How Much Does Trademark Registration Really Cost? A No-BS Breakdown
Intro: The T-Word Nobody Warned You About
So you launched the brand. The logo slaps. Your D2C candle line - let's call it "Burn After Reading" - finally has a working Shopify store and an Instagram with 47 followers (mostly your mum's friends, but they're loyal). And then someone, somewhere, drops the T-word: "Have you trademarked this yet?"
Cue the panic Google: wait, how much is this gonna cost me?
Short answer: ₹4,500-₹9,000 in government fees per class, plus ₹2,899-₹8,299 in professional fees if you don't want to do it yourself. Long answer: keep reading, because the number that's quoted to you on day one and the number you actually end up paying by month eighteen can be wildly different things.
This is the breakdown I wish someone had handed me before I filed my first mark. No legal jargon. No upsell. Just the actual maths - with a side of brutal honesty about the parts that annoy everyone (yes, including us). And this time we're going one step further: instead of just telling you what we charge, we're putting DIY filing, the typical industry rate, and iProSolutions pricing side-by-side at every stage, so you can see exactly where the rupees go and decide for yourself which lane you want to be in.
Trademark Registration Cost at a Glance (The TL;DR Table)
Before we get into the why and the how, here's the snapshot you came for. This assumes e-filing (cheaper than physical) and one mark in one class.
| Applicant Type | Govt Fee (e-filing, per mark per class) | Est. Total with Professional Help |
|---|---|---|
| Individual / Sole Proprietor | ₹4,500 | ₹7,399 onwards |
| DPIIT-Recognised Startup | ₹4,500 | ₹7,399 onwards |
| Small Enterprise (Udyam-MSME) | ₹4,500 | ₹7,399 onwards |
| Private Ltd / LLP / Partnership | ₹9,000 | ₹17,299 onwards |
| Other (Foreign entity, large co.) | ₹9,000 | ₹17,299 onwards |
Translation: if you're an individual, startup, or MSME, you pay half the government fee that a private limited company pays. That's not a typo - that's a real discount, and most founders don't know it exists.
Now let's actually understand what's happening here.
The Three-Way Showdown: DIY vs Industry Standard vs iProSolutions
This is the section most pricing pages skip, because most pricing pages are written by people who'd rather you not do the comparison. We're going to do the comparison.
A quick framing note before the numbers: by "industry standard" we mean the typical professional fee range charged by IP firms and online legal service providers across India for the same task. We are deliberately not naming any competitor brand in this article - partly because pricing changes monthly and partly because we'd rather the numbers speak for themselves. If you've been quoted something wildly outside these bands, that's a signal to get a second quote, not a signal to panic.
By "DIY" we mean you filing the TM-A yourself on the IP India portal, with zero professional fee attached. It's free in professional fees, expensive in your time, and carries the highest rejection risk for anything beyond a simple wordmark.
By "iProSolutions" we mean our published package pricing as of October 2025 - fully transparent, no surprise line items, with the optional add-ons listed in plain sight.
Here's the head-to-head on the headline filing cost (one mark, one class, individual/startup tier, e-filing):
| Cost Component | DIY Filing | Industry Standard Range | iProSolutions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trademark search (pre-filing) | Free on IP India public search | ₹500 - ₹2,500 | ₹599 (standalone) or free with package |
| Professional fee for TM-A drafting + filing | ₹0 (you do it) | ₹3,000 - ₹15,000 | ₹2,899 (individual/startup tier) |
| Government fee (TM-A, individual/startup) | ₹4,500 | ₹4,500 | ₹4,500 |
| Government fee (TM-A, company/LLP) | ₹9,000 | ₹9,000 | ₹9,000 |
| Class selection + goods specification guidance | You figure it out | Usually included | Included |
| Application drafting (owner details, user affidavit if needed) | You figure it out | Usually included | Included |
| Status tracking + deadline monitoring | Your problem | Sometimes included, sometimes ₹500-₹1,000/yr | Included |
| Examination report monitoring | Your problem | Sometimes included | Included |
| Total upfront cost (individual, 1 class, e-file) | ₹4,500 + your time | ₹7,500 - ₹19,500 | ₹7,399 |
| Total upfront cost (company/LLP, 1 class, e-file) | ₹9,000 + your time | ₹12,000 - ₹24,000 | ₹17,299 |
Read that table twice. The two things most founders miss:
- DIY is not actually free. It costs ₹4,500 in government fee plus 4-8 hours of your time plus the rejection risk if you mispick a class or write a weak goods spec. If your time is worth ₹2,000/hour (and if you're running a real brand, it should be), DIY costs you ₹4,500 + ₹8,000-₹16,000 of founder time = ₹12,500-₹20,500 in real terms. Suddenly the ₹7,399 professional-assisted package looks like the cheaper option.
- Industry standard has a wide range for a reason. The ₹3,000-₹15,000 spread reflects everything from "form-filling-only" online services (lower end) to full-service IP firms with partner-level review (upper end). You get what you pay for in drafting quality, objection response inclusion, and ongoing monitoring. The middle of that range - ₹5,000-₹8,000 - is where most "feels reasonable" quotes land, and that's also where iProSolutions sits.
So when someone tells you "trademark costs ₹4,500," what they're really saying is "the government's cut is ₹4,500, and everything after that is up to you." The next several sections break down what happens after that, and where each of the three lanes (DIY / industry / iPro) lands at every stage.
First Things First: What Actually Determines Your Cost
There are four variables that decide what your final bill looks like. Get these right and you're already ahead of 80% of first-time filers.
a) WHO you are (applicant type). The Trademark Registry splits applicants into two fee buckets: "Individual / Startup / Small Enterprise" (lower fee) and "Others" (higher fee). Your legal structure decides which bucket you fall into - but it's not as simple as "company vs. person." More on that below.
b) HOW MANY classes you file in. This is the #1 cost surprise. Trademark fees in India are charged per mark, per class. Not "per trademark." Not "per brand." Per mark × per class. If you sell candles (Class 4) AND clothing merch (Class 25), you're paying twice.
c) Online vs. physical filing. E-filing is cheaper. Physical filing adds ₹500-₹1,000 per class as a surcharge. There is literally no reason to physically file in 2025 unless you enjoy standing in queues at the Trademark Registry office. Save yourself.
d) DIY vs. professional help. You can absolutely file a TM-A yourself on the IP India portal. Free. Should you? For a simple wordmark in one class where you're 100% sure there are no conflicts - sure. For anything with a logo, multiple classes, or a crowded product category - get help. The cost of fixing a botched filing is almost always higher than the cost of doing it right the first time.
There's actually a fifth variable hiding inside (b) that most founders miss: mark TYPE. A wordmark, a label mark, and a combined (wordmark + logo) filing are three different things with three different cost curves. We'll come back to that in its own section after we cover the basics.
Government Trademark Registration Fees in India (The Real Table)
As per the Trade Marks Rules, 2017 fee schedule (last verified October 2025 on ipindia.gov.in), here's what the government actually charges:
| Form | Purpose | Individual / Startup / Small Enterprise | Others (Companies, LLPs, etc.) | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM-A | New trademark application (e-filing) | ₹4,500 | ₹9,000 | Per mark, per class |
| TM-A | New trademark application (physical) | ₹5,000 | ₹10,000 | Per mark, per class |
| TM-M | Expedited examination request | ₹20,000 | ₹40,000 | Per application |
| TM-O | Notice of opposition (e-filing) | ₹2,700 | ₹2,700 | Per class |
| TM-O | Counterstatement (e-filing) | ₹2,700 | ₹2,700 | Per class |
| TM-R | Renewal (e-filing) | ₹9,000 | ₹9,000 | Per mark, per class |
| TM-R | Renewal (physical filing) | ₹10,000 | ₹10,000 | Per mark, per class |
| TM-R | Renewal with surcharge (late, in grace period) | ₹10,000 | ₹10,000 | Per mark, per class |
| TM-R | Restoration of lapsed mark | ₹9,000 | ₹9,000 | Per mark, per class |
| TM-M | Amendment / correction (small) | ₹500 | ₹500 | Per application |
| TM-P | Subsequent proprietor (assignment) | ₹9,000 | ₹9,000 | Per mark |
Notice how opposition and renewal fees are the same for everyone, regardless of applicant type. The "discount" only applies to the initial filing. The Registry is generous on entry, strict on conflict.
Every fee figure above is verifiable on the official IP India fee schedule at ipindia.gov.in. We don't invent numbers - and neither should anyone you're paying to do this for you.
Why Trademark Fees Are Charged Per Mark and Per Class (The Analogy Nobody Gives You)
Here's the original analogy I promised: trademark fees are like gym memberships.
You don't buy one "gym membership for life, all branches, all classes." You buy: one membership for one branch, for one type of class (yoga, weightlifting, spin, etc.). Want yoga at the Bandra branch AND weightlifting at the Andheri branch? That's two memberships. Want to bring your friend? That's two people.
Trademark fees work exactly the same way:
- One mark (your brand name OR your logo, treated separately) = one membership for one person
- One class (one category of goods/services, out of 45 Nice Classification classes) = one branch/activity
So if you register your brand name AND your logo in two classes (say, candles + clothing), you're paying 2 marks × 2 classes × the applicable government fee. For an individual that's ₹4,500 × 4 = ₹18,000 in government fees alone. Not ₹4,500.
This is the calculation that 90% of "trademark costs ₹4,500" blog posts skip. It's why the brand-name-plus-logo-plus-multi-class founder always ends up paying 4x what they budgeted.
Nice Classification: A 30-Second Crash Course
There are 45 classes under the Nice Classification system (an international standard India follows). Some quick mappings so you don't get caught off guard:
- Class 3 - Cosmetics, perfumes, soaps
- Class 4 - Candles, oils, fuels (yes, candles live here, not Class 3)
- Class 9 - Software, electronics, downloadable content
- Class 16 - Paper goods, stationery
- Class 25 - Clothing, footwear, headgear
- Class 29 - Food (meat, dairy, preserved foods)
- Class 30 - Coffee, tea, bakery, snacks
- Class 32 - Beverages (non-alcoholic)
- Class 35 - Advertising, business management, retail services
- Class 41 - Education, entertainment, content creation
- Class 43 - Restaurants, food services
If you run a chai brand that ALSO sells chai-flavoured candles AND chai-themed merch, you're looking at Classes 30, 4, AND 25. Three classes × one mark = ₹13,500 in government fees for an individual. Welcome to main character energy, indeed.
Step-by-Step Cost Journey: Where Your Money Actually Goes
Here's the actual lifecycle of a trademark, with real numbers attached at each stage:
| Step | Stage | Govt Fee | Typical Professional Fee | Optional? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trademark search (DIY free; professional) | - | ₹599-₹2,000 | Technically yes, but don't skip |
| 2 | Filing TM-A | ₹4,500 / ₹9,000 | ₹2,899-₹8,299 | No |
| 3 | Examination report response (if objection raised) | - | ₹3,000-₹8,000 | Conditional |
| 4 | Publication + 4-month opposition window | - | - | - |
| 5 | Registration certificate issued | - | - | - |
| 6 | Renewal every 10 years | ₹9,000 | ₹2,000-₹5,000 | No (if you want to keep the mark) |
The big-budget-killer nobody warns you about sits at Step 4. If someone opposes your mark during the 4-month publication window, you're suddenly in a contested legal proceeding. Opposition defense typically runs ₹25,000-₹1,00,000+ in professional fees, depending on complexity. Most first-time founders don't budget for this - and most "₹4,500 trademark" articles don't mention it.
Before filing, businesses should conduct a proper trademark search to identify potentially conflicting marks. It's the cheapest insurance you'll ever buy - ₹599 now can save you ₹1,00,000 in opposition defense later.
Stage-by-Stage: What DIY, Industry Standard, and iProSolutions Cost at Every Step
This is the table most pricing pages would rather you didn't have. Every stage of the trademark lifecycle, with what each of the three lanes will actually cost you. Read it once for the big picture, then come back to specific stages when you're at that point in the journey.
| Stage | Govt Fee (always same) | DIY (you file yourself) | Industry Standard Range | iProSolutions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Pre-filing search | ₹0 | Free on IP India public search (2-4 hrs your time) | ₹500 - ₹2,500 | ₹599 standalone or free with package |
| 2. TM-A filing (1 mark, 1 class, individual) | ₹4,500 | ₹0 professional + 4-8 hrs your time + ₹4,500 govt | ₹3,000 - ₹15,000 professional + ₹4,500 govt = ₹7,500 - ₹19,500 | ₹2,899 professional + ₹4,500 govt = ₹7,399 |
| 2b. TM-A filing (1 mark, 1 class, company/LLP) | ₹9,000 | ₹0 professional + 4-8 hrs your time + ₹9,000 govt | ₹5,000 - ₹18,000 professional + ₹9,000 govt = ₹14,000 - ₹27,000 | ₹8,299 professional + ₹9,000 govt = ₹17,299 |
| 2c. Each additional class (same mark) | +₹4,500 / +₹9,000 | Same govt fee, your time again | ₹2,000 - ₹8,000 additional (volume pricing varies) | ₹2,899 (individual) / ₹8,299 (company) per additional class, often with volume pricing |
| 3. Examination report objection response | ₹0 (no govt fee for response) | You draft yourself - risky if examiner raises Section 9/11 grounds | ₹5,000 - ₹15,000 per objection response | ₹3,000 - ₹8,000 per objection |
| 4a. Opposition - counterstatement filing (TM-O) | ₹2,700 per class | You cannot realistically DIY this - drafting a counterstatement requires legal training | ₹15,000 - ₹40,000 (drafting + filing + strategy) | ₹15,000 - ₹25,000 professional + ₹2,700 govt |
| 4b. Opposition - evidence + hearing stage | ₹0 (no govt fee, but heavy professional time) | Not possible without legal representation | ₹30,000 - ₹1,50,000+ depending on hearings | ₹25,000 - ₹1,00,000+ depending on complexity |
| 5. Registration certificate issuance | ₹0 | No action needed | No action needed | No action needed |
| 6. Renewal (TM-R, every 10 years) | ₹9,000 per mark per class (e-file) | ₹0 professional + ₹9,000 govt + 1-2 hrs your time | ₹3,000 - ₹10,000 professional + ₹9,000 govt | ₹2,000 - ₹5,000 professional + ₹9,000 govt = ₹11,000 - ₹14,000 |
| 6b. Restoration of lapsed mark (if you missed renewal) | ₹9,000 | Not advisable to DIY - short window, easy to mess up | ₹5,000 - ₹15,000 professional + ₹9,000 govt | ₹4,000 - ₹8,000 professional + ₹9,000 govt |
| 7. Expedited examination (TM-M, optional) | ₹20,000 (individual) / ₹40,000 (others) | You can file yourself, but timing strategy matters | ₹5,000 - ₹15,000 professional + govt fee | ₹2,000 - ₹5,000 professional + govt fee |
| 8. Assignment / proprietorship change (TM-P) | ₹9,000 per mark | Possible to DIY but easy to mess up transfer deed | ₹5,000 - ₹20,000 professional + ₹9,000 govt | Custom quote, typically ₹3,000 - ₹10,000 professional + govt fee |
A few honest takeaways from this table:
DIY's "free" professional fee is an illusion. Your time has a cost, and so does your rejection risk. The DIY column looks cheaper until you reach Stage 3, where drafting your own objection response without legal training is a coin flip. Get that wrong and you're back to Stage 2 with another ₹4,500 government fee.
Industry standard spreads widen as stages get harder. Filing TM-A is a commodity service (tight spread ₹3,000-₹15,000). Opposition defense is specialist work (wide spread ₹30,000-₹1,50,000). The more complex the stage, the more important it is to ask "what exactly am I getting for ₹X" before signing.
iProSolutions sits at the lower-middle of the industry range at every stage - not the cheapest (that's DIY), not the most expensive (that's full-service IP firms with partner review), but consistent across stages and bundled into a single package so you don't have to negotiate each stage separately. The trade-off is that for extremely complex opposition cases, you may eventually want to bring in dedicated litigation counsel - and we'll tell you when that's the case, rather than upsell you into staying with us.
Government fees are the same in every column. That's the one constant. Any provider quoting you a different government fee is either wrong or lying - call them out.
The "Hidden" Costs Nobody Tells You About
Let's be brutally honest about the things pricing pages conveniently skip:
1. Multi-class filing multiplies fees. Already covered, but worth repeating. One brand, three classes = triple the government fee.
2. Expedited examination is rarely worth it. TM-M for expedited exam costs ₹20,000-₹40,000 extra. It speeds up the examination timeline (from ~8-12 months to ~3 months) but does NOT guarantee approval. You're paying for speed, not outcome. Worth it if you have an investor deadline or a product launch where brand protection is non-negotiable. Skip it otherwise.
3. Opposition proceedings can bankrupt a small brand. A notice of opposition costs just ₹2,700 per class to file (cheap!). But defending one - drafting counterstatements, evidence, hearings - runs ₹25,000 to ₹1,00,000+ in professional fees. This is the budget-killer. This is why a thorough search upfront matters.
4. Descriptive marks get rejected - and the government does NOT refund. If your brand is "Best Candles" and the Examiner says it's too descriptive (it is), your ₹4,500 is gone. No refund. No re-filing credit. The government treats your fee as a processing fee, not a success fee.
5. Physical filing surcharge. Already mentioned: ₹500-₹1,000 extra per class. Just don't.
6. DIY mistakes = re-filing costs. Wrong class? Wrong applicant name spelling? Inadequate goods specification? Each mistake can require a fresh filing (₹4,500-₹9,000 down the drain) or an amendment via TM-M (₹500 per application, plus your time).
If the Registry raises an objection, you may need professional assistance with your trademark objection response - and yes, this is a separate professional fee.
Single Class vs Multi-Class: One Brand, Two Timelines
This is where most founders get the math wrong. They think "I'm trademarking my brand" is one transaction. It almost never is. To make this painfully clear, let's run the same fictional brand - "Burn After Reading" candle company - down two parallel timelines and watch the rupees stack up differently.
Setup: Burn After Reading is a D2C candle brand. Founder is an individual applicant (qualifies for the ₹4,500 government fee tier). Founder plans to sell candles online, eventually add a chai-themed merch line, and eventually also operate a retail pop-up. E-filing throughout.
Path A - Single Class Filing (candles only, one wordmark)
You file the wordmark "Burn After Reading" in Class 4 (candles) only. You're betting that the candle line is your core product and you'll think about merch and retail later.
| Stage | Govt Fee | DIY Cost | Industry Standard | iProSolutions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Pre-filing search | ₹0 | Free (2-4 hrs your time) | ₹500 - ₹2,000 | ₹599 (or free with package) |
| 2. TM-A filing (1 mark × 1 class, individual) | ₹4,500 | ₹4,500 + 4-8 hrs your time | ₹7,500 - ₹19,500 | ₹7,399 |
| 3. Objection response (assume 1 objection) | ₹0 | Risky DIY draft | ₹5,000 - ₹15,000 | ₹3,000 - ₹8,000 |
| 4. Opposition (assume none) | - | - | - | - |
| 5. Registration certificate | ₹0 | - | - | - |
| 6. Renewal in 10 years (TM-R) | ₹9,000 | ₹9,000 + your time | ₹12,000 - ₹19,000 | ₹11,000 - ₹14,000 |
| Total 10-year cost (no objection, no opposition) | ₹13,500 | ₹13,500 + 6-12 hrs your time | ₹20,000 - ₹36,500 | ₹18,399 - ₹21,399 |
| Total 10-year cost (with one objection) | ₹13,500 | ₹13,500 + high rejection risk | ₹25,000 - ₹51,500 | ₹21,399 - ₹29,399 |
Path A is the "minimum viable trademark" - you've locked your candle brand name, but if you launch a "Burn After Reading" merch line in Year 2 and someone else has filed "Burn After Reading" in Class 25 by then, you have zero protection in that class. You'll either be paying them a licence fee or rebranding the merch line. That ₹4,500 you "saved" by not filing Class 25 now becomes a ₹2,00,000 rebranding problem later.
Path B - Multi-Class Filing (candles + merch + retail, one wordmark)
You file the wordmark "Burn After Reading" across Class 4 (candles) + Class 25 (clothing merch) + Class 35 (online retail services) at the same time. This is the strategic play - you're protecting the brand across every category you plan to operate in over the next 2-3 years.
| Stage | Govt Fee | DIY Cost | Industry Standard | iProSolutions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Pre-filing search (across 3 classes) | ₹0 | Free (4-8 hrs your time, more complex) | ₹1,000 - ₹3,500 | ₹599 (or free with package) |
| 2. TM-A filing (1 mark × 3 classes, individual) | ₹4,500 × 3 = ₹13,500 | ₹13,500 + 8-16 hrs your time | ₹9,000 - ₹30,000 professional + ₹13,500 govt = ₹22,500 - ₹43,500 | ₹2,899 × 3 = ₹8,697 professional + ₹13,500 govt = ₹22,197 (volume pricing may apply) |
| 3. Objection response (assume 1 objection in 1 class) | ₹0 | Risky DIY draft | ₹5,000 - ₹15,000 per objection | ₹3,000 - ₹8,000 per objection |
| 4. Opposition (assume none across 3 classes) | - | - | - | - |
| 5. Registration certificate (3 certificates issued) | ₹0 | - | - | - |
| 6. Renewal in 10 years (TM-R × 3 classes) | ₹9,000 × 3 = ₹27,000 | ₹27,000 + your time | ₹36,000 - ₹57,000 | ₹33,000 - ₹42,000 |
| Total 10-year cost (no objection, no opposition) | ₹40,500 | ₹40,500 + 12-24 hrs your time | ₹58,500 - ₹1,00,500 | ₹55,197 - ₹64,197 |
| Total 10-year cost (with 1 objection in 1 class) | ₹40,500 | ₹40,500 + high rejection risk on 1 class | ₹63,500 - ₹1,15,500 | ₹58,197 - ₹72,197 |
Side-by-Side: Single vs Multi-Class at a Glance
| Dimension | Path A (Single Class) | Path B (Multi-Class, 3 classes) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government fee (filing) | ₹4,500 | ₹13,500 | +₹9,000 |
| iProSolutions professional fee (filing) | ₹2,899 | ₹8,697 | +₹5,798 |
| iProSolutions total filing cost | ₹7,399 | ₹22,197 | +₹14,798 |
| Renewal in 10 years (govt) | ₹9,000 | ₹27,000 | +₹18,000 |
| Total 10-year cost (iPro, clean path) | ₹18,399 - ₹21,399 | ₹55,197 - ₹64,197 | ~₹37,000 - ₹43,000 more |
| Brand protection scope | Candles only | Candles + merch + retail | 3 categories locked |
| Risk of competitor filing your name in another class | High (you left 2/3 categories unprotected) | Low | Significant |
| Future rebranding cost if expansion blocked | ₹2,00,000 - ₹10,00,000 | ₹0 (already protected) | Priceless |
The Verdict on Single vs Multi-Class
The "₹4,500 single class" pitch is the cheapest entry ticket - and it's exactly what you should do if you genuinely only ever plan to sell candles and nothing else. But the moment "Burn After Reading" expands into merch, retail, or any adjacent product, the single-class play becomes a false economy. The founder who spent ₹22,197 locking down three classes at launch is the same founder who, three years later, doesn't have to rebrand the merch line because a competitor scooped the name in Class 25.
Rule of thumb: File in (a) every class you currently operate in, plus (b) every class you realistically plan to operate in within the next 24 months. Don't speculate beyond that - but don't cheap out on the ones you know are coming.
Word Mark vs Label Mark vs Combined Filing: Which One Are You Actually Paying For?
This is the comparison that almost no trademark pricing page makes explicit, and it's the comparison that decides whether your "₹4,500 trademark" actually protects you or just gives you a piece of paper that doesn't cover the asset you care about.
The 30-Second Definitions
- Word Mark (Text Mark): Your brand name in plain standard text, with no specific font, colour, or design claimed. Example: BURN AFTER READING filed as plain text. The Trademark Registry records the word itself as the protected asset, regardless of how it's visually presented.
- Label Mark: The complete label as it appears on your product packaging - typically including the brand name + tagline + design elements + colour arrangement + decorative graphics, all filed as one composite image. Example: the full front-of-pack label of your candle tin, with the brand name, the scent descriptor, the batch number area, and the visual flourish all together.
- Combined Filing (Composite / Wordmark + Device): Filing the brand name (wordmark) AND the logo (device mark) as your protection strategy - either as a single composite application where wordmark + logo are filed together as one mark, OR as two parallel applications filed simultaneously for the broadest protection. We'll cover both flavours below.
Protection Scope Side-by-Side
| Mark Type | What It Protects | What It Doesn't Protect | Strength of Protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Word Mark | The brand name itself, in ANY visual form - any font, any colour, any layout, any styling | Doesn't protect the specific logo design or label artwork | Broadest. If someone uses the same or similar name in any visual treatment, you can challenge them. |
| Label Mark | The specific label design as a whole - the exact arrangement of text + graphics + colours as filed | Doesn't protect the brand name in any other visual treatment; doesn't protect the logo separately from the label | Narrowest. Change the label design (rebrand packaging, switch fonts, add a tagline) and you may need to refile. |
| Combined Filing (Wordmark + Logo) | Two parallel marks - the wordmark (broad name protection) AND the device mark (specific logo protection) | Two separate applications means two separate renewal cycles, but maximum coverage | Strongest combined coverage. You get the broad name protection PLUS the specific logo protection. |
Cost Side-by-Side (Individual applicant, e-filing, one class)
| Mark Type | Number of Marks | Govt Fee | iProSolutions Professional Fee | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word Mark only (1 class) | 1 mark | ₹4,500 | ₹2,899 | ₹7,399 |
| Label Mark only (1 class) | 1 mark | ₹4,500 | ₹2,899 - ₹4,299 (slightly higher drafting - needs image upload + design specification) | ₹7,399 - ₹8,799 |
| Combined - Composite single mark (wordmark + logo filed as ONE image, 1 class) | 1 mark | ₹4,500 | ₹3,499 - ₹4,999 (composite drafting is more involved) | ₹7,999 - ₹9,499 |
| Combined - Parallel filing (separate wordmark + separate logo, 1 class) | 2 marks | ₹4,500 × 2 = ₹9,000 | ₹2,899 × 2 = ₹5,798 | ₹14,798 |
| Word Mark + Label Mark (parallel, 1 class) | 2 marks | ₹4,500 × 2 = ₹9,000 | ₹2,899 + ₹3,499 = ₹6,398 | ₹15,398 |
For a company/LLP applicant, double the government fee column (₹9,000 instead of ₹4,500 per mark per class).
When to Pick Which
Pick the Word Mark when:
- You're an early-stage brand and your logo is still evolving
- You want maximum protection for the name itself, regardless of visual treatment
- You're scaling internationally and want the broadest base layer of protection
- You're on a tight budget and need to prioritize - always prioritize the wordmark first
- You're a service business (consultancy, SaaS, agency) where the name matters more than any visual identity
Pick the Label Mark when:
- Your packaging design IS the brand asset (FMCG, packaged food, cosmetics, tea/coffee)
- You've invested significantly in label artwork that you don't plan to change for 5+ years
- You need to protect a specific arrangement of text + graphics on physical packaging
- You've already filed the wordmark separately and want to add label protection on top
- You're fighting a specific lookalike product on shelf
Pick Combined Filing (parallel wordmark + logo) when:
- Your logo is final, distinctive, and you'll use it for years
- You're a D2C brand where both the name AND the visual identity matter equally
- You have the budget for two marks (₹14,798+ at iProSolutions for individual, 1 class)
- You're preparing for franchise, licensing, or investor due diligence where IP coverage is scrutinised
- You're in a crowded category where competitors might copy either the name OR a similar logo
The Refile Trap (Read This Twice)
Here's the part that catches almost every founder who files a logo-only or label-only mark without a wordmark:
Logos change. Labels change. Brand names rarely do.
If you filed a logo-only mark in 2023 and you refresh the logo in 2026 (new colour, refined typeface, simplified icon - totally normal brand evolution), your registered logo no longer matches your actual logo. You now have two options:
- File a fresh TM-A for the new logo - ₹4,500 government fee + ₹2,899 professional fee = ₹7,399 again, plus another 12-18 months of registration timeline.
- Continue using the old registered logo on paper while displaying the new logo in market - this creates a gap in protection that a sophisticated infringer can exploit. They can argue your registered mark doesn't actually correspond to your current use.
If you'd filed the wordmark first, the wordmark survives every logo refresh. The wordmark is your anchor; the logo (filed later, refreshed as needed) is your flavour layer. This is why almost every IP lawyer's first advice is "get the wordmark done first, add the logo later."
The same logic applies to label marks. Packaging refreshes happen every 2-4 years for most FMCG brands. Each refresh potentially requires a new label filing unless the original label design is still in commercial use somewhere in your product line.
The Decision Framework (One Line Each)
- Just starting out, budget-conscious, brand name matters most → Word Mark only.
- Packaging is the asset, name is already filed → Label Mark.
- Name AND logo both matter, budget allows → Combined Parallel Filing (wordmark + logo as two separate marks).
- Name and logo always used together, never separated, budget tight → Combined Composite (one application, one mark).
- Already filed wordmark, now want to add visual protection → Add logo or label as second mark later.
DIY vs Hiring a Professional: The Honest Comparison
| Factor | DIY Filing | Professional-Assisted |
|---|---|---|
| Total upfront cost (1 class, individual) | ₹4,500 | ₹7,399 onwards |
| Time spent | 4-8 hours of research + filing | 30-60 min of inputs |
| Rejection risk (simple wordmark) | Low-Medium | Low |
| Rejection risk (logo/multi-class) | Medium-High | Low |
| Objection handling | You figure it out | Included or add-on |
| Tracking & deadline monitoring | Your problem | Included |
| Hearing representation | Not possible | Available |
Fair verdict: If you're filing one simple wordmark in one class, you're 100% sure no similar marks exist, and you understand the goods specification rules - DIY it. If you have a logo, multiple classes, a crowded category, or you're scaling the brand internationally - get help. The risk-adjusted math almost always favours professional filing for anything non-trivial.
What iProSolutions Charges (No Surprises)
Here's where I stop being a sarcastic friend and start being honest about what we actually charge. Transparency is the entire point of this article.
| Package | What's Included | Govt Fee | Our Professional Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individual / Startup / MSME | TM-A filing, search, class selection, drafting, status tracking | ₹4,500 | ₹2,899 | ₹7,399 |
| Company / LLP / Others | Same as above, for higher fee tier | ₹9,000 | ₹8,299 | ₹17,299 |
| Trademark Search (standalone) | Comprehensive similarity search + report | - | ₹599 | ₹599 |
Optional Add-Ons
| Service | Typical Fee | When You Need It |
|---|---|---|
| Trademark objection response (per objection) | ₹3,000 - ₹8,000 | If the Examiner raises a Section 9 or 11 objection |
| Hearing representation (per hearing) | ₹3,000 - ₹10,000 | If your case goes to hearing |
| Expedited examination filing (TM-M) | Govt fee ₹20,000 - ₹40,000 + ₹2,000 - ₹5,000 professional | When you need fast-track processing |
| Trademark renewal (TM-R) | Govt fee ₹9,000 + ₹2,000 - ₹5,000 professional | Every 10 years |
| Label mark drafting (image upload + design spec) | +₹500 - ₹1,400 on top of base package | When filing a label instead of a plain wordmark |
| Composite mark drafting (wordmark + logo as one application) | +₹600 - ₹2,000 on top of base package | When filing a combined composite mark |
| Parallel logo filing (second mark, same class) | Second mark at ₹2,899 (individual) / ₹8,299 (company) | When filing wordmark + logo as two separate marks |
Every package includes: free initial search, drafting, filing, documentation support, status updates, and examination monitoring. No hidden line items. If something comes up that needs an extra fee (like an objection response), we tell you upfront before doing the work - not after.
If you're ready to file, head to our trademark registration service page. Need a search first? Start with the trademark search service.
Pricing note: All iProSolutions prices above are checked as of October 2025. Government fees follow the Trade Marks Rules, 2017 fee schedule. If anything changes (which happens rarely), we update this article.
The Cost of NOT Registering (Flip the Framing for a Second)
It feels expensive until you do the maths on the alternative.
Imagine you've spent two years building "Burn After Reading" into a recognisable D2C candle brand. ₹6,00,000 in ad spend. 12,000 customers. A real product-market fit. Then one morning you get a cease-and-desist letter from a bigger company that registered the same name eighteen months ago. Their trademark. Your brand.
Here's what happens next:
- You either fight it in opposition (₹1,00,000+ in legal fees, often losing)
- Or you rebrand (₹2,00,000 - ₹10,00,000 in new packaging, website, ads, customer confusion)
- Or you settle and pay them a licence fee forever
The cheapest trademark is the one you register early. ₹7,399 now or ₹5,00,000 later. Pick.
5 Ways to Cut Your Trademark Costs (Legally)
- Get DPIIT startup recognition. It's free. The application takes a week. Once recognised, you qualify for the ₹4,500 fee tier even if you're a private limited company. Massive win. Use the Startup India portal.
- Register as MSME / Udyam. Same logic - Small Enterprise status gets you the lower fee tier. Free registration.
- E-file, don't physical-file. Save ₹500-₹1,000 per class for the same outcome.
- Only file in classes you actually use - but think about brand growth. If you're a chai brand, Class 30 is non-negotiable. Class 25 (merch) only if you're actually going to sell merch. Don't speculate on classes you'll never use, but don't cheap out on the ones that matter.
- Use a wordmark-first strategy. Register your brand name (wordmark) before the logo. Wordmarks give broader protection (any visual representation of the name is covered). Logos are narrower - if you change the logo design in 3 years, you have to refile. Get the wordmark done first, add the logo later if needed.
For startups still in formation, our company registration and MSME / Udyam registration services handle the prerequisite paperwork so you can lock in the lower trademark fee tier.
Cheapest Possible vs Realistic Cost
Cheapest possible: ₹4,500. One individual, one wordmark, one class, DIY e-filing. No professional help. No search (you did it yourself on the IP India public search portal). No objection response needed (lucky). No opposition (luckier).
Realistic cost for a real founder: ₹7,399 (one mark, one class, individual, professional-assisted). Add ₹4,500 for every additional class. Add ₹3,000-₹8,000 if you get an objection. Add ₹25,000-₹1,00,000 if you get opposed. Add ₹9,000 every 10 years for renewal.
Most founders end up in the ₹7,399-₹25,000 range for a clean single-brand registration. If you're filing a brand name + logo across 2-3 classes, budget ₹20,000-₹40,000 realistically.
Real-World Cost Examples (Founder Mini-Stories)
Let me give you a few realistic scenarios, with actual numbers.
Example A - Riya, Freelance Designer (Individual, Wordmark, Single Class)
Riya does freelance brand identity work under her own name "Riya K Design Studio." One wordmark, Class 35 (advertising/business services), individual applicant.
- Govt fee: ₹4,500
- Professional fee: ₹2,899
- Total: ₹7,399
She didn't get an objection. Clean registration in ~14 months.
Example B - Aakash, D2C Skincare Startup (Wordmark, Single then Multi-Class)
Aakash runs "GlowLab," a DPIIT-recognised startup selling skincare online. Brand name only (no logo yet), filed in Class 3 (cosmetics).
- 1 mark × 1 class × ₹4,500 = ₹4,500
- Professional fee (startup tier): ₹2,899
- Total: ₹7,399
He later added Class 35 (e-commerce retail services) because GlowLab sells on its own site and Amazon - that's a separate class. Add ₹7,399 again. Running total: ₹14,798.
Example C - Mira Brands Pvt Ltd, Multi-Mark + Multi-Class Company
Mira Brands Pvt Ltd sells "Mira" branded kitchenware. Brand name + logo (parallel filing), filed in Class 8 (kitchen tools) and Class 21 (household items).
- 2 marks × 2 classes × ₹9,000 (company tier) = ₹36,000 in government fees
- Professional fee: ₹8,299 per mark-class (assume volume pricing applies)
- Total: ~₹52,000+
Welcome to the actual cost of multi-mark, multi-class, company-tier filing. The math changes fast.
Example D - Karan, Multi-Class Filing + Objection (Wordmark, Single Class, with Objection)
Karan filed "Brew Time" for chai products in Class 30. Got an examination objection under Section 9 (descriptive). Cost breakdown:
- Initial filing (individual, 1 class): ₹7,399
- Objection response (professional fee): ₹4,500
- Total: ₹11,899
Objection was overcome in 6 months. Mark proceeded to publication. No opposition. Clean registration at ~16 months total.
Example E - Sameer, Logo + Brand Name Strategy (Combined Parallel Filing, Multi-Class)
Sameer runs a merch brand called "Outlier." He wanted maximum protection, so he filed:
- Brand name (wordmark) - Class 25
- Logo (device mark) - Class 25
- Brand name - Class 35 (online retail)
- 3 marks × applicable govt fee
- As individual: 3 × ₹4,500 = ₹13,500 govt fee + ₹2,899 × 3 = ₹8,697 professional
- Total: ~₹22,197
Strategic, expensive, but the broadest protection for a brand that's actually scaling.
Example F - Priya, Hit with Opposition (Wordmark, Single Class, with Opposition)
Priya filed "BlueHour" for coffee (Class 30) and sailed through to publication. Then a coffee chain with a similar name filed opposition. Costs:
- Initial filing: ₹7,399
- Counterstatement drafting + filing (TM-O govt fee ₹2,700 + professional ₹15,000): ~₹17,700
- Evidence stage + hearing: ~₹35,000
- Total: ~₹60,000+ (and still ongoing)
This is the budget-killer scenario. It's also why a thorough trademark search upfront matters.
Example G - Founders Who Picked the Wrong Mark Type (Hypothetical)
Two founders, same brand, same class, very different outcomes three years later.
Founder 1 - Filed logo-only (device mark) in Class 25 in 2022. Logo refresh in 2025 means the registered mark no longer matches the actual logo in market. Founder now has to either refile (₹7,399 + 12-18 months) or live with a protection gap. If a competitor copied the refreshed logo, Founder 1 has weak grounds to challenge because the registered mark is the old version.
Founder 2 - Filed wordmark-only in Class 25 in 2022. Same logo refresh in 2025. The wordmark survives every visual change. Founder 2 can optionally add a fresh logo filing (₹7,399 + 12-18 months) - but in the meantime, the wordmark is still protecting the brand name against any visual treatment by competitors. No protection gap.
The difference: Founder 2 spent the same ₹7,399 at filing time as Founder 1, but chose the wordmark instead of the logo. Three years later, Founder 2 has clean, durable protection; Founder 1 has a gap. Same price, very different long-term value.
Common Mistakes That Increase Trademark Costs (Avoid These)
- Filing without a search - Most common mistake. Pays ₹4,500, gets rejected, refiles with ₹4,500 more.
- Picking the wrong class - Filing in Class 3 when you should've filed in Class 30 means starting over.
- Speculative multi-class filing - "Maybe I'll sell candles AND clothing AND food" - pick what you actually do.
- Skipping DPIIT/MSME recognition - Companies paying ₹9,000 when they could've paid ₹4,500.
- Not monitoring the application status - Missed examination report deadlines mean "abandoned" application. Refile.
- Weak objection response - DIY objection replies that ignore examiner concerns. Rejection follows.
- Registering the logo only, not the wordmark - Logo protection is narrow. Wordmark is broad. Get the wordmark first.
- Filing a label mark when the brand name is what matters - Labels are visual-specific; if you rebrand packaging, the protection lapses. Wordmark survives.
- Treating "combined filing" as one mark when you needed two - Filing a composite single mark gives narrower protection than parallel wordmark + logo. Know the difference before you sign.
- DIY-ing the opposition counterstatement - This is the single worst cost-saving attempt in the entire trademark lifecycle. Counterstatements need legal drafting; a weak one almost guarantees you lose the opposition and the ₹4,500 filing fee plus all prior investment in the mark.
How Much Should You Budget? (Honest Range)
| Scenario | Realistic Budget |
|---|---|
| Simple individual wordmark, 1 class, professional-assisted | ₹7,399 |
| Startup/MSME, brand name in 2 classes | ₹14,000 - ₹18,000 |
| Company, brand name + logo in 1 class | ₹25,000 - ₹35,000 |
| Company, brand + logo in 2-3 classes | ₹40,000 - ₹70,000 |
| Individual, wordmark + logo (parallel) in 3 classes | ₹25,000 - ₹40,000 |
| Any of the above + objection response | Add ₹3,000 - ₹8,000 |
| Any of the above + opposition defense | Add ₹25,000 - ₹1,00,000+ |
These are indicative ranges, not quotes. Your actual cost depends on your applicant type, the number of classes, the mark types you choose, and how smoothly the examination goes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is the government fee refunded if my trademark is rejected?
No. The government treats the fee as a processing fee, not a success fee. Rejected = no refund. This is why a thorough trademark search before filing is so important - it dramatically reduces rejection risk.
Q2. What does "per class" mean?
Trademark fees in India are charged per mark, per class. There are 45 classes under the Nice Classification system, each covering different goods/services. If you file one brand name in two classes, you pay twice - once per class. There's no "bulk discount."
Q3. Can I register a trademark myself without a lawyer?
Yes. The IP India portal allows anyone to file a TM-A application. For a simple wordmark in one class where you're confident about no conflicts, DIY is fine. For logos, multiple classes, or crowded categories, professional help usually pays for itself in avoided mistakes.
Q4. How long does trademark registration take?
Typically 12-18 months from filing to registration certificate, assuming no objection or opposition. If you get an examination objection, add 4-8 months. If you get an opposition, add 12-24 months.
Q5. Do I pay again at renewal? How much?
Yes. Trademarks are valid for 10 years from the filing date. Renewal costs ₹9,000 per mark per class (e-filing) or ₹10,000 (physical filing), plus professional fees if you use a service. Late renewal within the 6-month grace period attracts a surcharge.
Q6. Is GST applicable on professional fees?
Yes. Professional fees attract 18% GST. Government fees do not attract GST. So your ₹2,899 professional fee becomes ₹2,899 + ₹524 (GST) = ₹3,423, plus ₹4,500 govt fee = ₹7,922 total. Always ask your service provider for the GST-inclusive price upfront.
Q7. Is trademark registration free for startups?
No. Even DPIIT-recognised startups pay ₹4,500 per mark per class. The startup discount gets you the lower fee tier (₹4,500 instead of ₹9,000), not a freebie.
Q8. Does registering a logo and brand name separately cost more?
Yes. Each mark (wordmark vs. logo vs. label) is a separate application with its own fee. Brand name + logo = 2 marks × applicable fee per class. Many founders start with the wordmark only and add the logo later.
Q9. How much does a trademark objection cost?
The government doesn't charge for filing an objection response (it's a letter, not a form). But professional fees for drafting and filing a proper response typically run ₹3,000-₹8,000, depending on complexity. Some packages include this; ours offers it as an add-on.
Q10. How much does trademark opposition cost?
Filing or defending an opposition involves TM-O government fees (₹2,700 per class) plus professional/legal fees. Defense costs typically run ₹25,000-₹1,00,000+ depending on the complexity and number of hearings. This is the single biggest cost-escalation risk in the entire process.
Q11. Is professional trademark assistance worth the cost?
For simple, single-class, single-mark filings where you're confident about no conflicts - DIY is reasonable. For anything else (logos, multiple classes, crowded categories, brand evolution plans), professional help usually pays for itself in avoided refiling costs, missed deadlines, and weak objection responses.
Q12. Does trademark registration protect my brand in every class?
No. A trademark registered in Class 25 (clothing) does NOT protect you in Class 30 (food). Each class requires its own application and fee. This is why strategic class selection matters - file in the classes you actually use, and the classes you plan to expand into in the next 2-3 years.
Q13. Does trademark registration protect my brand internationally?
No. Indian trademark registration only protects your mark in India. For international protection, you'd need to file separately in each country, or use the Madrid Protocol for a centralized international filing. Our international trademark registration service handles this.
Q14. What is the cheapest way to register a trademark in India?
DPIIT startup recognition (free) + Udyam MSME registration (free) + e-filing (not physical) + one wordmark in one class. That gets you to ₹4,500 government fee + ₹2,899 professional fee = ₹7,399 total. Cheapest realistic professional-assisted cost.
Q15. What's the difference between a word mark, a label mark, and a combined filing?
A word mark protects your brand name in plain text, regardless of visual styling - broadest protection, survives logo refreshes. A label mark protects the specific visual arrangement of your product label (text + graphics + colours as one composite image) - narrowest protection, may need refiling when packaging changes. A combined filing means filing both the wordmark AND a logo (either as one composite application or as two parallel marks) for maximum coverage. Wordmark-first is almost always the right starting strategy; add label or logo protection as a second layer when budget allows.
Q16. Should I file a single class or multiple classes at once?
File in (a) every class you currently operate in, plus (b) every class you realistically plan to operate in within the next 24 months. Filing multi-class at launch is cheaper than filing single-class now and adding classes later (you save on professional fees by bundling, and you avoid the risk of someone scooping your name in an unprotected class). Don't speculate beyond 24 months - but don't cheap out on the classes you know are coming.
Q17. How do iProSolutions' prices compare to the industry standard?
Our headline packages (₹7,399 for individual/startup, ₹17,299 for company/LLP) sit at the lower-middle of the industry standard range for TM-A filing (₹3,000-₹15,000 professional fee). We're not the cheapest (DIY is), not the most expensive (full-service IP firms with partner-level review), and we bundle search + drafting + filing + monitoring + examination tracking into one transparent package rather than billing each piece separately. For objection responses (₹3,000-₹8,000) and opposition defense (₹25,000-₹1,00,000+), we sit slightly below the industry mid-point because we handle volume - but for extremely complex opposition litigation, we'll tell you when dedicated litigation counsel makes more sense than staying with us.
Final Takeaway
Three things to remember:
- Trademark fees are per mark per class, not per brand. Multi-class and multi-mark filings cost more than the headline number suggests. A single-class wordmark is ₹7,399 at iProSolutions; the same brand across 3 classes is ₹22,197; the same brand with parallel wordmark + logo across 3 classes is ₹30,000+.
- Your applicant type unlocks a discount. Individual, startup, or MSME status gets you the ₹4,500 tier instead of ₹9,000. Use it.
- The biggest budget-killer is opposition, not filing. A thorough trademark search upfront is the cheapest insurance you'll ever buy.
- Mark type matters as much as class count. A wordmark is broader than a label; a combined parallel filing is broader than a single composite. Choose based on what asset you're actually protecting, not on what's cheapest to file today.
If you've read this far, you now know more about trademark costs in India than 95% of first-time founders. The ₹4,500 number everyone throws around is just the entry ticket - the real cost depends on your applicant type, how many classes you file in, what mark type you choose, whether you get an objection, and whether someone opposes you.
Want someone to handle the boring parts? Talk to iProSolutions or get a free trademark search - we'll tell you upfront exactly what your mark will cost, no surprises.