🧾 What is a Trademark?
A Trademark is a unique symbol, name, logo, slogan, wordmark, design, or expression used to identify and distinguish goods or services from those of others. It builds brand identity and protects intellectual property (IP) from misuse or imitation.
In India, trademarks are governed by the Trademarks Act, 1999, and registered under the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trademarks (CGPDTM).
Once registered, the ™ symbol changes to ®, indicating legal ownership of the brand name.
✅ Benefits of Trademark Registration
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand Protection | Prevents brand copying and counterfeiting |
| Legal Right | Provides exclusive usage rights across India |
| Business Identity | Builds customer trust and brand value |
| Intangible Asset | Trademark becomes a sellable/licensable asset |
| Nationwide Recognition | Registered mark is valid across India |
| Helps in Online Listings | Needed for brand registry on platforms like Amazon, Flipkart |
👤 Who Should Apply?
- Startups and MSMEs
- E-commerce sellers
- Retailers & manufacturers
- Service providers and consultants
- Logo and design creators
- Franchise businesses
- App developers & SaaS companies
- Domain owners
📑 Documents Required
For Individual or Sole Proprietor:
- PAN and Aadhaar of applicant
- Logo/image (if applicable)
- Signed TM-48 (Authorization Form)
- Business address proof
For Companies / Firms:
- Certificate of Incorporation / Partnership Deed
- PAN of entity
- Address proof of business
- Trademark image/logo
- TM-48 signed and stamped
- Udyam/MSME Certificate (for fee concession)
🛠️ Services Included
- Trademark class consultation
- Public trademark search (India TM Registry)
- TM-1 application filing on IP India Portal
- TM-48 drafting and execution
- Acknowledgment receipt with application number
- Objection and reply handling (add-on service)
- Status tracking and updates
📋 Trademark Registration Process
| Step | Task | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Brand name search & consultation | Day 1 |
| 2️⃣ | Document collection and TM-48 execution | Day 1–2 |
| 3️⃣ | TM-1 application filing | Day 2 |
| 4️⃣ | TM Application Number issued | Day 2 |
| 5️⃣ | Government review, journal publication, opposition period | 6–9 months |
| 6️⃣ | Trademark registered and certificate issued | 8–12 months |
🕐 You can use ™ from the day of filing.
📌 Important Notes
- Validity: 10 years, renewable indefinitely
- MSMEs get 50% government fee rebate
- One application per class (multi-class available separately)
- Trademark objection may require legal reply or hearing
💡 Why Choose SITPakz Solution (SSPL)?
- 📍 Pan India filing from Andaman to Delhi
- 🔍 Free preliminary search and advisory
- 📜 Expert drafting of TM-48 and legal documents
- 📲 Online process with email/WhatsApp support
- 👨⚖️ Lawyer-assisted replies to objections (add-on)
- 🎯 Dedicated tracking & alerts until registration
💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Can I file a trademark before launching a business?
➡️ Yes, as long as you intend to use the brand in the future.
Q. What if someone else has already filed similar TM?
➡️ We conduct a trademark search to avoid conflicts. Legal reply services available.
Q. Is a logo mandatory?
➡️ No. You can register just the wordmark (business name) or with a logo.
Q. Can one trademark application cover multiple classes?
➡️ No. Each class requires a separate fee and filing (multi-class apps allowed).
