Is brand name registration the same as trademark registration?

Functionally yes — a brand name is registered as a trademark via TM-A. I-Pro distinguishes "Brand Name Registration" as a service for proprietors seeking protection for the commercial trade name itself, often alongside a separate wordmark or logo filing.

What is the difference between a brand name and a wordmark?

A wordmark is a trademark filed in standard character form (typographic word). A brand name is the commercial identifier used on goods/services; it can be registered as a wordmark, a logo, or a composite.

What is the difference between a brand name and a company name?

A company name is registered with the MCA under the Companies Act 2013 and identifies a legal entity. A brand name is the trade name used in commerce and is protected under the Trade Marks Act 1999.

Can I register my brand name if a similar company name already exists?

Generally no — unless you obtain written consent from the existing company's proprietor. The Registry objects under s.11 if the names are identical or deceptively similar.

What documents are needed to register a brand name?

TM-A application, TM-48 power of attorney, Certificate of Incorporation / Partnership deed / Udyam to establish proprietorship, user affidavit if prior use, and DPIIT startup certificate if reduced fee claimed.

What is the government fee for brand name registration?

₹4,500 per class (individual/startup/SME) or ₹9,000 per class (others). Each additional Nice class needs a separate TM-A and fee.

How long does brand name registration take?

18–36 months regular track; ~12 months expedited. The Registrar's examination queue is the main bottleneck — no statutory SLA applies.

Do I need to register my brand name separately in each country?

Yes — trademark rights are territorial. For multi-country protection, file through the Madrid Protocol via IP India (Form MM2(E)) designating each member country.

Editor's pickStartup · Business Registration

Online Brand Name Registration | Legally Protect Your Brand in India

Protect your business identity with expert online brand name registration services. Prevent unauthorized use and secure exclusive rights across India. Start today.

Statutory basis: Trade Marks Act 1999, ss. 2(1)(m), 2(1)(zb), 9, 11, 18, 28.

Turnaround

7–14 Days

₹

Starts from

₹2,899

Money-back accuracy

Guaranteed

Total starting from

₹2,899

Professional + estimated government fee

Professional fee₹2,899 starts with

Government fee (est.)₹4,500 / ₹9,000

Turnaround7–14 Days

Money-back accuracy. CA/CS specialist. Tracked client portal.

CONFIRMEDverified 25 Aug 2026

Dedicated specialist

CA-led, named point of contact

Tracked client portal

Real-time status, end-to-end

Money-back accuracy

Refile-free if our error

Flat-fee pricing

No hidden charges, ever

About this service

Trademark Registration confers an exclusive statutory right to the use of a brand name, wordmark, logo, or slogan in relation to the goods or services for which it is registered. Governed by the Trade Marks Act, 1999 and managed by the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM), registration protects against counterfeiters, establishes nationwide priority, and creates an intangible commercial asset valid for 10 years and perpetually renewable.

Eligibility & thresholds

Minimum

Any person or entity using or proposing to use a brand name to identify goods or services in commerce — including sole proprietors, partnership firms, LLPs, private/public companies, startups, and registered traders. The applicant must be the proprietor (owner) of the brand name.

Maximum

Persons whose brand name is identical or deceptively similar to a registered company name in respect of which they have no rights
brand names that are generic, descriptive, contrary to public morality, or prohibited under s.9(2)(d). A brand name that is the legal name of a different registered company cannot be claimed without consent.

Statutory floor

Adherence to governing Act
Transparent statutory fee schedule
Mandatory periodic audit disclosures

What's included

Everything in one transparent fee — no add-ons, no surprises.

Rigorous Brand Name Clearance

We do not merely file your chosen brand name blindly. Our IP attorneys conduct a forensic clearance search. We meticulously analyze phonetic equivalents, foreign language translations, and conceptually similar names existing within the trademark registry. This exhaustive preemptive strike ensures your brand name doesn't face fatal legal challenges post-launch.

Strategic 'Wordmark' Filing Expertise

Registering a brand name is optimally done as a 'Wordmark' rather than a logo. A wordmark provides the broadest possible legal protection, securing the name itself regardless of font, color, or stylization. Our experts specialize in drafting airtight wordmark applications that maximize your commercial monopoly over the brand name.

Pre-Emptive Objection Mitigation

Brand names are frequently subjected to 'distinctiveness' objections by the registry if they are perceived as generic or descriptive. Our attorneys possess a deep understanding of registry precedent. We proactively structure your application—often incorporating user affidavits and evidence of acquired distinctiveness—to preemptively neutralize these common objections.

Expedited Application Filing

In the hyper-competitive business landscape, whoever files first secures priority rights. Our streamlined digital infrastructure and expert document processing ensure your brand name application is filed within 24 hours of finalization. This rapid deployment guarantees your priority date and allows immediate use of the ™ symbol.

Continuous Market Surveillance

Our responsibility doesn't end with a successful filing. We deploy advanced monitoring software to continuously scan the public domain, trademark journals, and corporate registries for entities attempting to register or use confusingly similar brand names. We alert you immediately, allowing for swift, decisive legal action.

Holistic Brand Architecture Advisory

We advise on the overarching architecture of your brand. Whether you have a master brand, sub-brands, or specific product line names, we develop a comprehensive registration strategy that optimizes protection across relevant trademark classes while maximizing your budget efficiency.

Government Fee Breakdown

Government charges only — separate from I-Pro's professional fee. All figures verified as of 25 August 2026.

Fee Component	Amount (₹)	Basis / Authority
Online Brand Name Registration Statutory Fee	₹4,500 / ₹9,000	Official government fee schedule (separate from professional fee)Statutory Authority
Total Government Fee	₹4,500 / ₹9,000	(for default assumptions stated below)

Government charges only — separate from I-Pro's professional fee. Verified 25 August 2026.

Required documents

Each list identifies exactly what to provide — and what you do not need to submit. Use the accordions to expand.

›TM-A application. — TM-A application.
›Brand representation — word only, or word + logo (composite). — Brand representation — word only, or word + logo (composite).
›Class specification under the Nice Classification (12th edition) covering the goods/services traded — Class specification under the Nice Classification (12th edition) covering the goods/services traded under the brand name.
›TM-48 power of attorney. — TM-48 power of attorney.
›User affidavit if the brand name has been in use prior to the filing date. — User affidavit if the brand name has been in use prior to the filing date.
›Certificate of Incorporation / Partnership deed / Udyam certificate to establish proprietorship. — Certificate of Incorporation / Partnership deed / Udyam certificate to establish proprietorship.
›Startup/DPIIT recognition if reduced fee claimed. — Startup/DPIIT recognition if reduced fee claimed.

How it works

Each step is labelled with who performs it — Customer, I-Pro, or the Regulator. Form names are linked to the official portal.

1
Customer⏱ 1 - 3 Days
Step 1: **Customer** briefs I-Pro on the brand name and the goods/services it identif...
**Customer** briefs I-Pro on the brand name and the goods/services it identifies.
2
I-Pro⏱ 1 - 3 Days
Step 2: **I-Pro** conducts a brand-name clearance search on (i) IP India trademark pu...
**I-Pro** conducts a brand-name clearance search on (i) IP India trademark public search, (ii) MCA company-name search, and (iii) domain availability check.
3
I-Pro⏱ 1 - 3 Days
Step 3: **I-Pro** advises on filing strategy
**I-Pro** advises on filing strategy — wordmark, logo, or composite.
4
I-Pro⏱ 1 - 3 Days
Step 4: **I-Pro** drafts TM-A with the appropriate Nice Class specification.
**I-Pro** drafts TM-A with the appropriate Nice Class specification.
5
I-Pro⏱ 1 - 3 Days
Step 5: **Customer** signs TM-48 and user affidavit (if prior use); **I-Pro** uploads.
**Customer** signs TM-48 and user affidavit (if prior use); **I-Pro** uploads.
6
I-Pro⏱ 1 - 3 Days
Step 6: **I-Pro** files TM-A on the IP India portal and pays the fee.
**I-Pro** files TM-A on the IP India portal and pays the fee.
7
I-Pro⏱ 1 - 3 Days
Step 7: **Registrar** examines under s.9/s.11; report in ~12–24 months (regular).
**Registrar** examines under s.9/s.11; report in ~12–24 months (regular).
8
I-Pro⏱ 1 - 3 Days
Step 8: **I-Pro** files TM-O reply if objected; hearing if required.
**I-Pro** files TM-O reply if objected; hearing if required.
9
I-Pro⏱ 1 - 3 Days
Step 9: **Registrar** publishes in the Trade Marks Journal; 4-month opposition window.
**Registrar** publishes in the Trade Marks Journal; 4-month opposition window.
10
Regulator⏱ 1 - 3 Days
Step 10: If unopposed, registration certificate issued under Rule 71.
If unopposed, registration certificate issued under Rule 71.

Post-registration compliance

What to file next. I-Pro handles these as part of the annual compliance package.

Filing	Form	Deadline
Trade Marks Act ss. 106, 107 (false statements). C Penalty: Trade Marks Act ss. 106, 107 (false statements). Companies Act s.4(1)	`Same as Trademark Registration — 18–36 months regu`	Trade Marks Act ss. 106, 107 (false statements). Companies Act s.4(1)
— use of a name identical to a registered company Penalty: — use of a name identical to a registered company invites company-name rectification proceedings; civil action under s.135 Trade Marks Act for passing off.	`Same as Trademark Registration — 18–36 months regu`	— use of a name identical to a registered company invites company-name rectification proceedings; civil action under s.135 Trade Marks Act for passing off.

Penalties for non-compliance

Statutory penalties under governing regulatory provisions. Avoid non-compliance delays.

Non-compliance	Provision	Penalty
Trade Marks Act ss. 106, 107 (false statements). C	Same as Trademark Registration — 18–36 months regu	Trade Marks Act ss. 106, 107 (false statements). Companies Act s.4(1)
— use of a name identical to a registered company	Same as Trademark Registration — 18–36 months regu	— use of a name identical to a registered company invites company-name rectification proceedings; civil action under s.135 Trade Marks Act for passing off.

Common mistakes to avoid

Avoidable filing errors that cause delays or rejection. Each can be resolved before submission.

1
Proposing a descriptive or generic brand name (Section 9 objection)
Why: Trade Marks Act prohibits registering words that merely describe the product's character or quality (e.g. 'Pure Cold Pressed Oil').
Fix: We conduct pre-filing distinctiveness evaluation and suggest distinctive, coined, or arbitrary brand elements.
2
Filing without a prior phonetic and visual trademark search
Why: Existing registered or pending marks in the same or related Nice class trigger Section 11 relative grounds objections.
Fix: Our IP attorneys run exhaustive phonetic searches on the IP India database across all 45 classes before filing.
3
Selecting incorrect Nice Class or vague goods specification
Why: Protection is strictly bounded by the classes filed; incorrect classification leaves your primary offerings unprotected.
Fix: We draft precise, legally audited goods and services specifications matching international Nice Classification standards.

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about this service.

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