How to Register a Trademark in India

Read time: 3 mins | Published on: Aug 11, 2025

How to Register a Trademark in India: The Complete Guide

As your business grows on Amazon.in, consider that protecting your brand may becomes just as important as the products you sell. Trademark registration is a key part of that journey. It gives you exclusive rights to your brand name and logo, helps you establish credibility, and ensures that your identity is not misused in a crowded marketplace.

For sellers on Amazon,in , a registered trademark also opens the door to Amazon Brand Registry — a suite of tools that let you enhance listings, monitor brand misuse, and access valuable insights like customer search behaviour.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

What qualifies as a trademark in India
The documents required for registration
How to apply online via the IP India portal
How trademark registration supports your Amazon growth
How to use your trademark to enrol in Amazon Brand Registry

Did You Know?

In 2021, India processed over 400,000 trademark applications — the highest ever recorded in a year. This reflects how quickly businesses are realising the value of brand protection.

Overview of the Trademark Registration Process in India

If you're exploring how to register a brand in India, the process is overseen by the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (CGPDTM) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

You can register a trademark for any of the following or a combination of more than one:

Brand names
Logos
Shapes and packaging
Sound marks (in some cases)

Trademark applications are filed directly online with the IP India portal.

Required Documents and Fees for Trademark Registration Online

Before you apply, prepare the following documents: :

Documents Required for Trademark Registration:

Applicant’s identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, etc.)
Address proof of the applicant
Brand name/logo/tagline in JPEG format
Proof of business (GST certificate, Udyam/MSME certificate, etc.)
Power of Attorney (if filed through an agent or attorney)

Common Trademark Classes for Sellers on Amazon:

Class 25: Clothing, footwear, headgear
Class 3: Cosmetics and skincare products
Class 9: Electronics and accessories
Class 18: Bags, leather goods
Class 35: Retail and online services (for seller services or marketing)

Fees:

₹4,500 for individuals, startups, and MSMEs
₹9,000 for companies and others (per class of goods/services)

Did You Know?

Startups and MSMEs in India can register their trademarks at 50% of the standard fee. This initiative is part of the government’s effort to support innovation and brand protection for small businesses.

Timeline and Steps for Trademark Approval in India

This step-by-step breakdown will help you understand how to register a trademark in India without relying on external legal services:

Step 1: Trademark Search

Visit IP India Public Search to check for existing trademarks using brand name, phonetic similarity, and class category. This helps avoid objections or rejections.

Step 2: Filing the Application

Fill out Form TM-A online and upload the required documents along with payment. Once submitted, you'll receive an application number immediately.

Step 3: Examination

The trademark office evaluates your application. If objections arise, they’ll issue an examination report. You must respond within 30 days. If necessary, you can also request a hearing.

Step 4: Publication in Trademark Journal

If approved, the trademark is published in the Journal for four months to allow public opposition. If contested, the applicant must reply with a counterstatement.

Total Timeline: 6–18 months (on average)

You may begin using the ™ symbol once the application is filed, and the ® symbol after final registration.

Benefits of Trademark Registration for Amazon Brand Registry

Registering your trademark may provide eligibility for Amazon Brand Registry — a suite of tools designed to help you safeguard your listings, control your content, and ensure consistent brand representation across the platform.

Without a registered trademark, your ability to address content misuse or unauthorised sellers is limited. Brand Registry gives you greater visibility and the enforcement tools needed to actively protect your brand as it grows.

Note: Amazon Brand Registry acceptance is subject to Amazon's review and approval process, which may have additional requirements beyond trademark registration.

Brand Registry Benefits:

Prevent unauthorised sellers from misusing your listings
Enable A+ Content, Sponsored Brand Ads, and Brand Analytics
Use the Report a Violation tool to protect your catalogue
Increase trust and visibility among customers

What Can You Do with Just an Application Number?

You don’t have to wait for your trademark to be fully registered to take action. Once you've filed your trademark application and received an application number, you may be eligible to apply for Brand Registry. However, acceptance is at Amazon's discretion and subject to their current requirements.

If accepted, this may allow you to start using Amazon's brand protection and content tools early on. It’s especially useful for new launches where early brand control can make a difference.

With an application number, you can:

Apply for Brand Registry immediately
Access branding tools like Stores and A+ modules
Flag counterfeit or unauthorised listings through Amazon support

Conclusion: Protect What You’ve Built

Registering a trademark to safeguard your brand identity should be considered a strategic priority in your seller journey. Evaluate trademark protection as part of your business planning process. Registering your trademark gives you the tools and authority to manage how your products appear, who sells them, and how your brand is represented on Amazon. With the right protections in place, you’ll not only reduce risk but also build more trust with your customers.

The sooner you start, the more control you’ll have over where your brand goes next!

Key Takeaways:

A trademark can be valuable for protecting your brand identity on Amazon and beyond.
You can register a trademark in India online via the IP India portal with basic documentation.
MSMEs and startups have reduced trademark registration fees.
Filing a trademark may provide eligibility for Amazon Brand Registry tools, subject to Amazon's approval process. Proactively managing your IP is key to avoiding counterfeit risks, boosting customer trust, and scaling securely.

Was this helpful ?

Disclaimer: Whilst Amazon Seller Services Private Limited ("Amazon") has used reasonable endeavours in compiling the information provided, Amazon provides no assurance as to its accuracy, completeness or usefulness or that such information is error-free. In certain cases, the blog is provided by a third-party seller and is made available on an "as-is" basis. Amazon hereby disclaims any and all liability and assumes no responsibility whatsoever for consequences resulting from use of such information. Information provided may be changed or updated at any time, without any prior notice. You agree to use the information, at your own risk and expressly waive any and all claims, rights of action and/or remedies (under law or otherwise) that you may have against Amazon arising out of or in connection with the use of such information. Any copying, redistribution or republication of the information, or any portion thereof, without prior written consent of Amazon is strictly prohibited.

Try the Amazon Beginners Guide

Learn more on becoming an Amazon Seller