Free? Not Quite. But you can still do a few things without paying. Like using the ™ symbol. Like testing if your name is already taken. The catch? None of these give you full legal rights. That only comes with registration - and yes, that costs money.
Why nothing comes free
Registering a trademark isn’t free paperwork. It’s a legal process with many steps. First, the government checks if your name meets the rules. Then, it examines whether another business is already using something similar. If it passes, your mark gets published in the Trade Marks Journal for public review. For months, anyone can oppose it. Only if no one objects - or you win against objections - does it move to approval. Every stage involves officers, examiners, and legal checks. That’s why the government charges a filing fee. Even if you file the application yourself, that fee is non-negotiable. It covers the cost of review and ensures the system runs fairly for everyone.
The price tag (2025)
Trademark fees aren’t one-size-fits-all. They change based on who you are and how you file.
E-filing (cheaper, faster, recommended)
- Individuals, startups, MSMEs - ₹4,500 per class
- Companies, LLPs, other entities - ₹9,000 per class
Paper filing (old-school, more expensive)
- Individuals, startups, MSMEs - ₹5,000 per class
- Companies, LLPs, other entities - ₹10,000 per class
See the difference? E-filing is not just easier. It also saves money. That “10% discount” you may have heard about isn’t extra. It’s already baked into the e-filing fee. Always go digital if you can.
Hidden work behind the form
The form looks easy. The law doesn’t. Pick the wrong class, and your money is gone. File a name that’s already taken, and you face objections. Miss a deadline, and your approval drags for months. That’s why most business owners don’t go alone. They hire a trademark attorney. Experts who know the rules. Experts who answer objections. Experts who keep the process moving. Of course, expertise comes with a price. Attorneys charge professional fees. And yes, those fees carry an extra 18% GST.
The extras no one tells you about
Trademark registration can bring extra costs. Some documents need stamp duty and notarization. The fees are small. But they add up if you file many papers. After your mark is published, someone may oppose it. A rival may say your name is too close to theirs. Fighting that means hiring a lawyer. Legal fees rise the longer it goes on. Even mistakes cost money. A wrong class. Missing details. Clerical errors. All of these need rectification. That means more paperwork. More time. More fees. These costs don’t hit everyone. But when they do, they slow you down. And they strain your budget.
Is there any free option?
Not for registration. But here are two things you can do without paying:
- Use the ™ symbol: You can use ™ with your name to show you claim it. This doesn’t give legal protection, but it sends a signal.
- Do an informal search: Before filing, you can check if a name is already taken. This helps avoid wasted fees later.
Still, neither option gives you the legal rights that a registered ® trademark provides.
Smart ways to save
There are ways to keep costs low. Start by filing online. E-filing is cheaper than paper filing. It’s also faster. You save money and avoid delays. If you qualify as a startup or MSME, register under that category. The government charges less for small businesses. It’s one of the easiest ways to cut costs. Hiring an expert may feel expensive. But it saves money later. A lawyer or agent helps you pick the right class. They stop mistakes. They handle objections. One wrong step can force you to file again. That means paying fees twice. Think of it as insurance. You pay once. Your name stays protected for ten years.
Why expert help pays off
Your business name is your identity. It’s what people remember. It’s what sets you apart. Without registration, anyone can copy it. And you’ll have little ground to fight back. A registered trademark changes that. It stops others from using your name. It builds trust with customers. It turns your name into a real asset. As your business grows, its value grows too.
Trademark costs can feel heavy. The rules can feel tricky. One mistake, and you pay twice. That’s where experts help. At Trademarkia, our experienced trademark lawyers know the system. They guide you through filings. They handle objections. They fight opposition. Our services aren’t free. But they’re among the most affordable you’ll find. And for the protection you get, they’re worth every rupee. You focus on your business. We protect the name behind it.
