Government Trademark Filing Fees in India (Official 2026 Schedule)

The government fee for trademark registration in India is prescribed under the First Schedule of the Trade Marks Rules, 2017, as administered by the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM). These are statutory, non-negotiable fees payable directly through the IP India e-filing portal.

Here’s the current official fee structure:

Key Points to Remember

• Fees are per class: If your trademark covers goods or services in 3 different NICE classes, you’ll pay the government fee three times over. A startup filing in 3 classes, for instance, pays ₹4,500 × 3 = ₹13,500 in government fees alone.
• Online filing is cheaper: There’s a ₹500 per class discount for e-filing versus physical filing. Virtually all professional filings happen online for this reason.
• Payment is non-refundable: Once paid to the Trademark Registry, the government fee cannot be refunded — even if your application is later refused. This makes professional guidance before filing critical to avoid wasted expenditure.

Who Qualifies for the Reduced ₹4,500 Fee?

The lower ₹4,500-per-class fee isn’t available to everyone. It applies to three categories of applicants:

1. Individual applicants — natural persons filing in their personal capacity
2. DPIIT-recognised startups — certified under the Startup India programme
3. Udyam-registered small enterprises — MSMEs holding a valid Udyam Registration Certificate

If you’re a Private Limited Company, LLP, Partnership Firm, or foreign entity that doesn’t fall into these categories, you pay the full ₹9,000 per class.

Not sure if you qualify for Startup India recognition? VS Legal helps entrepreneurs assess eligibility and file for Startup India Recognition alongside trademark registration — so you access government rebates while protecting your brand from day one.

Professional and Agent Fees: What to Expect

The government fee is only one component of the total trademark registration price in India. Most applicants also engage a trademark attorney or filing agent. Professional fees typically cover:

• Pre-filing trademark search — checking the IP India database for conflicting marks
• Application drafting — preparing Form TM-A with correct NICE classification, goods/services description, and supporting documents
• Filing and submission on the IP India portal
• Responding to examination reports — if the examiner raises objections under Section 9 or Section 11 of the Trade Marks Act
• Handling opposition proceedings — if a third party files an opposition during the 4-month publication window

Typical Professional Fee Ranges

These are indicative ranges — actual fees vary based on the complexity of the mark, the number of classes, and the experience level of the service provider.

At VS IPR & LEGAL ADVISORS LLP, we provide custom quotes based on your specific situation. Our trademark registration services begin with a free initial consultation — no commitment, no hidden charges. We assess your brand, identify the right classes, and provide a transparent total cost breakdown before any payment is required.

Total Trademark Registration Cost Breakdown by Applicant Type

Let’s put it all together. Here’s what you can expect to pay for registering one trademark in one NICE class:

If your application faces an examination objection (which happens in a significant percentage of cases given the crowded registry), you’ll need to file a written response or attend a hearing before the examiner. This adds professional fees ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹10,000+.

If a third party files an opposition against your mark, the cost of defending escalates significantly. Handling trademark opposition proceedings typically runs ₹15,000 to ₹50,000 or more, depending on complexity. VS Legal offers dedicated trademark opposition services to protect your application through this critical stage.

Fast Track / Expedited Trademark Filing Costs

Under Rule 34 of the Trade Marks Rules, 2017, applicants can request expedited examination of their trademark application. This puts your application ahead of the regular queue — useful when you’re launching a brand soon or facing infringement risks.

Is Expedited Filing Worth It?

• Yes, if you’re about to launch a product, need the ® symbol urgently, or face potential infringement.
• Maybe not, if you have a longer timeline and your brand isn’t facing immediate competitive threats.

For clients with time-sensitive needs, VS Legal offers a Fast Track Trademark service that handles the expedited application process end-to-end, including all coordination with the Trademark Registry.

Hidden and Additional Costs Most Applicants Miss

This is where most online guides fall short. Beyond the government fee and basic professional charges, several additional costs can catch applicants off guard:

1. Multi-Class Filing

If your business operates across multiple categories (e.g., clothing in Class 25 and retail services in Class 35), you need to file separate applications for each class — doubling or tripling both government and professional fees.

2. Examination Objection Reply Costs

A large number of trademark applications receive an examination report citing prior similar marks or descriptive concerns. Responding requires legal arguments, evidence of prior use, and sometimes an in-person hearing. Budget ₹3,000–₹10,000 for this stage.

3. Publication and Opposition Period

After acceptance, your mark is published in the Trademark Journal for 4 months. If anyone opposes, you’ll need legal representation. Opposition defence costs can range from ₹15,000 to ₹50,000+. Having experienced trademark opposition support on standby makes a real difference here.

4. Certificate Issuance

Once registered, the trademark certificate is issued digitally. If you need an expedited search and issuance of certificate under Rule 22(3), the fee is ₹30,000.

5. Renewal Costs (Every 10 Years)

Trademark registration is valid for 10 years from the date of filing. Renewal costs ₹9,000 per class (online). Failure to renew results in removal from the register — which means losing your brand protection entirely.

6. Well-Known Trademark Status

For highly established brands seeking inclusion in the official list of well-known trademarks, the fee is ₹1,00,000.

Pro tip: Working with an experienced IPR firm means these costs are identified upfront during your initial strategy session — no surprises down the line. Book a free consultation to get a complete cost picture for your specific trademark.

Trademark Renewal, Opposition, and Assignment Fees

Trademark costs don’t end with registration. Here’s what ongoing and related government services cost:

Managing the complete trademark lifecycle — from filing through renewal, opposition defence, and assignment — is where comprehensive IPR services deliver lasting value. VS Legal’s Trademark Track Service and Trademark Protect Service provide ongoing monitoring and enforcement, so your registered mark stays protected long after the certificate is issued.

SIPP Scheme: How Startups Can Save 50% on Trademark Fees

If you’re a DPIIT-recognised startup, the government’s Startups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) Scheme offers a significant cost advantage that most founders don’t fully understand.

What the SIPP Scheme Covers

• 50% rebate on government filing fees — your filing fee stays at the ₹4,500 rate (the same as individuals), instead of the standard ₹9,000 for companies
• Facilitator fees paid by the government — empanelled IP facilitators handle your application, and their professional fees are reimbursed directly by the Central Government
• Coverage extends to trademarks, patents, and designs

Key Details (2026)

• The SIPP scheme has been extended until 31 March 2026 by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), as confirmed by the official CGPDTM notification
• It applies exclusively to startups recognised under the Startup India programme
• The facilitation includes prior art searches, application drafting, filing, and prosecution support

This effectively means DPIIT-recognised startups can register trademarks at a substantially lower total cost compared to regular companies. If you haven’t yet obtained Startup India recognition, getting that done first can save you meaningful money on trademark filing.

VS Legal handles both Startup India Registration and trademark filing as a coordinated process — helping new businesses access government rebates while protecting their brand from day one.

India’s Trademark Filing Boom: Why Costs Are Just One Factor

India’s trademark ecosystem has seen explosive growth. According to the CGPDTM Annual Report 2024-25, trademark applications surged to 5.52 lakh (552,190) in FY 2024-25 — a remarkable 16% year-on-year increase from 4.76 lakh in FY 2023-24.

Key Numbers at a Glance

• 5,52,190 trademark applications filed in FY 2024-25
• 3,82,834 registrations granted (a 36.86% jump year-on-year)
• 4,71,719 total disposals during the year
• Maharashtra (98,329), Delhi (66,314), and Gujarat (61,511) led domestic filings
• USA (4,031), China (2,235), and UK (759) were the largest foreign filers

Over five years, overall IP filings across patents, trademarks, designs, copyrights, and GIs rose 44% — from 4,77,533 in 2020-21 to 6,89,991 in 2024-25. Trademark filings by Indian citizens specifically grew 28% from 4,18,594 to 5,38,441 in the same period.

What This Means for You

• More filings = more conflicts. With 5.5 lakh marks competing for examiner attention, the likelihood of receiving examination objections or facing opposition has increased substantially.
• Professional handling matters more than ever. In a crowded registry, a well-conducted pre-filing search, correct class selection, and proper application drafting significantly reduce the risk of costly objections and delays.
• Faster action protects better. The Indian trademark system follows a “first-to-file” principle. Delaying registration by even a few weeks can mean losing your preferred mark to a competitor who filed first.

An experienced trademark registration service that understands the current examination landscape can be the difference between a smooth registration and months of expensive back-and-forth with the registry. VS Legal’s team, with 10+ years of IPR experience, navigates this increasingly complex environment daily for clients across India and internationally.

How to Get an Accurate Trademark Registration Quote

Since the trademark registration price in India depends on multiple variables — applicant type, number of classes, complexity of the mark, potential objections, and additional services — the most reliable approach is to get a personalised quote tailored to your situation.

Here’s what to prepare before requesting a quote:

1. Brand name and logo you want to register
2. Goods or services you’ll offer under the brand (this determines the NICE class)
3. Applicant details — are you filing as an individual, startup, small enterprise, or company?
4. Any existing trademark applications or registrations you already hold
5. Geographic scope — domestic only, or do you also need international protection?

At VS IPR & LEGAL ADVISORS LLP, every engagement begins with a free initial consultation call. We review your brand, assess class requirements, identify potential conflicts, and provide a transparent cost breakdown — including government fees and our professional charges — before you commit to anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the trademark registration price in India?

The trademark registration price in India starts at ₹4,500 per class (e-filing) for individuals, DPIIT-recognised startups, and Udyam-registered small enterprises, and ₹9,000 per class for companies and LLPs. Total cost including professional fees typically ranges from ₹7,500 to ₹17,000 per class depending on applicant type and service scope.

Is the government trademark fee refundable if my application is refused?

No. Government fees paid to the Trademark Registry are non-refundable, regardless of the application outcome. This is why a thorough pre-filing search and professional guidance are essential before submitting your application.

What is the cost difference between online and offline trademark filing?

Online (e-filing) costs ₹500 less per class than physical filing. For individuals and startups, it’s ₹4,500 online versus ₹5,000 offline. For companies and LLPs, it’s ₹9,000 online versus ₹10,000 offline.

How much does trademark renewal cost in India?

Trademark renewal costs ₹9,000 per class (online filing) every 10 years. If you miss the renewal deadline, a surcharge of ₹4,500 per class applies during the 6-month grace period. After removal from the register, restoration costs ₹18,000 per class (₹9,000 renewal + ₹9,000 restoration surcharge).

Are there extra charges for fast-track trademark filing?

Yes. Expedited examination under Rule 34 costs an additional ₹20,000 per class for individuals, startups, and small enterprises, and ₹40,000 per class for companies and other entities.

What hidden costs should I watch out for when registering a trademark?

Common hidden costs include multi-class filing fees (separate fee per NICE class), objection reply costs (₹3,000–₹10,000), opposition defence costs (₹15,000–₹50,000+), renewal costs every 10 years, and expedited certificate issuance (₹30,000 if urgent).

Can trademark registration fees be paid in installments?

No. Government filing fees must be paid in full at the time of filing. However, professional fee arrangements may vary by service provider. VS Legal offers customised engagement terms discussed during the free initial consultation.

How long does trademark registration take in India?

If no objections or oppositions arise, registration can take 12–18 months from the filing date. If objections or oppositions occur, the process may extend to 2–3 years or longer. Fast Track filing can expedite the examination stage significantly.