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Trademark Registration for Startups in India

Protect your startup's brand name, logo and tagline with a fast, fully online trademark application. Filed by in-house professionals, tracked from availability search to certificate.

  • Pan-India online filing
  • Filed within 24-48 hours
  • Transparent, fixed pricing
  • Dedicated filing support on WhatsApp
50,000+Customers served
24-48 HrsApplication filing time
1Class covered in this plan
Startup Trademark Plan

Trademark Registration Package

₹1,999 + Govt Fee (₹4,500)
  • Trademark Availability Search
  • Trademark Registration Under One Class
Apply Now for Trademark Chat on WhatsApp: +91 98182 09246

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Quick Answer

What is trademark registration for startups in India?

Trademark registration for startups in India is the legal process of registering a brand name, logo, tagline or symbol with the Trade Marks Registry under the Trade Marks Act, 1999. Once registered, the startup gets exclusive nationwide rights to use that mark for its goods or services, the right to use the ® symbol, and legal grounds to stop others from copying the brand. For a single class of goods or services, the total cost is ₹1,999 professional fee + ₹4,500 government fee, and filing is completed within 24-48 hours of receiving documents.

Every growing brand eventually competes for the same domain names, marketplace listings and customer trust — registering the trademark early is what lets a startup legally own its name before a competitor or a squatter files it first. Read more on the different types of trademark a startup can register before choosing a class.

Unlike company incorporation, which protects only the business name at the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, trademark registration protects the brand itself across every state, every marketplace and every industry channel where the registered class applies. A startup can incorporate as a private limited company and still lose its brand name to a third party if the trademark was never filed — the two protections are separate and both matter.

Trademark registration for startups in India - brand and logo protection process
Startups across India rely on SetupFiling.in to file, track and manage their trademark applications online.
Why It Matters

Why every Indian startup needs a registered trademark

A brand name without a trademark is unprotected. Anyone can copy it, register it first, or force a costly rebrand later. Registration converts a name into a legal asset.

01

Exclusive brand ownership

Nationwide legal right to use your brand name, logo or tagline for the goods/services in your chosen class.

02

Protection from copycats

Legal standing to send cease-and-desist notices and file infringement action against lookalike brands.

03

Investor and funding confidence

Investors and DPIIT-recognised programs view a registered mark as proof of a defensible, ownable brand.

04

Marketplace and app store approval

E-commerce marketplaces and app stores often ask for trademark proof before approving brand listings.

05

Right to use the ® symbol

Only a registered trademark can legally carry the ® mark, strengthening brand credibility with customers.

06

A licensable, sellable asset

A registered trademark can be licensed, franchised or sold — an asset that adds real valuation to your startup.

Who This Is For

Startups that should register a trademark first

If your business has a name customers will remember, that name is worth protecting before anyone else can file it.

D2C & e-commerce brands

Protect the brand name used on marketplaces, packaging and ads.

SaaS & tech startups

Secure the product name before it appears on app stores and investor decks.

Service businesses

Agencies, consultancies and studios building a name-based reputation.

Food & retail outlets

Lock in a brand name before opening a second location or franchise.

Before You Apply

Information required for trademark application filing

Keep the following details ready — our team uses this to prepare and file your 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 Startup Trademark 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 is 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.

Choosing a Class

Common trademark classes for startups

India follows the NICE Classification with 45 classes covering all goods and services. Most startups fall under one of these frequently filed classes.

ClassCategoryTypical Startups
Class 9Software, apps & electronicsSaaS platforms, mobile apps, IoT devices
Class 25Clothing & footwearApparel and fashion D2C brands
Class 30Food productsBakery, snacks, packaged food brands
Class 35Advertising & business servicesMarketing agencies, e-commerce, retail
Class 41Education & trainingEd-tech platforms, coaching institutes
Class 42IT & scientific servicesTech startups, IT consulting, SaaS
Class 43Food & accommodation servicesRestaurants, cafes, cloud kitchens
Class 44Medical & beauty servicesClinics, salons, wellness startups

Not sure which class fits your business? See the full guide on trademark types and classification.

Do It Yourself vs Professional Filing

Why startups choose professional trademark filing

Filing directly on the IP India portal is possible, but small errors in class selection or the goods/services description are the leading cause of objections and delays.

Filing it yourself

  • Time spent learning the IP India portal and NICE classification
  • Higher risk of class or description errors causing objections
  • No prior availability search before paying the government fee
  • No support if the Registry raises a query

    • Filing with SetupFiling.in

  • Trademark availability search done before filing
  • Application prepared and filed within 24-48 hours
  • Correct class and description drafted by our team
  • WhatsApp support for every step of the process
    • Know the Terms

    Trademark terms every startup founder should know

    TM SymbolUsed for a mark that is claimed but not yet registered.
    ® SymbolUsed only after the Trade Marks Registry has officially registered the mark.
    NICE ClassificationThe 45-class international system used to categorise goods and services.
    Trade Marks JournalThe official publication where accepted marks are listed for public opposition.
    OppositionA formal objection filed by a third party against a published trademark.
    Examination ReportThe Registrar's response listing objections, if any, to a filed application.
    Related Services

    Explore more brand and business registration services

    Everything a startup needs to build and protect its legal foundation, in one place.

    Register your logo as a trademark See the full trademark fee breakdown Understand the trademark filing process Learn the different types of trademarks Get help replying to a trademark objection Book assistance for a trademark hearing Renew an existing trademark online Protect original work with copyright registration Register a unique product design File a patent for your invention Get Startup India recognition Apply for DPIIT registration Obtain an MSME registration certificate Incorporate a private limited company View secure online payment options Browse all business registration services
    FAQs

    Frequently asked questions

    What is the cost of trademark registration for startups in India?

    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 trademark registration take in India?

    Your application is prepared and filed within 24-48 hours of receiving your documents. The Trade Marks Registry's examination and approval process typically takes several months after filing.

    What documents are required for trademark registration?

    You need the applicant's name, father's name and address, company name (if any), MSME certificate (if any), logo in JPEG format (if any), list of products/services, trademark class, and a valid email and mobile number.

    Can a startup apply for a trademark before launching its business?

    Yes. A trademark can be filed on a "proposed to be used" basis, allowing startups to secure their brand name before the product or service officially launches.

    What is the difference between the TM and ® symbols?

    The TM symbol can be used by anyone claiming rights to an unregistered mark, while the ® symbol can legally be used only after the trademark is officially registered with the Trade Marks Registry.

    How many trademark classes should a startup choose?

    Most startups begin with one class covering their core product or service category. This plan covers registration under one class; additional classes can be added separately as the business expands.

    What happens if someone objects to my trademark application?

    If the Registry or a third party raises an objection, a formal reply must be filed within the given timeline. Support for drafting and filing Trademark Objection replies is available separately.

    Does an MSME-registered startup get any fee benefit?

    Yes, individuals, startups and MSME-registered entities pay a lower government fee compared to other companies, provided a valid MSME or Udyam certificate is submitted with the application.

    Can I trademark just my logo, or only the brand name?

    Both can be registered, either separately or together. Registering the wordmark (brand name) and the logo as separate applications generally gives broader, more flexible protection.

    Is a trademark registration valid across all of India?

    Yes, once registered, a trademark is protected across the entire country for all classes and goods/services covered under the registration, not just the applicant's home state.

    Secure your startup's brand name today

    Join 50,000+ customers who trust SetupFiling.in for fast, transparent trademark filing.

    Apply Now for Trademark WhatsApp: +91 98182 09246