Trademark registration is a crucial legal step for protecting your brand name, logo, slogan, or symbol in India. Whether you are a startup founder, small business owner, or corporate professional, knowing the government fees for trademark registration helps you plan your budget and avoid surprises. This detailed, SEO-friendly guide explains everything you need to know about trademark registration govt fees in India.

What Are Government Fees for Trademark Registration?

When you register a trademark in India, you must pay official fees to the Government of India through the Intellectual Property India office (Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trademarks). These fees are mandatory and apply to various steps in the trademark lifecycle — from initial filing to renewal and other related actions.

Government fees are non-refundable, even if your application is opposed, rejected, or withdrawn later.

Why Understanding Government Fees Matters

Understanding trademark fees helps you:

• Budget accurately for the full registration process
• Avoid unexpected costs during objections or oppositions
• Plan renewal and long-term brand protection
• Compare DIY vs. professional filing options

Government fees are just one part of the total cost — professional fees (for attorneys or agents) are separate.

Government Fees for Trademark Filing (TM-A)

The main fee you pay is for submitting your trademark application using Form TM-A. The fee depends on:

1. The type of applicant
2. The mode of filing — online (e-filing) or offline (physical)
3. The number of classes of goods or services you want to register under

India follows the internationally recognized Nice Classification, which divides trademarks into 45 classes (34 for goods and 11 for services). If your trademark covers more than one class, you pay the government fee for each class.

Trademark Filing Fees

✔ Startups and MSME-registered businesses get 50% concession on official fees.
✔ Online filing (e-filing) is always cheaper than offline filing.

Other Government Fees in Trademark Process

Trademark registration involves more than just the initial filing fee. Here are the key government charges you should know:

👩‍⚖️ 1. Opposition Fees

If another party objects to your trademark (after publication in the trademark journal), a notice of opposition fee is payable:

• E-filing: ₹2,700 per class
• Physical filing: ₹3,000 per class

This is typically paid by the person filing the opposition, but you should be aware of it if you get involved in disputes.

🔁 2. Renewal Fees

A registered trademark remains valid for 10 years from the filing date. To keep it active, you must renew it on time:

• E-filing renewal fee: ₹9,000 per class
• Physical filing renewal fee: ₹10,000 per class

If you miss the renewal deadline, you must pay a late renewal surcharge on top of the renewal fee (effectively higher government fees).

⏱️ 3. Expedited Process Fees

If you need faster examination of your trademark application, the government allows expedited processing for a fee (only through e-filing):

• Individuals / Startups / Small Enterprises: ₹20,000 per class
• Companies / LLPs / Other Entities: ₹40,000 per class

This service significantly speeds up the trademark examination timeline but costs more than regular filing fees.

📄 4. Other Government Charges

A range of minor official fees apply for specific actions, including:

• Amendments or changes to application or registration — ₹900 (e-filing) / ₹1,000 (physical)
• Assignment / transfer of trademark ownership — ₹9,000 (e-filing) / ₹10,000 (physical) per trademark
• Request for certain certificates or copies — ₹4,500 (e-filing) / ₹5,000 (physical)

These fees are generally applicable when seeking administrative actions after registration

Fees Summary: Government Charges at a Glance

Here’s a simplified overview of government fees you may encounter when registering a trademark in India:

Important Things to Know About Government Fees

✔ Fees Are Per Class

If you register your trademark in multiple classes (e.g., apparel and cosmetics), fees multiply accordingly.

✔ Fees Are Non-Refundable

Even if your application is refused or opposed, the government fees you paid won’t be refunded.

✔ E-Filing Saves Money and Time

Online filing through the official IP India portal is not only cheaper, it also allows easier tracking of application status.

✔ Proof Required for Concession

To claim reduced fees (for startups or MSMEs), you must attach valid supporting documents (e.g., DPIIT startup recognition or Udyam certificate).

How to Pay Government Fees

You can make payments through multiple options on the official IP India e-filing portal:

• Net Banking
• Credit/Debit Card
• NEFT / RTGS
  A challan / payment receipt is generated as proof of fee submission.

Government Fees vs. Professional Fees

It’s important to understand that government fees are only part of the total cost.

Government Fees

✔ Set by the Indian government
✔ Mandatory for filing & registration
✔ Same for everyone (based on applicant type and class)

Professional Fees

✖ Charged by trademark agents, attorneys or service providers
✖ Covers trademark search, drafting, office action replies, oppositions, etc.
✖ Varies widely depending on complexity and expertise

Professional fees are not government charges — they are paid separately to the professional handling your case.

Sample Government Fee Scenarios

📌 Scenario 1: Startup Registering One Class

✔ E-filing fee: ₹4,500
✔ Renewal (10 years later): ₹9,000
Total govt fees (excluding renewals): ₹4,500

📌 Scenario 2: Company Registering Two Classes

✔ E-filing fee: ₹9,000 × 2 = ₹18,000
✔ Renewal (per class): ₹9,000 × 2 = ₹18,000
Total govt fees (initial filing only): ₹18,000

📌 Scenario 3: Expedited Examination for Fast Processing

✔ Expedited govt fee (startup): ₹20,000
✔ Filing govt fee (startup): ₹4,500
Total govt charge: ₹24,500

Conclusion

Trademark registration in India requires payment of government fees at multiple stages — from filing to renewal and other actions like opposition or assignment. These fees vary based on:
✔ Type of applicant (individual/MSME vs. company/LLP)
✔ Filing mode (online vs. offline)
✔ Number of classes covered

Knowing these fees helps you budget accurately and make informed decisions about protecting your brand. Filing online (e-filing) and claiming MSME or startup concessions can significantly reduce government costs — making trademark registration both affordable and strategic for growing businesses.