How Much Does It Cost to Register a Trademark in Chennai?
Whether you are launching a startup or expanding an established business, securing a registered trademark enhances consumer trust and safeguards your intellectual property.
In this blog, we shall understand the step‐by‐step process of trademark registration in Chennai, the government and professional fees involved, and factors that influence overall costs.
What is a Trademark?
A trademark is a unique sign, symbol, word, logo, slogan, or combination thereof that distinguishes your products or services from competitors. In India, the Trademarks Act, 1999, governs trademark registration and trademark regulation.
What Can Be Trademarked in India?
The following items can be registered in India:
- Words and Names
- Logos and Symbols
- Slogans and Taglines
- Letters, Numerals, or a Combination
- Shapes of Goods and Packaging
- Sounds and Even Smells
Eligibility for Trademark Registration
The following are eligible for Trademark registration in India:
- Individuals
- Companies such as both private and public limited companies.
- Partnership Firms and LLPs
- Registered Trusts and Societies
- Foreign Nationals and Companies
Step-by-Step Process of Trademark Registration in Chennai
Registering a trademark in Chennai follows a multi-step process and involves the following steps:
Step 1: Preliminary Trademark Search
Before filing the Trademark registration application, conduct a thorough search to check if the proposed trademark is already in use.
Step 2: Application Filing
Once you do the preliminary search, the next step is to apply with the Trademark Office. In Chennai, you can choose between online and offline filing. The trademark should include the corresponding class of goods or services.
Step 3: Examination of the Application
After submission, the trademark application is examined by the Trademark Registrar—the office checks for any discrepancies or similarities with previously registered trademarks.
Step 4: Publication in the Trademark Journal
If the trademark application successfully passes the examination stage, it is then published in the Trademark Journal.
Step 5: Handle the Objections
If any objections or oppositions are raised during the publication period, the applicant must formally respond.
Step 6: Registration and Issuance of Certificate
If your trademark application is not opposed, the Trademark Office issues a registration certificate, which grants exclusive rights to the trademark owner for 10 years from the date of registration. It is important to note that trademark protection can be renewed every 10 years.
Government Fees for Trademark Registration
According to the official IP India website, the fee structure is as follows:
| Application | Form | Fee (INR) |
| Application for registration of a trademark/collective mark/certification mark/series of trademarks for the specification of goods or services included in one or more classes. | TM-A | Individual/Startup/Small Enterprise: ₹4,500 (e-filing), ₹5,000 (physical filing); Others: ₹9,000 (e-filing), ₹10,000 (physical filing) |
| Notice of opposition under various sections or application for rectification of the register or related counter-statements | TM-O | ₹3,000 (physical filing) per class |
| Renewal of registration of a trademark under section 25 for each class. | TM-R | ₹9,000 (e-filing) ₹10,000 (physical filing) |
| Application for renewal with surcharge of registration of a trademark under section 25(3) for each class. | TM-R | ₹4,500 (e-filing) ₹5,000 (physical filing) plus renewal fee |
| Application for restoration and renewal of a trademark under sections 25(3) and 25(4) for each class. | TM-R | ₹10,000 |
| Application under section 45 to register a subsequent proprietor in case of assignment or transfer for each trademark. | TM-P | ₹10,000 |
Cost-Saving Strategies for Trademark Registration
- Take Advantage of MSME and Startup Incentives:
- Choose Online Filing of Trademark Application instead of physical filing
- Conduct a Thorough Preliminary Search
- If your business spans multiple classes, consider registering the trademark for your most critical classes initially
- Stay Updated on Fee Revisions
Why Choose Chennai Filings for Trademark Registration
When it comes to registering your trademark in Chennai, Chennai Filings stands out as a trusted partner. We provide:
✅ Expertise and Experience
With a team of dedicated, research-oriented, and skilled professionals, Chennai Filings has been assisting individuals and business owners since 2007.
✅ Comprehensive Services
From conducting a trademark search to filing an online application to removing objections, Chennai Filings offers end-to-end assistance.
✅ Transparent Pricing
Chennai Filings believes in providing transparent and competitive pricing for all services.
✅ Personalized Support
Get your personalized assistance in trademark registration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What kinds of marks can be registered in India?
- In India, you can register various elements as a trademark, such as:
- Words and names
- Logos and symbols
- Slogans and taglines
- Letters, numerals, or combinations of both
- Unique shapes of goods or packaging
- Even sounds and smells, provided they have distinctiveness
2. Who is eligible to register a trademark in Chennai?
You can apply if you are an individual, a private or public limited company, a partnership firm or LLP, or even a registered trust or society. Foreign nationals and companies can also apply, as long as they meet the necessary legal requirements.
3. What are the main steps involved in registering a trademark in Chennai?
- The trademark registration process typically follows these steps:
- Conduct a preliminary trademark search to ensure that your proposed mark is unique.
- File the application with the Trademark Office (either online or offline).
- Have the application examined by the Trademark Registrar.
- Get the application published in the Trademark Journal for public notice.
- Address any objections or oppositions that arise during the publication stage.
- Obtain the registration certificate if there are no successful oppositions, which grants protection for 10 years.
4. Are there additional costs beyond the government fees?
- Yes, many applicants choose to hire professional services, which can add to the overall cost.
- A detailed trademark search might cost between ₹1,000 and ₹5,000.
- Application preparation and filing services generally run from ₹3,000 to ₹10,000.
Addressing any objections or handling opposition proceedings could add further costs, ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 or more.
5. How long does the trademark remain valid, and what about renewals?
Once your trademark is registered, it is protected for 10 years from the date of registration. To maintain protection, renewal is required every 10 years. The renewal fees are generally around ₹9,000 for online filing per class (₹10,000 for physical filing). It is pertinent to note that late renewal can attract further charges.