Trademark Registration Cost in India: A Complete Guide

Do you want to know how much it costs to register a trademark in India? Whether you're planning to protect your business name, logo, or brand identity, understanding the complete breakdown of trademark registration fees is crucial before you begin the process.

At JustStart, we simplify trademark registration for startups, MSMEs, and entrepreneurs with complete transparency and expert guidance. This detailed blog will walk you through all the trademark registration costs, including government charges, professional fees, optional expenses, and more.

What is Trademark Registration?

Before we explore the costs, let’s quickly understand what trademark registration is.

A trademark is a legal identity for your brand; it could be your logo, business name, tagline, product name, or any combination of these. Registering a trademark under the Trademarks Act, 1999, provides you with exclusive ownership and legal protection against misuse, counterfeiting, or infringement.

Without registration, someone else could legally claim your brand elements. So, trademark registration is a low-cost, high-value investment in long-term brand security.

Why Understanding Trademark Fees is Important?

Many startups and small businesses hesitate to register trademarks because they are unsure about the trademark registration fees in India. This confusion often leads to delays, and in some cases, someone else ends up registering a similar or identical mark, putting your brand at risk.

Here’s why knowing the costs beforehand is crucial:

1. Better Budget Planning

When you understand the complete fee structure, you can allocate funds accordingly and avoid cash flow issues during the registration process.

2. Avoid Unexpected Expenses

Being aware of all possible charges, including government fees, professional services, and Trademark Renewal costs, helps prevent surprises down the line.

3. Choose the Right Filing Strategy

Knowing the cost per class or per mark enables you to decide whether to register your logo, brand name, or both, and in how many trademark classes.

4. Protection from Overcharging or Fraud

Clear fee knowledge empowers you to identify and avoid unauthorised agents or inflated service charges.

Trademark Registration Cost in India

The total cost of trademark registration in India depends on several factors, including the applicant type (individual, startup, company), the number of classes, and whether you hire a professional.

Here’s a detailed table showing all the components of trademark filing fees:

1. Government Trademark Filing Fees

Note: Startups and MSMEs get a 50% rebate in trademark fees if they provide a valid certificate of recognition.

These charges are per class, so if you’re registering your brand in multiple classes (e.g., clothing and cosmetics), you’ll need to pay for each class separately.

2. Professional/Attorney Fees (Optional but Recommended)

Trademark filing can be done by yourself or via a trademark attorney. Hiring a professional ensures proper classification, search, documentation, and legal drafting.

At JustStart, we offer all-inclusive packages to cover end-to-end registration, starting from just ₹7999, including govt fees for startups.

3. Trademark Logo Registration Cost

If you're registering a logo as a trademark, there is no additional cost involved if it’s in black & white or grayscale. However, if you’re registering a colour logo, you should provide the exact colour representation. The fee remains the same per class.

So, yes, the logo trademark cost is equal to standard trademark fees.

4. Trademark Search Fees (Optional)

Though not mandatory, it is highly advisable to conduct a trademark name search before filing your application. This helps identify if similar or identical trademarks already exist in the same class of goods or services.

• Self Search (Online): Free on the IP India website
• Professional Search: ₹500 – ₹1,500 (for accuracy and legal opinion)

A thorough trademark search prevents future legal issues like trademark objections or outright rejection by the registry. Many applications are denied simply because they closely resemble existing trademarks. By conducting a search early, you can modify or choose a unique mark, saving both time and re-filing costs in the long run.

5. Trademark Renewal Fees

A registered trademark is valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely every decade.

It’s recommended to renew your trademark 6 months before the expiry date to avoid surcharges. And, if you applied within 6 months after the expiry date, then the late fee will be ₹4500.

Trademark Registration Cost Difference of E-Filing vs Physical Filing

Total Cost of Trademark Registration

Here’s a quick estimation of the total trademark registration cost in India for various applicant types: Want a better deal? Contact JustStart for bundled offers on multi-class trademark filings.

Cost-Saving Tips for Trademark Filing

1. Register as a Startup/MSME

If you’re recognized as a Startup by DPIIT or registered under Udyam (MSME), you’re eligible for a 50% rebate on the government trademark registration fees. Instead of paying ₹9,000 per class, you only pay ₹4,500, cutting your costs significantly.

• Make sure to submit valid recognition certificates during filing to claim this benefit.

2. Use Trademark Bundled Packages

Opting for bundled trademark services from professionals (like JustStart) can save both money and hassle. These packages often include trademark search, filing, objection handling, and hearing support under a single, discounted price.

• This approach avoids piecemeal charges and ensures expert handling from start to finish.

3. Register Early

The sooner you register, the better. Delays can lead to someone else registering a similar or identical mark, putting your brand at risk and resulting in possible legal battles or costly rebranding.

• Early registration also reduces the risk of objections or opposition from existing rights holders.

4. File Online via Authorized Agents

E-filing your trademark through the official IP India portal or authorized agents is faster, cheaper, and more reliable than offline filing. E-filing fees are ₹500–₹1,000 lower per class, and you receive instant acknowledgement.

• Physical filing is time-consuming, more expensive, and not recommended unless unavoidable.

Conclusion

Understanding trademark registration fees is key to protecting your brand smartly and affordably. With government fees starting at just ₹4,500 and optional professional support available at reasonable rates, filing a trademark is now more accessible than ever.

At JustStart, we’re committed to helping you protect your brand identity without legal jargon or inflated costs. While you focus on growing your business, we will handle your trademark registration.

Ready to start your Trademark Registration? Contact JustStart now or explore our Trademark Registration Services.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1. Is there a difference in cost for wordmark and logo trademark registration?

No, whether you are registering a brand name or a logo, the cost will be the same for each trademark class. However, if you’re registering both separately, you may need to file two different applications, which doubles the cost.

Q2. Can I register a trademark myself to save costs?

Yes, you can file the application yourself on the IP India portal. However, DIY filings often result in objections due to incorrect class selection or improper documentation. Hiring a professional may seem like an added cost, but it saves time, money, and legal hassle in the long run.

Q3. Do I have to pay again if my application is rejected?

Unfortunately, yes. If your application is rejected and cannot be rectified, you’ll need to refile a new application and pay the applicable trademark filing fees again.

Q4. What happens if I miss the renewal deadline?

You can renew the trademark within six months of its expiry date by paying a late renewal fee. If not renewed within this grace period, the trademark will lapse, and you’ll lose legal rights over it.

Q5. Are trademark fees refundable if my application is withdrawn or abandoned?

No, once paid, the government trademark registration fee is non-refundable, even if you withdraw the application or it is abandoned due to non-compliance or inaction.

Q6. How many trademark classes can be applied for in one application?

You can apply for one or multiple classes, but each class will incur a separate fee. For example, filing in two classes means double the government fee (and possibly professional fees too).

Q7. Is the fee different for International Trademark Registration?

Yes, international trademark registration under the Madrid Protocol involves significantly higher fees, including WIPO handling fees and individual country fees. Domestic fee structures do not apply in this case.

Q8. Is there a fee for responding to a trademark objection?

The government doesn’t charge any additional fee for submitting a reply to a trademark objection. However, if you seek professional help, there may be a legal service charge ranging between ₹2,000 to ₹5,000, depending on the complexity of the response.

Q9. Can I claim MSME or Startup fee benefits if I’m a sole proprietor?

Yes, if you're a sole proprietor registered as an MSME or recognized as a Startup by DPIIT, you are eligible for the concessional fee of ₹4,500 per class instead of ₹9,000.

Q10. Do I need to pay anything after filing for trademark registration?

After the initial filing, there are no further government fees unless:

• You need to respond to objections/hearings (may involve legal charges).
• You are renewing after 10 years.
• You make any amendments or rectifications to the trademark