How Long Does Trademark Registration Take in India?

How Long Does Trademark Registration Take?

Trademark registration in India is not instant. It follows a legal process governed by the Trade Marks Act, 1999, and involves multiple stages of examination and approval.

On average, trademark registration in India takes 6 to 12 months, provided there are no objections or oppositions. In some cases, it may take longer.

Complete Timeline of Trademark Registration in India

1. Trademark Application Filing (Day 1)

Once the trademark application is filed:

You receive an application number
You can start using the ™ symbol
Your trademark gains provisional protection

⏱️ Time taken: 1 day

2. Trademark Examination (1–4 Months)

The Trademark Registry examines:

Distinctiveness of the trademark
Similarity with existing trademarks
Correct classification

An Examination Report is issued.

⏱️ Time taken: 1–4 months

3. Reply to Examination Report (Within 30 Days)

If objections are raised:

You must file a reply within 30 days
A proper legal response is required

Failure to respond may lead to abandonment.

⏱️ Time taken: 1 month (if objection raised)

4. Show-Cause Hearing (If Required)

If the examiner is not satisfied:

A hearing may be scheduled
Arguments are presented orally or in writing

⏱️ Time taken: 1–3 months

5. Trademark Advertisement (4 Months)

Once accepted, the trademark is:

Published in the Trademark Journal
Open to public opposition

⏱️ Opposition period: 4 months

6. Trademark Opposition (If Filed)

If a third party files opposition:

Evidence and counter-statements are exchanged
Hearings may take place

⏱️ Time taken: 6–12 months (or more)

7. Trademark Registration Certificate

If no opposition is filed (or opposition is decided in your favor):

Trademark is registered
® symbol can be used
Certificate is issued digitally

⏱️ Time taken: 2–4 weeks

Total Time Required for Trademark Registration

Scenario	Estimated Time
No objection, no opposition	6–8 months
Objection but resolved	8–12 months
Opposition filed	12–24+ months

Factors That Affect Trademark Registration Time

Similarity with existing trademarks
Objections raised by examiner
Public opposition
Incorrect classification
Quality of objection reply

Can Trademark Registration Be Fast-Tracked?

Currently, India does not offer official fast-track trademark registration.
However, delays can be minimized by:

Conducting a proper trademark search
Filing in the correct class
Submitting accurate documents
Responding promptly to objections

Is My Brand Protected While Registration Is Pending?

Yes.

Once you file the application:

You can use the ™ symbol
You get priority rights from the filing date
Legal remedies are available against misuse

Why Professional Filing Saves Time

Incorrect filing or weak responses often cause delays or abandonment.
Professional assistance helps: