Trademark registration for startups: The process
1. Choosing a category for your products
Different trademarks are assigned to different kinds of products and services, so you should select a class from a list of 45 options for your product.
You can find the ideal class for your startup through Vakilsearch as well as learn how to select the right class.
2. Preparation and documentation of an application
The Form TM-I must be completed and submitted with specific fees and documentation in order to register a trademark in India. The form requires that you provide the permanent allocation number provided by the register within two days. Among the required documents for filing are ID evidence, a Power of Attorney, a Board Resolution, proof of address, the name of the applicant, and the type of business being applied for.
Our team of professionals takes care of application filings and everything else.
3. Sending the form to the Trademark Registry
Presiding Officers of the Register Office verify that the TM-1 form and documents submitted to the Trademark Registry are error-free and the trademark is distinctive after they are submitted. Further, the form can be filed online at http://www.ipindia.gov.in/, where the official trademark registry is located.
We handle the entire filing process for you at VakilSearch.
4. An inspection is conducted by the Trademark Registrar
They may send the trademark for your show-cause if finding any similarity or other technical issues, and if not found satisfactory, they will conduct a hearing to determine the merits of your application.
5. Articles published in journals
The Trademark Journal will publish your trademark if it is approved by the verifying officer. The trademark can either be rejected or accepted based on the discretion of the registrar if there are objections raised by third parties within 90 days of submission.
Startups in India benefit from trademark registration:
- Startups applying for trademarks receive a 50% rebate
- For a company, it costs Rs. 9000 to start, but for a startup, it costs only Rs. 4500.
- Facilitation costs will be borne by the government
- Filing a patent at a real low cost.
Trademarks – Importance for startups
Safeguards under the law
In addition, it helps protect the intellectual property of a company. You can sue someone who uses your trademark.
Profitability is increased
It is often the design of the brand or the color of the lettering that attracts buyers to purchase things. The importance of professional logo design cannot be overstated, especially in today’s digital era.
Brand image and goodwill are improved
By highlighting the product’s unique features through an appealing logo, design, or text, you can improve product popularity. Diversifying its product or service offerings and increasing their value, putting its products on the market for sale, or entering the franchising industry through licensing can be achieved.
Creates a feeling of autonomy:
The trademark can be a crutch for a start-up; once it has established its reputation, it will want to maintain it. Start-up companies can wear a protective blanket to cushion the blows of the business by trademarking a name or brand. Furthermore, it informs others, both directly and indirectly, that the firm is guided by true ideas.
Registration of a Trademark is Rejected for the following reasons
- Trademark Registration in India will contact you if there is an error or incomplete information on your registration form.
- Additionally, if the trademark has similarities to any registered trademark, then the form will be rejected. Then, you should respond quickly to the objection and resubmit the form.
Vakilsearch helps you in the following ways:
- Your start-up should choose a trademark that is unique and not identical in order to minimize objections later.
- Select the right trademark class based on your organization’s needs.
- Organizing and preparing all the required documents.
- Guidance on the technicalities of filing online and offline
- Reminding yourself of important dates and keeping track of them
- Providing accurate responses to objections raised and legal representation in the hearing process against third parties to save your trademark.