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2025 Update: New Rules for Expedited TM Registration

2025 Update: New Rules for Expedited Trademark (TM) Registration

In the fast-paced world of business, protecting your brand quickly and efficiently is critical. The year 2025 brings important updates to the rules surrounding expedited trademark registration, designed to streamline the process while addressing increasing demand and operational challenges.

What is Expedited TM Registration?

Expedited trademark registration is a fast-track process allowing applicants to get their trademarks examined and registered much faster than the standard timeline. While the regular trademark registration process in India can take up to 18 to 24 months, expedited registration aims to reduce this time to 3 to 6 months, providing early protection essential for businesses launching new products, entering markets, or raising investments.

Key Changes in 2025

While expedited registrations remain the quickest option, recent changes reflect the system’s adaptation to growing application volumes:

  • Applications now face a minimum wait of 15 to 30 days before processing begins, replacing the previously immediate attention.

  • Responses to examination objections may take more than 30 days to be considered.

  • Hearings are now scheduled 45 days or more after the request, compared to 10 days previously.

These delays highlight the high demand for expedited filings as more businesses become aware of and utilize this option. Despite the slowdowns, expedited registration still significantly outpaces standard processing times.

Who Can Apply?

Any trademark applicant who files electronically and pays the additional expedited fee can request accelerated processing. This includes startups, MSMEs, individual entrepreneurs, companies, and government entities. There are no stringent merit or urgency criteria for expedited status, making it broadly accessible.

How to Apply?

Applicants must file Form TM-M along with the application (Form TM-A) or update their regular application via TM-M before examination begins. The additional fee varies by applicant type, with individuals and small businesses typically paying less than larger companies. The process is only available through electronic filing.

Why Choose Expedited Processing?

Expedited registration is invaluable for businesses seeking:

  • Early legal protection for their brand.

  • Faster resolution of application objections.

  • Compliance with investor, partner, or government tender requirements.

  • Competitive advantages by securing trademark rights sooner.

What Remains the Same?

Although the initial examination is sped up, subsequent steps such as oppositions or litigation proceed on normal timelines. Also, once registered, the trademark’s protection duration remains ten years from filing, regardless of the registration path.

In summary, the 2025 updates to expedited trademark registration balance faster processing with the realities of increased demand and limited resources. Businesses are encouraged to continue using expedited filings to protect their brands promptly, but with an understanding of the new procedural timelines.

For those interested in quick and effective brand protection, expedited TM registration remains a vital tool in 2025.

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FAQs
The key updates for 2025 include a more streamlined and digital-first approach. The Indian Trademark Registry has significantly reduced the time for the initial examination of applications. Additionally, there is a greater emphasis on using the online portal for all filings and correspondence.
The expedited filing facility is still available to startups (as per DPIIT definition), small enterprises, and individuals. The government continues to support these entities with reduced fees to encourage innovation and brand protection.
While the standard registration process still takes 12-18 months or more, the expedited process has a significantly shorter timeline. A trademark application under this category can be examined within 30-45 days, and the entire process can be completed in as little as 3-6 months if there are no objections or oppositions.
The fees for expedited filing are significantly higher than the standard fees. For an individual, startup, or small enterprise, the expedited fee is Rs.45,000, which includes the standard application fee. For other applicants, the fee is Rs.90,000.
If an application is filed under the expedited route and the examiner raises an objection, the applicant must respond within the specified time, typically 30 days. Failing to do so can result in the application being rejected or marked as abandoned.
No, expedited registration does not guarantee a successful outcome. It only ensures that the application is prioritized at all stages, from examination to publication. If the examiner raises objections or a third party files an opposition, the business must still address these issues legally, but on an accelerated timeline.