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Complete Guide to Expedited TM Registration in India: Process, Documents & Fees

What Is Expedited TM Registration?

Expedited TM registration—also known as “fast-track” or “expedited examination”—is a special service offered by India’s Trademark Office for those who need trademark protection significantly faster than the normal waiting time, which can take 18–36 months. With expedited processing, the examination is typically completed within 3–4 months, and the whole process (from certification application) can be concluded within 6–12 months. This is invaluable for businesses that need to secure their brand swiftly—such as startups, MSMEs, or companies preparing for a product launch.

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Trademark Application Submission

    • Prepare a detailed application through the official IP India portal. All applicants must use Form TM-A for the initial application.

    • Enter trademark details, select relevant classes, and provide information about the trademark’s owner and business.

  2. Request for Expedited Examination

    • File Form TM-M after the initial application, attaching a request for expedited processing with justification (such as risk of irreparable harm).

    • Pay the expedited government fee.

  3. Examination Stage

    • The Trademark Office generally conducts the expedited examination and issues a report within a month.

    • Applicants need to respond promptly (usually within 30 days) to any objections or queries.

  4. Publication & Opposition

    • Once accepted, the trademark is published in the Trade Marks Journal for public opposition (which lasts for four months). If there is no opposition—or opposition is successfully addressed—the application proceeds.

  5. Hearing (if required)

    • If objections or oppositions arise and are not fully resolved in writing, a hearing may be scheduled.

  6. Registration Certificate

    • On successful conclusion, the TM is registered, and a certificate is issued.

Documents Required

  • Trademark Application Form (TM-A): All applicant and trademark details.

  • Representation of Trademark: Clear image; for word marks, the phrase itself.

  • Applicant’s Proof: For individuals—ID proof; for businesses—company documents, GST certificate, MSME certificate (if qualifying as a startup/small business).

  • Power of Attorney (Form TM-48): Required for agent/attorney filings.

  • Prior Use Affidavit: Only needed if the trademark is already in use, stating the date of first use.

  • Class Specification: For mult-class filings, state all relevant classes.

  • Fee Payment Receipt: Proof of government fee payment.

  • Declaration of Intent to Use: For marks not yet in use.

Fees for Expedited TM Registration (2025)

Category Expedited Fee (per class) Standard Filing Fee (per class)
Individual, Startup, MSME ₹20,000 ₹4,500
Other Entities (Companies) ₹40,000 ₹9,000
 

  • Fees are per class: Filing under multiple classes increases total costs.

  • Professional fees for legal assistance are extra and vary by practitioner.

  • Both fees (standard + expedited) are payable for fast-track service (₹4,500 + ₹20,000 for eligible startups/MSMEs, per class).

Who Can Apply for Expedited TM Registration?

  • Individuals, startups, MSMEs, Indian companies, and foreign entities with a local representative are eligible.

  • Startups and MSMEs must provide proof under the Startup India or MSME scheme.

 

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FAQs
Expedited trademark registration is a fast-track process that allows a trademark application to be examined by the Trademark Office in a significantly shorter period. It is an option for applicants who want to speed up the process and get a registered trademark faster than the standard procedure.
The facility is available to startups (as per DPIIT definition), small enterprises, and individuals. This fast-track option is specifically designed to support small businesses and innovators.
The process is similar to a regular trademark application but with an additional step. After filing the application in Form TM-A, the applicant must file a request for expedited examination on Form TM-M with the prescribed fee. The application is then fast-tracked for examination.
The documents are the same as a regular trademark application. These include a copy of the trademark logo, proof of identity and address of the applicant, a Power of Attorney (if filed through an agent), and in the case of a startup or small enterprise, a DPIIT Certificate or MSME Certificate.
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 all other applicants, the expedited fee is Rs.90,000.
The typical timeline for an expedited trademark registration can be as fast as 3-6 months, assuming there are no objections from the examiner or oppositions from third parties. The standard process can take 18-24 months or longer.
Expedited trademark registration is a fast-track process that allows a trademark application to be examined by the Trademark Office in a significantly shorter period. It is an option for applicants who want to speed up the process and get a registered trademark faster than the standard procedure.
The facility is available to startups (as per DPIIT definition), small enterprises, and individuals. This fast-track option is specifically designed to support small businesses and innovators.
The process is similar to a regular trademark application but with an additional step. After filing the application in Form TM-A, the applicant must file a request for expedited examination on Form TM-M with the prescribed fee. The application is then fast-tracked for examination.
The documents are the same as a regular trademark application. These include a copy of the trademark logo, proof of identity and address of the applicant, a Power of Attorney (if filed through an agent), and in the case of a startup or small enterprise, a DPIIT Certificate or MSME Certificate.
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 all other applicants, the expedited fee is Rs.90,000.
The typical timeline for an expedited trademark registration can be as fast as 3-6 months, assuming there are no objections from the examiner or oppositions from third parties. The standard process can take 18-24 months or longer.