Frequently asked questions
Is a trademark search a guarantee that my mark will be registered?
No. A search shows similar marks on the record. The Registry or the USPTO examines every application independently and may still object.
How much does it cost to register a trademark in India?
Our filing fee is ₹1,999. The government fee for online filing is ₹4,500 per class for individuals, startups and small enterprises, and ₹9,000 per class for others. GST applies to our fee.
How long does registration take in India?
If there is no objection or opposition, often around 8 to 18 months. Objections, hearings and oppositions add time. You can use the ™ symbol once you have filed, and ® only after registration.
What is a class?
Goods and services are grouped into 45 classes. A trademark protects your brand only for the classes it is filed in, and the government fee is charged per class.
What is an examination report or objection?
A letter from the Registry raising concerns, for example that the mark is descriptive or similar to an existing one. A reply is due within one month.
What is opposition?
After the mark is published in the Trade Marks Journal, anyone may oppose it within four months. If no one does, it proceeds to registration.
Can I file on my own?
Yes. A professional is not compulsory in India. Most applicants use one to avoid mistakes in classes, descriptions and documents.
Why do I need a US attorney for a US filing?
The USPTO requires applicants based outside the United States to be represented by an attorney licensed in a US state. We arrange an independent attorney who advises you and bills you directly.
Are you a law firm?
No. MarkBridge is a technology and administrative support service. Legal work is done by independent advocates, registered trademark agents and US-licensed attorneys.
Which class should I choose?
The class depends on what you sell, not on your business name. Many businesses need two or more classes, for example a restaurant that also sells packaged sauces. Our free class finder gives a first idea; the professional who files confirms the classes before filing.
When can I use ™ and when ®?
You may use ™ with any mark you claim as yours, including while the application is pending. Use ® only after the mark is registered. Using ® for an unregistered mark is an offence under the Trade Marks Act, 1999.
What is a trademark watch?
A yearly service in which we check each new Trade Marks Journal for marks similar to yours and report to you monthly, so that you can oppose a conflicting mark within the four-month opposition period.
Should I also register copyright in my logo?
Copyright in an original logo exists without registration, but a registration gives useful evidence of ownership. For a logo used on goods, the Copyright Office asks for a certificate from the Trade Marks Registry, which we arrange.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes, for the Complete package and for oppositions: half of our fee before filing and the rest when the objection reply or counter-statement work begins. Government fees are paid in full when due.
How long does a registration last?
In India, 10 years from the filing date, renewable every 10 years. In the US, registrations need maintenance filings between years 5 and 6 and renewal every 10 years.