Trademark Registration Fees in India: Government Charges & Total Cost Explained

Registering a trademark gives your brand legal protection and exclusive rights under the Trade Marks Act, 1999. However, before starting the application, most business owners want clarity on the trademark registration fees and what the total cost actually includes. From government charges to possible additional expenses, understanding the fee structure helps you plan better and avoid surprises during filing.

If you’re planning to proceed with online trademark registration, it’s important to know how statutory fees, applicant category, and filing mode together determine the final TM registration fees. This guide explains the complete cost breakup so you can make an informed decision before filing your application.

Trademark Registration Fees: Government Charges Explained

Trademark registration in India involves statutory fees prescribed by the Indian Trademark Office. These charges are mandatory and must be paid at the time of filing the trademark application. The fees are calculated per class of goods or services, not per application.

Government Fees for Trademark Application (Per Class)

For Individuals, Startups, and MSMEs

• Online filing: ₹4,500
• Physical filing: ₹5,000

For Companies, LLPs, and Other Entities

• Online filing: ₹9,000
• Physical filing: ₹10,000

These trademark registration fees apply to filing Form TM-A and are non-refundable, even if the application is later withdrawn or refused.

Additional Trademark Registration Costs You Should Know

Apart from the basic filing fee, certain situations attract additional statutory charges. These costs are not mandatory for every applicant but may apply depending on the stage and outcome of the application.

Common Additional Government Fees

• Notice of Opposition
  • Online filing: ₹2,700
  • Physical filing: ₹3,000
• Trademark Renewal (after 10 years)
  • Online filing: ₹5,000

These additional TM registration fees are triggered only if an opposition is filed or when the trademark is due for renewal.

Once you understand the trademark registration fees, the next step is knowing how the application actually moves through the registry. Understanding the online trademark registration process also helps estimate timelines and identify stages where additional costs, such as objections or hearings, may arise. This clarity ensures you are financially prepared from filing to final registration.

Why Trademark Registration Price Varies Between Businesses

The trademark registration price is not uniform for all applicants. It varies based on multiple factors that directly impact the total cost.

Key factors include:

• Type of applicant
  Individuals and startups pay lower fees than companies and LLPs.
• Number of classes filed
  Each class requires a separate government fee. Filing in two classes doubles the cost.
• Filing mode
  Online filing is cheaper and faster than physical filing.
• Objections or oppositions
  If raised, additional filings and professional assistance may be required.

Understanding these variables helps estimate the total cost accurately before filing. Trademark registration fees are charged per class, which directly impacts the total cost. Choosing the correct trademark class is important to avoid paying unnecessary fees for unrelated goods or services. Filing in multiple or incorrect classes can significantly increase TM registration fees.

If you are unsure which class applies to your business, verifying it before filing is essential. Using a trademark class search tool can help identify the most relevant class for your goods or services. This prevents over-filing and keeps trademark registration costs under control.

Professional Charges: What’s Included Beyond Government Fees

Government fees cover only the statutory part of trademark registration. Many applicants also incur professional charges for filing and follow-up.

Professional assistance may include:

• Trademark search and class identification
• Drafting and filing the trademark application
• Responding to examination reports or objections
• Tracking application status and registry communication

Professional fees vary depending on complexity, number of classes, and whether objections arise. While optional, proper filing reduces the risk of rejection and future costs.

How to Estimate Your Total TM Registration Fees

To calculate your total trademark registration cost, consider:

• Applicant category (individual/startup vs company)
• Number of classes
• Filing mode (online or physical)
• Likelihood of objections or opposition

Example (Single Class, Online Filing):

• Individual/Startup: Government fee ₹4,500 + professional charges
• Company/LLP: Government fee ₹9,000 + professional charges

Costs increase proportionally with additional classes or procedural filings.

Ways to Reduce Trademark Registration Costs

You can legally minimise trademark registration fees by:

• Filing online instead of offline
• Claiming startup or MSME status, if eligible
• Filing only in relevant classes initially
• Conducting a proper trademark search before filing

These steps help avoid unnecessary expenses and delays. One of the most common reasons for objections and additional expenses is filing a trademark that already exists or is too similar to another mark. Properly checking trademark availability before filing helps reduce the risk of objections and saves unnecessary follow-up costs. A preliminary search can significantly improve the chances of smooth registration.

Conclusion

Trademark registration fees in India are primarily determined by the applicant type, number of classes, and filing method. While government charges form the base cost, additional expenses may arise depending on objections, oppositions, or renewal requirements. Understanding the complete fee structure helps you budget correctly and avoid surprises during the registration journey.

If you’re ready to proceed with registering your trademark, having clarity on both costs and compliance ensures your application is filed correctly, and your brand is protected without unnecessary delays.