Trademark registration is an essential step for businesses and individuals to safeguard their brand identity and intellectual property. The process requires submitting certain documents and details to the Trademark Registry in order to meet legal guidelines. Let’s explore the key documents needed for trademark registration and understand the registration process.
This guide lists all documents required for trademark registration and renewal in India. You will also learn about filing forms, renewal timelines, common mistakes, and a ready-to-use checklist verified with official IP India guidelines and updates from the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks (CGPDTM).
Documents Required for Trademark Registration
Trademark registration in India is governed by the Trade Marks Act, 1999, and administered by the Office of the CGPDTM. Applications are submitted online through the official IP India portal.¹
Below is the trademark registration documents list detailing all documents required for trademark registration, depending on the applicant type.
| Applicant Type | Documents Required |
| Individual / Sole Proprietor | – Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, or Voter ID)- Address proof- Signed Power of Attorney (Form TM-48)- Trademark logo/image (8×8 cm, preferably in JPEG format)- MSME/Startup registration certificate (optional, for reduced fees) |
| Partnership Firm / LLP | – Partnership deed or LLP incorporation certificate– Partner(s)’ identity and address proofs- Form TM-48 signed by the authorized partner- Trademark logo/image- MSME/Startup registration certificate if applicable |
| Private / Public Limited Company | – Certificate of Incorporation– Company’s PAN and registered address proof- Board resolution authorizing trademark filing- Signed TM-48 by the authorized signatory- Logo/image and startup/MSME certificate if eligible |
| Trust / Society | – Registration certificate of trust/society- List of trustees or office bearers- TM-48 signed by authorized person- Logo/image |
| Foreign Applicant | – Country of incorporation certificate– Address proof in home country- TM-48 signed and notarized- Trademark image- Translation of documents (if not in English) |
Pro tip: Ensure that all documents required for trademark registration are uploaded correctly before submitting Form TM-A. –
using Form TM-A for filing registration. Each mark and class of goods/services needs a separate TM-A filing. The application fee varies depending on the type of filing and the category of entity. ₹4,500 for individual/startup/MSME; ₹9,000 for others, subject to the CGPDTM schedule.²
Documents Required for Trademark Renewal
A registered trademark is valid in India for 10 years from the date of the application.³ It has to be renewed every decade for maintaining protection.
Trademark renewal involves the filing of Form TM-R either:
- Within one year before expiry, or
- Within six months after expiry (with surcharge).
If not done within this window, restoration may be possible within one year from expiry, on additional fees, using Form TM-R, according to the Trade Marks Rules, 2017, Rule 60.⁴
Required Documents for Renewal
- Original trademark registration certificate or number
- Power of Attorney (TM-48, if filing via agent/attorney)
- Proof of applicant’s identity and address
- Form TM-R filled and signed digitally
- Fee payment receipt
Late Renewal / Restoration:
- Surcharge applies for renewals within six months post-expiration.
- Restoration within one year includes renewal fee + restoration fee (50% of renewal fee).
Filing is completed online on the IP India [e-filing platform](e-filing platform).
Key Differences, Common Mistakes, and Best Practices
| Process | Validity | Main Form | Window Period |
| Registration | 10 years | TM-A | From first filing date |
| Renewal | Extends validity by 10 years | TM-R | 1 year before to 6 months after expiry |
Common Mistakes
- Uploading unclear logo files or larger than 8×8 cm.
- Mismatch between the applicant’s name on TM-A/TM-R and proof documents.
- Ignoring the status updates on the IP India portal after the submission.
- Missing the renewal window and facing restoration penalties.
Best Practices
- Keep a digital copy of every document used.
- Register email and mobile to receive IP India notifications.
- Always cross-check with a certified trademark attorney prior to making any submission.
Example: A Delhi-based startup dealing with stationery, “PaperNest,” lapsed in renewing the trademark for its logo. Legal Salhakar assisted the founder in submitting TM-R within six months, thus saving the client from paying an additional restoration surcharge and continuing brand protection uninterruptedly.
How to Prepare Documents & Checklist?
Organize your documentation before filing to ensure a smooth process. Below is a ready-to-use checklist:
Trademark Registration Checklist
- Proof of entity- Partnership deed Incorporation Certificate, etc.
- Identity and address proof of the applicant
- Signed Form TM-48
- Clear logo/image file (8×8 cm, JPEG)
- MSME or Startup Certificate (optional)
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
- Filing Form TM-A online via IP portal
Trademark Renewal Checklist
- Trademark registration number or certificate
- Power of Attorney (if applicable)
- Form TM-R filled and signed
- Renewal fee or surcharge receipt
Legal Salhakar says that to avoid an inadvertent lapse, renewal reminders should be set 12 months prior to the date of expiry.
Conclusion
Trademark protection is an incredibly valuable business asset, but only if the documentation is accurate and timely. Whether you’re filing or renewing, ensuring all documents required for trademark registration in India are accurate keeps your brand protected.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For professional legal consultation, please visit legalsalhakar.com. All services are provided in accordance with Bar Council of India (BCI) regulations.
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