Trademark Registration Bangalore: Fees, Eligibility & Steps
You have a business name, logo, or product brand that customers recognise. But is it legally protected?
A trademark registration gives your brand statutory protection and helps establish your rights over the mark in relation to the goods or services for which it is registered.
Whether you are a startup in Koramangala, an established business in Whitefield, or a company serving customers across India, the Trade Marks Act, 1999, governs the trademark registration process nationwide.
Planning to register your brand or business name?
Trademark Registration at a Glance
|
You want to know |
Quick answer |
|
Where do I apply? |
Online through the Trade Marks Registry |
|
Who can apply? |
Individuals, companies, LLPs, startups, proprietorships and other eligible applicants |
|
Government fee |
₹4,500 per mark/class for Individual/Startup/Small Enterprise; ₹9,000 for other applicants |
|
Validity |
10 years, renewable indefinitely |
|
Can I use ™ after filing? |
Yes |
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Can I use ® before registration? |
No |
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How long does it take? |
Depends on examination, objections and opposition; an uncontested application can take several months |
Professional fees are separate from government fees.
What Can You Trademark?
It’s not just a business name.
|
Type |
What can be protected? |
|
Word Mark |
Brand/business name |
|
Logo Mark |
Logo or artistic representation |
|
Tagline |
Distinctive slogan |
|
Label |
Combination of brand, design and artwork |
|
Other marks |
Certain shapes, sounds and other distinctive marks, subject to legal requirements |
If the brand name itself is important to your business, consider whether you should protect the word mark, rather than relying only on a logo registration.
How Does the Process Work?
Search → Filing → Examination → Publication → 4-month Opposition Period → Registration
There is no guaranteed overall registration timeline. A straightforward application may take several months, while objections, hearings or third-party opposition can substantially extend the process.
What Documents Do You Need?
Don’t worry — the documentation is generally straightforward.
|
Applicant |
Common requirements |
|
Individual |
Identity/address details, trademark details and mark/logo |
|
Company |
Incorporation details, authorised signatory details and trademark details |
|
LLP / Partnership |
Registration documents and authorised signatory details |
|
Startup / Small Enterprise |
Relevant registration/proof if claiming the concessional government fee |
|
Prior-use claim |
User affidavit and supporting evidence, where applicable |
How Much Does It Cost?
The government fee depends on who is applying and how many classes are being filed.
|
Applicant category |
E-filing fee* |
|
Individual / Startup / Small Enterprise |
₹4,500 per mark, per class |
|
Other applicants |
₹9,000 per mark, per class |
3 Things to Check Before You File
01 — Is the name actually available?
A Google search is not a trademark search. Similar registered and pending marks also need to be considered.
02 — Are you filing in the right class?
Your trademark protects you in relation to the goods/services covered by the registration. Choosing the right class is therefore critical.
03 — Who should own the trademark?
If your business operates through a company, think carefully before registering the brand personally in the promoter’s name. The intended long-term owner should generally be identified correctly at the outset.
One Common Misunderstanding
“I have filed my trademark, so it’s registered.”
❌ Not quite.
Application filed ≠ Trademark registered.
After filing, the application goes through examination and, if accepted, publication in the Trade Marks Journal. Third parties get an opportunity to oppose the application before registration is completed.
Until registration, use ™ — not ®.
Conclusion
Your brand may take years to build.
Protecting it should not be an afterthought.
A well-planned trademark search, correct class selection and properly prepared application can help avoid unnecessary complications later — particularly when your business starts attracting customers, investors or competitors.
Building a brand in Bangalore? Start by checking whether you can protect it.
Chhota CFO can assist with trademark search, class selection, application filing and ongoing support through the registration process.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Trademark registration is subject to the Trade Marks Act, 1999, the Trade Marks Rules, 2017 and the examination process of the Trade Marks Registry.
