Official trademark fees in India depend on three things:
- Who the applicant is. Individuals, start-ups and small enterprises pay a reduced fee.
- How you file. E-filing costs less than physical filing.
- How many classes. Fees are charged per mark, per class.
Filing fees
| Applicant | E-filing | Physical filing |
|---|---|---|
| Individual, start-up or small enterprise | INR 4,500 | INR 5,000 |
| All other applicants | INR 9,000 | INR 10,000 |
Per mark, per class. A three-class application by a company costs INR 27,000 in official fees when filed online.
The reduced rate for individuals, start-ups and small enterprises is a meaningful concession, and eligibility should be checked before filing rather than assumed. Supporting documentation, such as a Udyam registration or start-up recognition, is generally required to claim it.
Other common fees
| Action | Form | Fee (e-filing) |
|---|---|---|
| Notice of opposition | TM-O | INR 2,700 per class |
| Counter-statement | TM-O | INR 2,700 per class |
| Renewal | TM-R | INR 9,000 per class |
| Renewal surcharge (within 6 months of expiry) | TM-R | INR 4,500 per class |
| Restoration | TM-R | INR 9,000 per class, plus renewal fee |
| Assignment, pending application | TM-M | INR 900 per mark |
| Assignment, registered mark | TM-P | INR 9,000 per mark |
| Advertisement of assignment without goodwill | TM-P | INR 2,700 |
| Change of name, registered mark | TM-P | INR 1,800 per mark |
| Change of address or agent | TM-M / TM-P | INR 900 per mark |
| Adjournment of hearing | TM-M | INR 900 |
| Well-known mark determination | TM-M | INR 100,000 per mark |
Why e-filing is cheaper
The differential is deliberate policy. When the Trade Marks Rules were overhauled, one stated objective was to encourage e-filing, and the fee structure was set to make online filing the cheaper route.
The same overhaul reduced the number of forms substantially, from 78 to a much smaller set. Applications are now filed on Form TM-A regardless of the type of mark. See types of trademark application.
What official fees do not include
The figures above are what the Registry charges. They do not include:
- Professional fees for drafting the specification, conducting searches and prosecuting the application.
- Search costs, if you commission a clearance search before filing.
- Affidavit of use, where the application claims a date of first use.
- Responses to examination reports, hearings and opposition proceedings.
For most applicants the professional element exceeds the official fee, particularly where objections are raised.
Budgeting realistically
A single-class application that proceeds smoothly to registration is the cheap case. Two things commonly change the number:
Objections. Around a large proportion of applications draw an examination report. Responding, and attending a hearing if one is appointed, adds cost.
Opposition. If someone opposes, you are into a contested proceeding with evidence stages that can run for years. See trademark opposition.
Filing in the right classes with a well-drafted specification, after a proper search, is the most effective way to keep total cost down. Most expensive trademark matters became expensive at the filing stage.
Fees change
Official fees are set by the Trade Marks Rules and are revised from time to time. The figures above reflect the position as at the date of this page.
Always verify current fees on the IP India e-filing portal before filing, particularly if you are working from a fee schedule or an article published some time ago.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to register a trademark in India? INR 4,500 per class for individuals, start-ups and small enterprises filing online, or INR 9,000 per class for other applicants. Professional fees are additional.
Is the fee per application or per class? Per class. A multi-class application still attracts the fee for each class covered.
Who qualifies for the reduced fee? Individuals, start-ups and small enterprises. Documentation supporting eligibility is generally required.
Is e-filing cheaper? Yes. The differential is intentional, to encourage online filing.
Are official fees refundable if my application is refused? No. Official fees are not refunded if the application does not proceed to registration.
Do I pay again at registration? No separate registration fee is payable where the application proceeds normally. Renewal falls due ten years from the registration date. See renewal and restoration.
Useful official resources
- IP India e-filing portal — current fee schedule
- IP India public search
- Trade Marks Act, 1999
Want a full cost estimate for your portfolio, official and professional fees together? Talk to us.