Lawbridge AssociatesTrademark Registration
Protect your business name, logo or brand mark before someone else registers something close enough to cause a problem — search, filing, and support through objection and hearing if one is raised.
What is Trademark Registration?
A trademark is the legal protection for your business name, logo, tagline or product mark — it stops another business from using or registering something confusingly similar in the same or a related class of goods/services. Registration is done class-wise under the Trade Marks Act, and once granted, gives you the exclusive right to use that mark nationally and to act against infringement.
Who Needs This
- Any business with a distinct brand name, logo or product name worth protecting
- Businesses expanding into e-commerce, franchising or multiple locations
- Manufacturers and traders who put their own brand on a product
- Anyone who has received — or wants to avoid receiving — an infringement notice
Why It Matters
An unregistered brand name can be used by a competitor, and if someone else registers it first, you could be the one asked to stop using your own name. Registration also becomes valuable the moment you want to franchise, list on a marketplace that checks for brand ownership, or simply stop a copycat from trading on your reputation.
Key Benefits
- Exclusive nationwide right to use the mark in your registered class
- Legal standing to send a cease-and-desist or take infringement action
- The ® symbol usable once registration is granted
- An asset that adds value if you later license, sell or expand the brand
Our Scope of Assistance
- Trademark search to check for existing conflicting marks before filing
- Class selection and application filing with the Trade Marks Registry
- Responding to an examination report or objection, where raised
- Representation-related support at a hearing, if one is scheduled
- Renewal reminders and assignment/licensing documentation
Documents Required
- The wordmark, logo file, or both, to be registered
- Applicant identity proof (individual, proprietorship, partnership, LLP or company)
- Proof of use of the mark, if already in use (invoices, packaging, website)
- Udyam/MSME certificate, if applicable — eligible for a government fee concession
- Power of attorney (Form TM-48) for filing through an agent
Our Process
Search
A trademark search is run to flag conflicting or similar existing marks.
Class & application
The correct class is chosen and the application filed with the Registry.
Examination
The Registry examines the application and may raise an objection.
Response / hearing
If objected, a response is filed; a hearing may follow.
Registration
Once accepted and published without opposition, the mark is registered.
Government Fee & Professional Fee
Government fee
Set by the Trade Marks Registry per class, with a concessional rate for individuals, MSME/Udyam-registered entities and startups — REQUIRES CONFIRMATION for the current fee applicable to your applicant category.
Professional fee
Varies by number of classes and whether an objection/hearing is involved. Contact us for a quote.
Typical Timeline
Filing itself gives you a filing date and an application number immediately; the full path to registration depends on the Registry’s examination workload and whether an objection or opposition is raised — this can range from several months to well over a year. We do not guarantee a registration timeline or outcome.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Filing without a prior search, then discovering a conflicting mark during examination
- Registering in the wrong class for your actual goods or services
- Missing the response deadline after an examination report or objection is issued
- Letting a registered mark lapse by missing the renewal date
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the ™ symbol before registration is complete?
Yes — ™ can be used once an application is filed, to signal a claimed mark; ® is reserved for a mark that has actually been registered.
What happens if someone objects to my application?
An examination report or third-party opposition can be responded to within the prescribed timeline; if needed, the matter proceeds to a hearing.
Do I need to register in every class my business touches?
Only the classes relevant to your actual goods or services need to be filed; additional classes can be added later as the business grows.
Is MSME/Udyam registration required to get the fee discount?
A valid Udyam registration (or individual/startup status, where applicable) is what qualifies an applicant for the concessional government fee.
How long does a registered trademark last?
A trademark registration is valid for 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed indefinitely in further 10-year terms.