rights, legal status, and a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

For entrepreneurs, freelancers, consultants, and small business owners, a registered trademark guarantees that your intellectual property is protected from imitators, abuse, or brand weakening. It is an effective asset that establishes trust, credibility in the marketplace, and long-term worth.

While informal use of a name or logo cannot be formally protected, a registered trademark is your legal weapon — enforceable in courts and registries throughout India. Proper classification and documentation allow your trademark to be extended overseas as well.

Why Trademark Registration Matters:

✅Protects ownership of the brand across the country

✅Creates recognition and consumer loyalty

✅ Adds value to your business as an asset

✅ Attracts investors and business partners

✅Protects against theft and infringement of the brand

At Corporate Verdict, we make the whole process of trademark registration a breeze. From name search and class selection to filing, objection handling, and status monitoring — we see to it that your brand is safe with no hassle

📋 Benefits of Register a Trademark in India

✅ 1. Legal Protection

Trademark registration provides the owner exclusive legal rights to use the mark. If somebody uses a similar mark, you can sue for infringement, prevent them from using it, and seek compensati

✅ 2. Exclusive Brand Ownership

Once you're registered, your trademark is your intellectual property. You (or your licensees) alone can use it throughout your industry, granting you monopoly rights to your brand name or logo.

✅ 3. Builds Business Credibility

A registered trademark increases the trust and credibility of your brand in the eyes of consumers, investors, and partners. It shows your brand is reliable and established.

 ✅ 4. **Prevents Copycats and Imitation

Trademark protection prevents competitors or counterfeiters from misusing your brand name or logo, safeguarding you against brand dilution or consumer confusion.

✅ 5. Intangible Asset Creation

The trademark becomes an intangible business asset, similar to real estate or machinery. It increases in value over time and can be sold, licensed, or franchised for profit.

✅ 6. Helps in Business Expansion (India & Abroad)

A registered trademark assists in franchise expansion and international registration using the Madrid Protocol. This facilitates going global with your brand.

✅ 7. Facilitates Licensing & Franchising Opportunities

You can license your brand out and generate income through royalties. This is particularly effective for product brands, cafes, consulting businesses, or franchise-based enterprises.

✅ 8. **Enhances Brand Value in Mergers & Acquisitions

When selling or merging your company, a registered trademark adds significant value. Buyers see the brand identity as a critical business asset, often affecting valuation.

✅ 9. Protects Online Brand Identity

Trademark registration can protect your domain name, social media handles, and digital content from being misused by cybercasters or fake sellers.

✅ 10. Right to Use ® Symbol

Once you have registered, you can apply the ® symbol alongside your brand, which provides your brand with a stamp of authority and authenticity. This also openly informs other parties of your legal rights.

🧾 Eligibility Criteria for Trademark Registration in India

✅ 1. Person (Individual)

* Individual can apply for a trademark for personal purposes or business. * No need to have a registered business.

✅ 2. Proprietorship Firm

Application should be submitted in the *name of the owner**. * Trading name (if any) can be added as "Trading As"

✅ 3. Partnership Firm

All *partner names** should be included in the application. A *partnership firm** cannot itself be the applicant.

✅ 4. Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

An LLP may apply in its *own name**. * Individual partners' names need not be mentioned.

✅ 5. Private Limited / Public Limited Company

The application can be made by a registered company in the *company name only**, and not in the names of its directors.

✅ 6. Trust or Society

Registered *trusts, societies, or non-profits** can apply for trademark in their institutional name on behalf of their authorized signatory.

✅ 7. Foreign Nationals or Companies

* Foreigners can file for trademark registration in India. Have to file under *Madrid Protocol** or directly under Indian TM Act.

 ✅ 8. Use of the Mark

The applicant should be *utilizing the trademark** or planning to do so in the near future.

✅ 9. Distinctive Nature

The mark should be *distinctive** and unique (not generic or descriptive). * Must not infringe on other trademarks.

📚 Trademark Types Explained – Choose What’s Right for You

The following is a step-by-step explanation of each trademark registration type in India, along with use and legal importanc

✅1. Product Mark (TM)

A Product Mark is employed to distinguish physical products or goods that are produced or sold by a business.* It builds a brand name in the market. It generally belongs to *classes 1 to 34** of the trademark classification.* Example: "Amul" for dairy products, "Nestlé" for packaged food.

✅2. Service Mark (SM)

A Service Mark identifies services and not tangible goods. Found in *service industries** such as finance, telecom, hospitality, and transport. It comes under *classes 35 to 45**. * Example: "ICICI Bank" (banking service), "Zomato" (food delivery).

✅3. Collective Mark

Applied by an association, group, or organization to signify common characteristics or origin of products/services.

Used by all members but the *collective entity** is the owner. * Example: "CA" (employed by Chartered Accountants of India), "FICCI". Governed by *Section 61-68** of the Trade Marks Act, 1999.

✅4. Certification Mark

A Certification Mark guarantees that a product or service satisfies specific standards of quality, origin, material, or process of manufacture. Given by *certifying bodies which are authorized**. * May not be used by the owner of the mark. * Example: ISI mark (BIS certified), "FSSAI" logo (food safety), AGMARK (agricultural produce).

✅5. Shape Mark

Shape marks safeguard the unique shape or packaging of a product which enables customers to identify the brand. Have to establish that the shape is *not functional** and is distinctive. * Example: The distinctive-shaped Coca-Cola bottle, Toblerone chocolate.

✅6. Pattern Mark

Used to protect unique designs or patterns that form a part of a product's appearance. Should be *non-functional** and unique. * Example: Fashion designs like designer fabric or accessory patterns such as

Louis Vuitton monogram pattern.

✅7. Sound Mark

A Sound Mark is an original sound or tune of music that is related to a brand, known to consumers. Should be submitted in *MP3 format with musical notations**. * Example: ICICI Bank jingle, Nokia ringtone, Intel chime. * Sound marks have been accepted in India since 2009.

✅8. Color Mark

A Color Mark safeguards the distinctive color or blend of colors utilized by a brand that has developed distinctiveness. Difficult to register except where the color is *commonly known**. * Example: Cadbury chocolate Purple color, Blue color of Tiffany & Co. jewelry.

✅9. Logo and Symbol Mark

A Logo/Symbol Mark is the graphic symbol of a business or brand. Provides visual identification even without words. * Example: Apple logo, Mercedes-Benz star, Adidas stripes. Can be used together with a *word mark**.

✅10. Word Mark

A Word Mark is text-only representation of a brand. Provides wide protection as it includes *stylistic variations** of the name. * Example: "Google", "Zara", "Reliance". Most *frequently registered trademark**.

✅11. Series Mark

The mark is employed when a brand applies a common prefix/suffix for a series of products or services. * Maintains consistency and brand identity in offerings. * Example: "Mc" in McDonald's products – McAloo, McVeggie, McChicken.

✅12. Well-Known Mark

A Well-Known Trademark is a mark that is commonly known by the public and receives protection in all classes without actually being registered in those classes. Known under *Section 2(zg)** of Trade Marks Act. * Example: "Google", "Apple", "Nike", even if not doing business in a specific line of products in India. * The Registrar of Trademarks keeps a register of such marks.

🔐 What You Need: Documents for Brand Name or Logo Registration

Here is a comprehensive list of documents needed for Brand Name or Logo (Trademark) Registration in India, which is applicable for individuals, startups, and businesses:

✅ 1. Identity Proof of Applicant

As per the applicant, submit one of the following:

*Proprietor/Individual: PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Voter ID* Company/LLP/Partnership: Certificate of Incorporation / Partnership Deed * Nidhi Company: Nidhi Company Recognition Certificate (if available – for fee rebate)

✅2. Address Proof of Applicant

Any one of the following:* Aadhaar Card * Voter ID * Passport * Utility Bill (Electricity/Water/Gas/Telephone – not more than 2 months old)

✅3. Logo or Trademark Image (if any)

Optional: If you are registering a *word mark**, logo is not necessary. If you're registering a *device mark or stylized logo**, provide: * Format: JPG/PNG Size: Maximum 8 cm x 8 cm High resolution, clean design

✅ 4. Brand Name / Trademark to be Registered

The actual *word/phrase** or logo you wish to trademark

✅ 5. User Affidavit (if prior use claimed)

In case of usage of the trademark before application date, file an affidavit: * Date of first use declaration * Type of usage (on invoices, website, packaging, etc.)

✅ 6. Goods or Services Description

Brief *description of goods/services** provided under this brand Shall correspond to the relevant *Class under NICE Classification (1–45)**

✅ 7. Power of Attorney (Form TM-48)

* For delegation to a trademark attorney/consultant to make an application on your behalf Shall be *signed by the applicant**

✅ 8. Email ID and Mobile Number

* Active and reachable contact details To be used for *OTP verification** and formal communication

✅ 9. Marketing Material or Website (optional but helpful)

* Brochure, URL of the website, Invoice, Social media handle reflecting brand use Supports your proof of use in *prior use affidavit**

⚠️ Notes:

For *foreign applicants**, home country passport and address proof is required.

For *startups & MSMEs**, registration certificate issued by the government assists in receiving 50% fee concession.

🏢Step-by-Step Trademark Registration Process in India

A Step-by-Step Trademark Registration Process in India with neat and professional structure is here:

✅ Step 1: Trademark Search

You should do a trademark availability search on the IP India website prior to applying to find out if the name/logo is already registered or pending.

✅ Step 2: Select Trademark Class

India has adopted the Nice Classification (45 classes). Select the appropriate class depending on the nature of goods/services.

✅ Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

Collect necessary documents like: * Brand Name / Logo / Slogan * Proof of Applicant's Identity & Address * Proof of Business Registration (if applicable) * Power of Attorney (Form TM-48)

✅ Step 4: File Trademark Application (Form TM-A)

Submit online via the IP India portal or offline at the Trademark Registry. Important information: * Applicant information* Class and goods/services description * Attachments: logo, documents

✅ Step 5: Allotment of Application Number

On submission, you get acknowledgment and a Trademark Application Number. You are free to use ™ symbol right away.

✅ Step 6: Vienna Codification

Trademark Registry uses Vienna Codification for symbols/logos. It is an internal classifying step and does not need input from the applicant.

✅ Step 7: Trademark Examination

The application is checked by a Trademark Examiner who may: * Accept it* Raise objections (Section 9 or 11) * Ask for clarification

✅ Step 8: Reply to Examination Report

If objected, a reply must be filed within 30 days with legal reasoning, evidence of use, or clarification.

✅ Step 9: Show Cause Hearing (If Needed)

If the examiner is not satisfied, a hearing is scheduled. Your legal representative can appear and explain the case.

✅ Step 10: Publication in Trademark Journal

If accepted, the trademark is published in the Trademark Journal for 4 months, during which others can oppose it.

✅ Step 11: Opposition (If Any)

If no opposition is filed or if opposition is rejected, the application continues. If opposed, a legal process is initiated.

✅ Step 12: Trademark Registration Certificate

If no opposition or successful defense, the Trademark Registration Certificate is issued. You can use the ® symbol now.

🤝 Why Choose Corporate Verdict for Your Trademark Registration?

✅ Why Corporate Verdict for Your Trademark Registration?

" Registration of Trademark at Corporate Verdict goes beyond paperwork — we act as vigilant custodians of your brand, ensuring it stays protected, respected, and legally secure at every step."

🔒 End-to-End Legal Assistance

From name search to final registration, we manage each phase of the trademark process with professional care and attention to detail.

⚡ Rapid & Hassle-Free Filing

Our efficient online process ensures your trademark filing happens fast — without paperwork hassles.

🧠Handled by Trademark Experts

Your matter is handled by skilled professionals and registered agents who are familiar with IP legislation, brand strategy, and government procedures.

💼Affordable & Transparent Pricing

No surprises. Transparent, upfront pricing that makes sense for startups, MSMEs, and expanding businesses.

📈 Trusted by 5,000+ Entrepreneurs

Our clients trust us to guard what they've established. We've assisted thousands in guarding their brand name all over India.

📞 Support Team Dedicated to You

Got questions? Your very own consultant is a call or WhatsApp away — no bots, only genuine assistance.

🌐All India Coverage – 100% Online

Wherever you are in India, we're there. Begin your trademark journey directly from your phone or laptop.

Contact us Now !

Get in touch

Have questions or need help with business registration, legal compliance, or corporate services?

Feel free to reach out to us:

📞 Call or WhatsApp: +91-7303632352

📧 Email: info@corporateverdict