Building a brand takes a lot of time, effort and capital.  As a result, it’s necessary to make sure that you possess the rights to use your brand’s logo, tagline, product shape and packaging, sound, fragrance, colour combinations, and anything else that gives it a distinct identity. Trademark is a type of intellectual property which differentiates your product or services from other competitors in the market.

In India, the Trademark Act,1999 permits you to register a trademark. It allows for exclusive ownership rights and prohibits others from using the mark, favoring the registered mark’s owner.

Once a trademark is registered, the “TM” symbol can be used with the applicant and the brand. To protect the brand name, trademark registration in India is essential. It is typically best to seek trademark registration under the supervision of a professional, as the process entails several steps and needs constant government follow-up.+

Eligibility for Trademark Registration

Trademark registrations are prevalently used to protect unique brands, slogans, or invented terms. Individuals, corporations, and non-profit organization can all file for trademark registration in India. However, each class of person or entity has its own set of requirements when it comes to filing a trademark application. In India, the following are eligible for trademark registration.

An individual

An individual who is not doing any business can also obtain a trademark application and obtain trademark registration for a symbol or word that is proposed to be used by the applicant in the future.

Joint Owners

The Joint owners of a company together can file for a trademark and both their names must be mentioned in the application.

Proprietorship

A proprietorship firm may file a trademark application under its proprietor’s name but not under the business and proprietorship names. If you include a proprietorship name and a business name in your application, those details will be considered separately.

Partnership Firm

A partnership company must include all the names of the partners in the application while registering for a trademark, with a maximum of ten members. If a minor partner is present, the name of the minor’s guardian representing him must be mentioned.

Limited Liability Partnership/LLP

In the case of the Limited Liability Partnership, the application should be in the name of the LLP. It is an incorporated body where the partners have their own identity. The partners cannot be the applicant as the trademark belongs to the LLP.

Indian Company

Any Indian company, regardless of weather a private limited, limited, or any other form, must file a trademark application in the company’s name. It should be noted that any incorporated entity has its own identity, so a company’s director cannot be a trademark applicant.

Foreign Company

If a foreign incorporated entity applies for a trademark in India, the application must be made in the corporate name as it is registered in the foreign country. The nature of the registration, the country, and the law should all be mentioned here.

Trust or Society

If a trademark application is filed on behalf of a trust or society, the managing trustee, chairman, or secretary who is representing the trust or society must be named.

Eligibility for Trademark Registration

  1. Incorporation Certificate
    If the trademark is registered under a company or LLP.
  2. Partnership Deed
    If the trademark is registered under a partnership firm.
  3. PAN Card
    Of the authorized signatory.
  4. Aadhaar Card
    Of the authorized signatory.
  5. Form TM-48 Signed
    The TM-48 is a legal document that permits your attorney to submit your trademark with the trademark registry on your behalf. Our professionals will prepare the papers for signature..
  6. Logo
    Please do not upload the logo in black and white to ensure all colors of the trademark are covered under the registration.