How to Trademark Your Logo in India – A Complete Guide You Can Do Yourself
Sep 12
3 min read
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When you create a unique logo for your business, brand, or product, it becomes your identity. But unless you trademark it, anyone else could copy or misuse it, later you may struggle to prove it legally yours. The good news: You can file a trademark application for your logo yourself through the official Government of India portal.
This guide will walk you step-by-step through the process, explain key terms, and make the legal jargon simple to understand.
What is a Trademark?
A trademark is a unique sign that identifies your goods or services. It could be:
● A logo
● A brand name (wordmark)
● A tagline
● Even unique shapes, colors, or sounds in some cases
When you trademark your logo, you get exclusive rights to use it for your business category, and you can stop others from using a confusingly similar logo.
Trademark for Logo vs Wordmark
When filing, you’ll see two common terms:
Wordmark: Protects the textual part (the brand name in plain letters).
Logo/Device mark: Protects the design, style, or graphic representation.
If your brand is new, many businesses file
both: Wordmark (name protection) + Logo (design protection).
Step-by-Step: How to Trademark Your Logo Yourself
Step 1: Prepare Your Logo
Have a clear, high-resolution image of your logo (preferably in black & white to cover all color variations).
Save it in JPEG format (less than 200 KB, as required by the portal).
Step 2: Identify Your Trademark Class
Trademarks are registered by classes based on goods or services (there are 45 classes in India).
Example: Clothing = Class 25, Food products = Class 30, Legal services = Class 45.
If your business falls in multiple categories, you may need multiple applications.
Use the government’s “Class Search Tool” to pick the correct one.
Step 3: Conduct a Trademark Search
Before filing, check if anyone has already registered a similar logo/wordmark.
Types of searches:
Phonetic Search: This checks for names that sound similar even if spelled differently. Example: “KwikHomes” could clash with “QuickHomes.”
Vienna Code Search: This is used for logos. Every image/logo is given a code based on its design elements (like stars, animals, geometric shapes). Searching by Vienna Code shows logos with similar elements.
Why it matters: If your logo looks or sounds like an existing one in your class, your application can be rejected.
Step 4: Register on the Trademark Portal
● Go to IP India’s Trademark Filing Portal.
● Create an account as a “New User” (you’ll get a login ID).
Step 5: File the Application (Form TM-A)
● Log in and choose “New Application.”
● Upload your logo image.
● Fill in details:
○ Applicant type: Individual / Startup / Company.
○ Trademark type: Wordmark / Device (logo) / Both.
○ Class number (from Step 2).
○ Description of goods/services.
○ Priority date (if any) – usually not required unless you filed abroad first.
Attach the logo and submit.
Step 6: Pay the Fees
● ₹4,500 for Individuals, Startups, and MSMEs (per class).
● ₹9,000 for Companies (per class).
Payment can be made online instantly. You’ll receive an Acknowledgement Slip with your Application Number, this means your logo is now marked “™” (trademark applied).
What Happens After Filing?
Examination: Trademark Registry examines your application.
Objection (if any): Sometimes the examiner raises queries (like similarity with another mark). You must reply within the deadline.
Publication: If accepted, your logo is published in the Trademark Journal.
Opposition: The public can oppose registration within 4 months.
Registration: If no opposition, you receive a Registration Certificate and can use the ® symbol.
Tips to Make Your Application Strong
Choose a unique and distinctive logo, not generic shapes or common words.
Avoid using national symbols, government emblems, or religious icons - these are not allowed.
File wordmark + logo if budget allows, to protect both name and design.
Keep copies of all filings and acknowledgments.
Symbols You Can Use
● ™ (TM): You can use this after filing your trademark application (even before approval).
● ® (R): Use only once your trademark is fully registered.
Conclusion
Trademarking your logo is not as complicated as it seems. With the online system, you can secure your brand identity yourself without heavy legal costs. The key is to pick the right class, run proper searches (phonetic + Vienna), and file your application correctly.
Your logo is more than just a design, it’s your brand’s identity. Protect it before someone else does.
