A trademark is the distinguishing characteristic that differentiates your business, product, or service from the competitors. The intellectual property/intangible asset of your firm is a registered trademark. It safeguards the time and money you've invested in building consumer trust and loyalty.

The registration gives you the legal power to sue anyone who tries to copy your trademark, as well as the ability to prevent anyone from using a trademark that is identical to yours.

Importance of Trademark Registration

A corporation's trademark registration is essential and crucial because :

• It emphasises your distinct personality.
• It aids in the development of customer trust and loyalty.
• It provides legal protection for the identity of your company.
• It is a valuable asset in and of itself because it protects your brand's identity against unlawful use.

Registration Fees for Trademarks

The three categories of trademark registration fees are listed below:

Individuals

Comprehensive Trademark Search	Free
Government Fees	Rs. 4,500
Professional Fees	Rs. 1,593
Goods & Service Tax	Rs. 306
POA	Rs. 100
Total Cost	Rs. 6,499

Businesses

Consultancy on Trademark Class & Availability	Free
Comprehensive Trademark Search	Free
Government Fees	Rs. 9,000
Professional Fees	Rs. 2,557
POA	Rs. 100
GST	Rs. 342
Total Cost	Rs. 11,999

MSME

Trademark Search & Consultancy	Free
Government Fees	Rs. 4,500
Professional Fees	Rs. 1,593
POA	Rs. 100
Goods & Service Tax	Rs. 306
Total Cost	Rs. 6,499

Documents Required for Trademark Filing

Following are the documents that need to be scanned :

• Proof : A recent bank statement or utility bill in the applicant's name that is no more than two months old is necessary.
• ID Proof : A scanned copy of the applicant's PAN card and identification (Aadhar card/ Voter Card/ Passport/ DL).
• Brand : A digital copy of the trademark to be registered.
• Power of Attorney : The applicant's signature is required to authorise us to file on their behalf.

What all can be Trademarked?

• Service : Rather than distinguishing products, a service mark is used to designate an organization's services. Intangible goods are protected by the service mark.
• Product : A product mark is a symbol that is used to distinguish one product from another. They are used to prevent product duplication and to protect product categories.
• Shape : Shape marks are classified as Trade Dress because, in addition to the logo, label, and other differentiating indicators, a product can be recognised by its packaging.
• Certification : The purpose of a certification mark is to showcase a corporation's or organization's standard, i.e. to demonstrate that a trader's goods or services have been certified as satisfying specific requirements.
• Pattern : The general definition of pattern is a repeat of a similar design, therefore it is a form of trademark that can differentiate one brand's products and services from another.
• Colour : The colour choices become the brand and are recognised for that specific product. The public has a tendency to link the scheme to a certain product.
• Sound : The "mark" consists of sound graphics that differentiates one company's products and services from those of another. Trademarks can be filed for sound notations that are graphically represented.
• Collective : Rather than a particular product or service, collective marks are associated with a group of people. These trademarks are usually owned by a company, an institute, or a group of people who are tied to each other.
• Word : For the purposes of branding, a word mark is a separate text of the company/product name. As a result, unlike a logo that provides a graphical image, it is solely text-based.
• Number : For the product/service, the number must be utilised as a brand. For example, in order to receive the TM, the number 5 must be used exclusively for a line/class of products/services and must be designated by it.
• Device : A printed/painted figure/design/character is referred to as a device. They don't contain any letters, words, numbers, or other symbols.
• Packaging : All of the contents on top of the box, such as names, slogans, and so on, can be trademarked. This can prevent a competitor from using deceptive packaging for their product.