Trademark Renewal in India: Process, Fees & Period

Trademarking your product is the same as owning your passport; after a certain period, you need to renew it. And if you fail to do so, it will result in you losing that ownership over something that is yours.

If you are also one of those brands that think registering a trademarkis the finish line. You are wrong; it is not. Your TM runs out after a fixed period, so having a trademark renewal is essential. Renewing keeps your reputation intact and keeps copycats from slipping in and taking what you built.

That’s why we are here; we have made sure to cover all the nooks you need to know for the trademark renewal. It includes what it means, a step-by-step renewal guide, the fees involved, how long protection lasts, and a few practical tips to avoid last-minute messes. By the end, you will know exactly how to keep your trademark safe, active, and doing its job for your brand.

1. What is a Trademark Renewal?

Trademark renewal is the official way to keep your trademark valid. In India, a trademark that has been registered is good for ten years. Renewal just starts the clock over for another ten years, keeping your rights alive and your brand safe from the law.

Before we dive deeper into the whole process of trademark renewal, let’s explore the different types of trademarks out there. Think of it as knowing the characters before the plot thickens; each type has its own role in protecting your brand’s identity.

2. Understanding Trademark Validity & Renewal Period

Think of a trademark like a decade-old diary; it starts fresh the day you register it, but won’t magically stay relevant forever.

Aspect	Details	Key Information
Initial Registration Validity	10 years from the date of filing	Your trademark is legally protected for a decade, giving you exclusive rights to use and enforce it.
Renewal Period	Every 10 years	Renewal extends the protection for another 10 years each time, ensuring continuous legal rights over your brand.
Grace Period	Short period allowed for late renewal	India allows a limited grace period after expiry to renew the trademark, preventing immediate loss of rights, though additional fees may apply.
Consequences of Not Renewing	Risk of cancellation	Failure to renew can lead to cancellation of the trademark, leaving your brand unprotected and vulnerable to infringement.

To know further about the renewal validity and other essential details connected to it, read our blog on: How long is your Trademark Valid?

3. Who Can Apply for Trademark Renewal?

Renewing a trademark isn’t like picking up a library book—you can’t just send your cousin or your office intern. Only the rightful owner gets the golden ticket to keep the trademark alive.

• Registered Owner: This is the person or company whose name shines on the trademark certificate. They’re the ones with the legal power to hit that renew button and keep the brand protected.
• Joint Owners: Got more than one name on the certificate? Then renewal turns into a team sport. Everyone has to agree before moving forward. A solo attempt might lead to legal headaches that no one signed up for.

4. Step-by-Step Trademark Renewal Process in India

Renewing a trademark isn’t rocket science, but missing a step can put your brand in trouble. Here’s how you do it:

Step 1: Check the Renewal Date

Go to the IP India portal and check when your trademark needs renewal. Missing it is like missing your flight—costly and stressful.

Step 2: Get Form TM-R Ready and Send It In

Use Form TM-R to renew, either online or in person. Be careful filling it; mistakes can slow things down.

Step 3: Pay the Fees

It’s time to pay. The fee depends on whether you’re a person, startup, or a business. Paying on time helps your application go smoothly.

Step 4: The Official Check

Trademark Office will look at your application to make sure it is correct. Any missing info will be pointed out.

Step 5: Get Your New Certificate

After approval, you’ll get a new certificate. This extends your protection for another 10 years.

Step 6: Keep Monitoring and Updating

Renewal doesn’t mean you’re done. Keep records updated and watch for violations. Brand protection is ongoing work.

5. Trademark Renewal Fees in India

There are different fees for renewing a trademark in India, depending on who is applying and when:

• Fees for renewing with the government: Fees are different for people, startups, and businesses. You have to pay this in order for the renewal to go through.
• Fees for Professionals/Agents: If you hire a trademark attorney or agent to handle the process, you will have to pay them extra.
• Penalty Fees for Late Renewal: If you miss the renewal deadline, you may have to pay extra fees during the grace period.

Quick Reference: Trademark Renewal Fees

Applicant Type	Standard Renewal Fee (per class)	Late Renewal Fee (if applicable)
Individual/Startup	₹9,000	₹1,000 additional
Company/Others	₹15,000	₹1,000 additional

Note: Fees are subject to updates by the Indian Trademark Office. Always check the official IP India portal before submitting your application.

6. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them During Trademark Renewal

Even seasoned business owners can trip up on trademark renewal. Here are the usual pitfalls and how to dodge them:

Common Mistake	How to Avoid It	Key Tip
Missing the Renewal Deadline	Set reminders well in advance and track the renewal date carefully	Treat it as a “do not forget” date for your brand
Using Outdated Forms or Incorrect Details	Always use the latest TM-R form and double-check all information before submission	Errors can delay or invalidate your renewal
Ignoring Official Notices	Read and act on all communications from the Trademark Office promptly	Missing notices can cause missed deadlines or complications
Failing to Update Ownership or Contact Information	Update records immediately when there are changes in ownership, addresses, or company details	Ensures renewal notices reach the correct person and legal rights remain protected

7. Legal & Practical Implications of Non-Renewal

Missing a trademark renewal isn’t just a paperwork slip; it’s an invitation for trouble:

• Easy to Cancel: Once the renewal window closes, your trademark vanishes from the official register. Bye-bye, protection.
• Copycats on the Prowl: Competitors or opportunists can swoop in and register marks that mimic yours, chipping away at your uniqueness.
• Brand Reputation at Risk: Without legal backing, defending your brand becomes a headache. Confused customers, shaken trust, and a dented brand image can linger long after.

Renewal isn’t just a formality; it’s your brand’s armor in the market.

And even after the renewal, someone tries to be smart and dilute people with similarities to your brand for their own. Fret not, if you have a trademark, you will have legal protection. Read a similar case and understand why renewal is essential: Trademark- Starbucks vs. Sardarbuksh

8. Tips for Smooth Trademark Renewal

Staying ahead of deadlines makes trademark renewal far less stressful. Here are some simple practices that go a long way:

Practice	Why It Helps
Set Calendar Reminders	Mark renewal dates months early so you’re not pulling an all-nighter at the last minute
Keep Copies Handy	Digital + physical certificates = quick access and fewer “where did I put that?” moments
Go Online	Filing through portals is faster, trackable, and keeps the paperwork pile from taking over your desk
Bring in a Pro	IP consultants act like brand bodyguards—great for tricky cases or multiple trademarks

These small steps help you keep your trademark secure without unnecessary drama.

Conclusion: Keep Your Trademark Alive

A trademark isn’t just a fancy stamp on your brand—it’s more like a shield that keeps away the copycats while keeping your customers’ trust intact. But shields need upkeep too. Skip the process for renewal of your trademark, and suddenly you’re dealing with cancellations, legal hiccups, or worse, a rival trying to strut around in your brand’s shoes.

The smarter play? Stay ahead of it. Set reminders on your phone, keep your trademark records neat, or call in professionals when things feel too knotty. It’s way cheaper (and calmer) than scrambling later and saying, “Well, that escalated quickly.”

And if chasing deadlines and filling forms makes you want to nap, platforms like LegalWiz.in can do the heavy lifting. They’ll handle the paperwork, keep the process smooth, and make sure your trademark stays very much alive—standing guard for your brand year after year.