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Logo Registration vs Trademark Registration in India
"Logo registration" and "trademark registration" get used interchangeably, but they protect different things under different laws. Here's exactly what each one covers, and which one your brand actually needs.
- Clear side-by-side comparison
- Trademark filed within 24-48 hours
- Transparent, fixed pricing
- WhatsApp support through filing
50,000+Customers served
24-48 HrsApplication filing time
1Class covered in this plan
Trademark Registration Plan
Trademark Registration Package
₹1,999
+ Govt Fee (₹4,500)
- Trademark Availability Search
- Trademark Registration Under One Class
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Quick Answer
What is the difference between logo registration and trademark registration?
"Logo registration" in India usually refers to copyright registration of the logo as an original artistic work, protected under the Copyright Act, 1957. Trademark registration protects the logo (or brand name) as a commercial identifier under the Trade Marks Act, 1999, giving you the exclusive right to use it for specific goods or services. In short: copyright protects the artwork itself, and trademark protects the brand's use of that artwork in the marketplace.
Most businesses actually need trademark registration, not copyright, because the real risk is a competitor using a similar name or logo to sell competing products — something only trademark law addresses. Copyright registration is useful too, but mainly for proving original authorship of the design, not for stopping brand confusion in the market.
You can register a logo as a trademark alone, a wordmark and logo together, or pursue both copyright and trademark protection for maximum coverage. Our team files under the device mark category explained in our trademark types guide if you want the logo itself protected as your brand identifier.
Why the difference matters before you file anything
Filing the wrong type of protection — or assuming one covers what the other does — leaves real gaps in how your brand is defended.
01
Only a trademark stops brand confusion
Copyright alone can't stop a competitor from using a similar name or logo to sell competing goods or services.
02
Copyright proves original authorship
Registering the logo's copyright creates strong evidence of who designed it and when, useful in design disputes.
03
Trademark protection is category-specific
Trademark rights apply to the class of goods/services you register under — not automatically to every industry.
04
Copyright lasts far longer, automatically
Copyright in an artistic work lasts the author's lifetime plus 60 years, without needing renewal fees.
05
Trademarks need renewal, but stay commercially active
A trademark must be renewed every 10 years, but gives ongoing exclusive commercial rights while active.
06
Together, they cover both angles
Filing both gives you authorship proof over the design and exclusive commercial rights over its brand use.
Side-by-Side
Logo registration (copyright) vs trademark registration
Both protect intellectual property, but they answer completely different legal questions.
| Aspect | Logo Registration (Copyright) | Trademark Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Governing law | Copyright Act, 1957 | Trade Marks Act, 1999 |
| What it protects | The artistic design/graphic work itself | The logo/name as a commercial brand identifier |
| Registering authority | Copyright Office | Trade Marks Registry |
| Scope of protection | Applies to the artwork, regardless of industry | Applies only to the registered class of goods/services |
| Duration | Author's lifetime + 60 years | 10 years, renewable indefinitely |
| Symbol used | © (copyright) | ® (once registered), TM while pending |
| Stops brand confusion? | Not directly — protects copying of the artwork | Yes — this is its core purpose |
| Typical use case | Proving original design authorship | Preventing others from trading under a similar mark |
Want copyright protection for your logo artwork as well? See our copyright registration service alongside trademark filing.
Decision Guide
Which one does your business actually need?
Most businesses need trademark registration first. Copyright is a useful addition, not a substitute.
You want to stop copycats using your brand
You need trademark registration. This is the only protection that lets you legally stop another business from trading under a similar name or logo.
You want proof you designed the logo first
Copyright Registration helps here — it creates a dated public record of your original artistic work.
You're building a serious, long-term brand
File both. Trademark protects your commercial use of the logo; copyright protects the design itself from being copied outright.
Before You Apply
Information required for trademark application filing
Keep the following details ready — our team uses this to prepare and file your trademark application within 24-48 hours.
- Applicant / Authorised Signatory Name
- Applicant / Authorised Signatory Father's Name
- Applicant / Authorised Signatory Address
- Name of Company (if any)
- MSME Registration Certificate (if any)
- Trademark Logo in JPEG Format (if any)
- List of Products or Services
- Trademark Class
- Company Email ID and Mobile Number
Process
How to apply for trademark registration
A simple 3-step process from order to filed application — no office visits, no paperwork courier.
Step 1
Place your order
Choose the Trademark Registration Plan and complete secure payment via the Apply Now button above.
Step 2
Submit your documents
Email your details to help@setupfiling.in or WhatsApp them to +91 98182 09246.
Step 3
Get your filed application
Our team files your trademark application and shares the filed documents within 24-48 hours.
After Filing
What happens after your trademark application is filed
Filing is just the start. Here's the typical journey your application takes at the Trade Marks Registry.
Day 1-2
Application filed & TM-A allotted
Your application is filed online and you receive an application number for tracking.
1-3 months
Examination by the Registrar
The Registrar checks for conflicts with existing marks and either accepts the mark or raises an objection.
If accepted
Journal publication
The mark is published in the Trade Marks Journal for public viewing, opening a 4-month opposition window.
4-month window
Opposition period
Third parties may oppose the mark. If no opposition is filed, the application proceeds to registration.
Final stage
Registration certificate issued
Once cleared, the Registry issues the registration certificate and the ® symbol can be legally used.
Know the Terms
Copyright and trademark terms every founder should know
Artistic WorkA category under copyright law that includes original logos, illustrations and graphic designs.
Device MarkA Trademark Registered as a logo, symbol or stylised design rather than plain text.
WordmarkA trademark registered as plain text — the brand name without a logo style.
NICE ClassificationThe 45-class system used to categorise goods and services under trademark law.
Passing OffA legal claim used when a well-known but unregistered mark is copied by another business.
AssignmentThe legal transfer of copyright or trademark ownership from one party to another.
Related Services
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FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Is logo registration the same as trademark registration?
No, they are different. "Logo Registration" generally refers to copyright registration of the artistic design, while trademark registration protects the logo as a commercial brand identifier under a specific class.
Do I need both copyright and trademark for my logo?
It's not mandatory, but it's common for serious brands to file both — trademark to stop brand confusion in the market, and copyright to prove original authorship of the design.
Which one stops a competitor from copying my logo?
Trademark registration is the stronger tool for this, since it directly addresses use of a similar mark in commerce for competing goods or services.
How much does trademark registration cost for a logo?
The total cost is ₹1,999 as the professional filing fee plus ₹4,500 as the government fee for one class, making the effective cost ₹6,499 for a startup or individual applicant.
How long does copyright protection last compared to trademark?
Copyright in an artistic work lasts for the author's lifetime plus 60 years and does not require renewal. Trademark registration lasts 10 years and must be renewed to stay active.
Can I use the ® symbol after copyright registration?
No, the ® symbol can only be used after trademark registration is complete. Copyright registration uses the © symbol instead.
Can I trademark just the logo without the brand name?
Yes, a logo can be registered on its own as a device mark, separately from or alongside the wordmark (brand name).
Is trademark registration mandatory to legally use a logo?
No, you can use a logo without registering it, but you get no exclusive legal protection against copycats until it is registered as a trademark.
What documents are needed to register a logo as a trademark?
You need the applicant's name, father's name and address, company name (if any), MSME certificate (if any), the logo in JPEG format, product/service list, trademark class, and a valid email and mobile number.
If I designed the logo myself, do I still need to register it?
Yes, being the designer gives you authorship, but registration — whether copyright or trademark — is what gives you an enforceable legal record and stronger protection.
Protect your logo the right way — as a trademark
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