What does a trademark mean?

A trademark is a unique brand name or logo that is used to differentiate your brand from others in the industry. It can be a word, letter, number, phrase, symbol, shape or a combination of these. You need trademark registration for the legal protection of your brand name/logo.

Which trademarks cannot be registered?

Any trademark that is identical to an existing registered trademark or the trademark for which the application of registration has already been made, cannot be registered.

Why Trademark application is required?

Getting the registration for trademark has several benefits, here are a few among them: -

1. It provides exclusive right to you on your brand
2. It protects your brand and other assets from copyright issues
3. It protects your goodwill in the industry
4. Others cannot promote the same brand
5. It protects your trade across the country

Can someone register trademark before starting the business?

Yes, people can register a trademark before starting their business.

Is it possible to get Global Trademark?

No, one cannot get Global Trademark, as they are territory bound.

Till when is a Trademark valid?

A trademark is valid upto 10 years from the date of application.

When are the symbols “TM” and “R” used?

Symbols like “TM” and “R” are used for the filing of Trademark Application and Registration of Trademark, respectively.

What is NICE classification?

The Nice Classification (NCL) is an international system used to classify goods and services for the purposes of the registration of marks. It has total 45 classes (1-34 for products and 35-45 for services).

What are the government fees applicable for trademark registration?

The government fees for trademark registration is Rs.9000 per application per class for company. The government fees for trademark registration is Rs.4500 per application per class for individual.

Will my trademark registration be valid for all types of services and goods?

Trademark registrations are distinctive to the goods or services they represent. The registrations are product/service specific and are made under a "Class" of goods or service it represents. The trademark registration will therefore be valid for the entire class of goods or service it represents.