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🇮🇳 India Trademark Guide 2026
How to Check Trademark Status in India
Step-by-step guide to check trademark registration status online using the IP India portal. Know your TM application status, search availability, and understand what each status means — in under 10 minutes.
🎯 Quick Answer
To check trademark status in India: visit ipindiaonline.gov.in → Trademark → Public Search, enter your brand name or application number, choose the relevant class, and click Search. The portal shows whether your trademark is Registered, Pending, Objected, Opposed, or Abandoned — completely free of cost.
What is a Trademark Status Check?
A trademark status check is the process of verifying the current stage of a trademark application or confirming whether an existing brand name is legally protected under the Trade Marks Act, 1999. The Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks (CGPDTM) maintains a public database through the IP India portal where anyone can search and check trademark details for free.
Checking trademark status is essential before you apply for trademark registration, launch a new brand, or verify whether a competitor's mark is actually registered. It helps you avoid trademark infringement and make informed business decisions.
Why Check Trademark Status?
- Before brand launch: Confirm your chosen brand name or logo is not already trademarked by someone else.
- After filing: Track the progress of your own trademark application using the application number.
- For legal due diligence: Business acquisitions, licensing deals, or investor checks may require TM status verification.
- Monitoring competitors: Check if a competitor's trademark is lapsed, abandoned, or nearing renewal.
- Responding to notices: If you receive a cease-and-desist or opposition, verify the opposing party's trademark status.
Step-by-Step Process
How to Check Trademark Status Online in India
The entire process takes under 10 minutes and requires no login. Here is how to check trademark status on the IP India public search portal.
1
Open the IP India Trademark Public Search Portal
Go to ipindiaonline.gov.in and click on Trademark → Public Search. The direct URL is ipindiaonline.gov.in/tmrpublicsearch/frmmain.aspx. This portal is managed by the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks (CGPDTM).
💡 Tip: The portal works best on Chrome or Firefox. If the page doesn't load, try clearing your browser cache or opening in incognito mode.
2
Select the Type of Search
The portal offers multiple search types:
- Wordmark — Search by the text/word of the brand name (most common)
- Vienna Code — Search by graphical elements of a device/logo mark
- Phonetic — Find marks that sound similar (useful for detecting conflicts)
💡 Tip: For checking a brand name, always use Wordmark search. For logos, use Vienna Code.
3
Enter the Trademark Name or Application Number
In the search field, type the trademark name (e.g., "ZOMATO", "SETUPFILING") or paste your 7-digit application number. You can also search by the applicant/proprietor's name to see all trademarks filed by a particular person or company.
💡 Tip: Use the "Contains" search modifier (not "Exact") to catch all variations — including plurals and slight misspellings.
4
Select the Trademark Class (Nice Classification)
Trademarks are registered class-wise under the Nice Classification system (45 classes covering different goods and services). Select the class relevant to your business. If unsure, choose "All Classes" to get a complete picture.
💡 Tip: Class 35 covers retail/marketing services, Class 41 covers education, Class 42 covers IT/software, and Class 25 covers clothing. Use the class guide on our trademark page for help.
5
Click Search and Review Results
Hit the Search button. The portal will display a list of matching trademarks with details including: Application Number, Trademark Name, Class, Proprietor Name, Filing Date, Valid Up To, and Current Status.
6
Interpret the Trademark Status
Click on any result to see the full status history. The status field tells you exactly where the trademark stands in the registration lifecycle — explained in detail in the section below.
Status Definitions
What Does Each Trademark Status Mean?
The IP India portal shows one of several statuses for each trademark. Here is what each one means and what action you may need to take.
Registered
Trademark Registered
The trademark is fully protected under the Trade Marks Act. Owner can use ® symbol and take legal action against infringement. Valid for 10 years.
Formalities Chk Pass / Sent for Exam
Pending Examination
The application has passed initial formality checks and is queued for examination by the Trademark Registrar. No action needed yet.
Objected
Examination Report Raised
The examiner has raised an objection under Section 9 or 11. You must file a reply within 30 days or request a hearing. Consult a trademark objection expert.
Opposed
Third-Party Opposition Filed
A third party has opposed your trademark after it was published in the Trademark Journal. A hearing before the Registrar is required. Timely counter-statement is crucial.
Abandoned
Application Abandoned
The applicant did not respond to objections or failed procedural requirements. The mark is no longer in the registry queue. A fresh application may be needed.
Accepted & Advertised
Published in TM Journal
The mark has been accepted and published in the Trademark Journal for 4 months for public opposition. If no opposition, it moves to registration.
Send to Vienna Codification
Logo Being Coded
Device/logo marks are being assigned Vienna codes (graphical classification). This is a standard processing step — no action needed.
Renewed
Trademark Renewed
The trademark has been successfully renewed for another 10-year term. Protect your brand long-term with timely trademark renewal.
Trademark Timeline
Trademark Registration Process in India — End to End
Understanding the trademark registration process helps you track exactly where your application stands at each milestone.
Day 1–2
Filing of Trademark Application (TM-A)
Submit Form TM-A on the IP India portal. An application number is generated immediately. A TM–™ symbol can be used from this date (not ®).
1–3 months
Formality Check & Examination
The Registrar examines the mark for distinctiveness and potential conflicts under Sections 9 and 11 of the Trade Marks Act.
3–6 months
Examination Report / Objection (if any)
If objected, the applicant receives an examination report. A detailed reply — or a trademark objection reply — must be submitted within 30 days.
6–12 months
Accepted & Advertised in Trademark Journal
If the examiner is satisfied, the mark is accepted and published in the Trademark Journal for 4 months. Any third party can oppose during this window.
12–18 months
Opposition Period (4 months)
Third parties may file a Notice of Opposition. If filed, a trademark hearing is scheduled. If no opposition, the mark proceeds to registration.
18–24 months
Registration Certificate Issued
The Registry issues a Registration Certificate. The ® symbol can now be used legally. The registration is backdated to the original filing date and is valid for 10 years.
Before 10 years
Trademark Renewal (TM-R)
File Form TM-R to renew the trademark before expiry. Renewal can be filed 1 year before the expiry date.
Government Fees
Trademark Registration Fees in India (2026)
Government fees for Trademark Registration depend on applicant type. See the complete trademark registration fees guide for full details.
| Applicant Type | Online Filing (per class) | Offline Filing (per class) | Renewal (per class) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual / Startup / MSME / NGO | ₹4,500 | ₹5,000 | ₹9,000 (online) |
| Company / LLP / Partnership Firm | ₹9,000 | ₹10,000 | ₹18,000 (online) |
| Expedited Processing (Fast Track) | ₹20,000 (additional) | — | — |
| Trademark Objection Reply (TM-O) | No government fee | — | — |
⚠️ Important Note
The above are government fees only. Professional charges from trademark attorneys or agents like SetupFiling are separate. Fees apply per class — if you need protection across multiple product/service categories, each class requires a separate application.
How to Check Trademark Availability Before Applying
Before you apply for trademark registration, a thorough availability search reduces the risk of rejection or opposition. Here is a recommended three-step availability check process:
Step 1 — IP India Public Search
Do a wordmark search on the IP India portal for your exact brand name. Also search for phonetically similar names and common abbreviations. Check all relevant Nice classes.
Step 2 — Google & Domain Search
Even marks that are not registered may create common law rights if they have been used extensively. Search the name on Google, check domain registrations (WHOIS), and look at business directories like MCA.
Step 3 — Consult a Trademark Expert
A professional trademark attorney can conduct a comprehensive similarity search, assess the risk profile, and recommend filing strategy (word mark alone vs. logo+word, classes to file in). SetupFiling's experts are available for a free consultation.
✅ Pro Tip — Understanding Nice Classes
Many businesses file only in one class and later find competitors launching in adjacent categories under a similar mark. File in all relevant classes upfront. For example, a technology startup should consider Classes 9, 35, 38, and 42 depending on its exact products and services.
Types of Trademark You Can Register in India
Under the Trade Marks Act, 1999, the following types of trademark can be registered:
- Word Mark — A brand name in plain text (e.g., TATA, ZOMATO)
- Device Mark / Logo — A graphical design or logo. Also see logo registration
- Composite Mark — A combination of word and device (most common)
- Colour Mark — A specific colour combination used as a brand identifier
- Shape Mark — A distinctive product shape (e.g., Coca-Cola bottle shape)
- Sound Mark — A distinctive sound used in commerce
- Collective Mark — Used by members of an association or group
- Certification Mark — Indicates a standard or quality certification
How to Check Trademark Status by Application Number
If you have already filed a trademark and want to track its progress, the most reliable method is searching by your application number:
- Visit ipindiaonline.gov.in → Trademark → Status
- Enter your 7-digit application number in the field
- Click Search — the full status history will display
- You can also enable email alerts by registering on the portal
The status page also shows the next scheduled date for examination or hearing, making it easy to prepare your response in time. If your status shows "Objected" or "Opposed", act immediately — deadlines in trademark matters are strict and missing them can lead to automatic abandonment.
Difference Between ™ and ® Symbol in India
- ™ (TM symbol) — Can be used from the date of filing of a trademark application. It indicates the mark is claimed as a trademark but is not yet registered.
- ® (R symbol) — Can only be used after the Trademark Registry grants official Registration. Using ® before registration is a legal offence under Section 107 of the Trade Marks Act.
What Happens When a Trademark is Registered?
Once registered, the trademark owner gets:
- Exclusive right to use the mark in relation to registered goods/services
- Legal authority to file infringement cases in court
- Ability to license or franchise the brand
- Protection for 10 years, renewable indefinitely every 10 years via trademark renewal
- Customs recordal to block counterfeit imports
- Priority rights for international trademark filings under the Madrid Protocol
Related Intellectual Property Protections
Alongside trademark, consider these related IP protections to safeguard your business fully:
- Copyright Registration — For creative works, music, software, books, and artistic content
- Patent Registration — For inventions and novel technical solutions
- Design Registration — For the ornamental or aesthetic aspects of a product
Frequently Asked Questions
People Also Ask — Trademark Status & Search FAQs
Answers to the most common questions about how to check trademark status in India, trademark search, and registration process.
Visit the IP India public search portal at ipindiaonline.gov.in → Trademark → Public Search. Enter the trademark name or application number, select the relevant Nice class, and click Search. The portal displays current status — Registered, Pending, Objected, Opposed, or Abandoned — free of charge, instantly.
If there are no objections or oppositions, trademark registration in India typically takes 18 to 24 months from filing to final registration. A TM application number is generated within 1–2 working days. If an examination report is raised, responding promptly helps keep the timeline on track. Expedited processing (fast track) is available for an additional fee and can reduce examination time to 1 month.
An 'Objected' status means the Trademark Registrar's examiner has issued an Examination Report raising an objection — typically under Section 9 (absolute grounds, e.g., the mark is descriptive or generic) or Section 11 (relative grounds, e.g., it conflicts with an existing registered mark). You must file a Trademark Objection Reply within 30 days. Failure to respond within the deadline results in the application being treated as Abandoned.
Perform a three-step search: (1) Wordmark search on the IP India portal for exact and phonetically similar names; (2) Google & domain search to catch unregistered common-law marks; (3) Consult a trademark attorney for a comprehensive risk assessment. You should search across all relevant Nice classes, not just your primary class. SetupFiling provides a free preliminary availability check.
Yes. The IP India trademark search portal is completely open to the public. Anyone can search any trademark by name, application number, or applicant name without registration or login. This is useful before launching a new brand, filing an opposition, or conducting IP due diligence for business acquisitions.
Government fees are ₹4,500 per class for individuals, startups registered under DPIIT, and MSMEs (online filing). For companies, LLPs, and other entities the fee is ₹9,000 per class online. Fees apply separately for each Nice Class. Professional/attorney fees are additional. Visit our trademark fees page for a complete breakdown.
After registration, you receive a Trademark Registration Certificate and are entitled to use the ® symbol. The registration is valid for 10 years from the date of application (not registration) and can be renewed indefinitely every 10 years using Form TM-R. You gain exclusive rights to the mark in relation to registered goods/services and can file civil suits and criminal complaints against infringers.
The ™ symbol can be used from the date of filing a trademark application — it signals a claimed trademark right but is not legally registered. The ® symbol can only be used after the Trademark Registry issues an official Registration Certificate. Using ® before registration is an offence punishable under Section 107 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999.
On the IP India public search portal, select "Proprietor Name" or "Applicant Name" in the search type dropdown. Enter the company or individual's name and click Search. All trademark applications filed by that entity will appear, along with their current status and class details. This is particularly useful for due diligence during business acquisitions or partnership vetting.
Yes. Logos, symbols, and device marks can be registered as trademarks in India. Use the Vienna Code search to check existing logo marks. Logo trademarks are filed with the graphical representation and are given a Vienna classification code that describes the visual elements. You can register a combined mark (logo + brand name) or a standalone logo trademark.
Related Services
Trademark & Brand Protection Services
SetupFiling offers end-to-end trademark services. Explore related services below.
Trademark Registration
Online TM Registration
Trademark Fees India
TM Registration Process
Trademark Objection Reply
Trademark Renewal
Trademark Hearing
Logo TM Registration
Brand Name Registration
Apply for Trademark
Types of Trademark
Logo Registration
Copyright Registration
Patent Registration
Design Registration
Register Brand Online
Need Help with Trademark Registration or Objection Reply?
SetupFiling's expert trademark attorneys handle everything — from availability search and filing to objection replies, hearings, and renewals.