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Expedited TM Registration Requirements, Timelines & Online Procedure

Understanding Expedited TM Registration

Expedited trademark (TM) registration is a fast-track process in India that significantly shortens the usual registration time, allowing businesses and individuals to secure their intellectual property in approximately 3–4 months compared to the typical 18–24 months. This procedure is ideal for those who need urgent trademark protection, such as startups, MSMEs, educational institutions, and others seeking swift brand security.

Who Is Eligible for Expedited Registration?

To file for expedited examination, an applicant must fall into at least one of the following categories:

  • Individual applicants

  • Startups recognized by the Government of India

  • Small or medium enterprises (MSMEs)

  • Women entrepreneurs

  • Educational institutions

  • Government departments

Fulfilling all legal formalities and using the online filing system through the official portal are essential for eligibility.

How to Apply Online: Step-by-Step

Here’s a simplified look at the typical online procedure for expedited trademark registration in India:

  1. Trademark Search:

    • Conduct a thorough TM search online to ensure the mark is available and not already registered.

  2. E-Filing Application (Form TM-A):

    • Prepare and submit Form TM-A online through the IP India portal.

    • Fill in details for the mark, class, applicant info, and goods/services.

  3. Request Expedited Process (Form TM-M):

    • Submit Form TM-M, stating a valid reason for expedited processing, and pay the additional government fee (currently ₹20,000 extra for expedited examinations).

  4. Examination Phase:

    • The Trademark Registry examines your application and issues a report—often within one month for expedited cases.

  5. Response to Examination Report:

    • Respond within 30 days if there are any objections by the examiner.

  6. Publication in TM Journal:

    • If accepted, your mark is published in the TM Journal for four months, allowing any opposition.

  7. Certificate of Registration:

    • If no opposition arises or you resolve any, the final certificate is issued, typically within 3–8 months total.

Timelines: How Fast Is “Expedited”?

The expedited route can register your trademark in as little as 3–4 months from application, as opposed to 18–24 months for regular filings. Timelines include:

  • Examination Report: Issued within a month of expedited request.

  • Final Registration: Usually within 3–8 months after filing if unopposed.

Common Reasons for Expedited Processing

You must have a valid reason to request expedited examination, including:

  • Likelihood of TM infringement or passing off

  • Ongoing legal disputes

  • Need for TM for funding or participation in trade fairs

  • Requirement for licensing/franchising

Fees and Validity

  • Expedited fee: ₹20,000 in addition to the standard fee (for individuals/startups/MSMEs); subject to government revision.

  • Validity: Registration is valid for 10 years and may be renewed indefinitely.

This accessible guide should empower readers to understand and utilize India’s expedited TM registration process confidently, promoting faster brand protection and business growth.

 

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FAQs
Expedited trademark registration is a fast-track process that allows a trademark application to be examined and processed in a significantly shorter period than the standard procedure. It reduces the time for registration from the usual 18-24 months to as little as 3-6 months if there are no objections.
The facility is available to individuals, startups, and small enterprises. This option is specifically designed to support small businesses and innovators who need to secure their brand identity quickly.
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 main benefits are speed and brand protection. Expedited filing reduces the waiting time, allowing businesses to launch new products, secure funding, or enter new markets with the legal protection of a registered trademark already in place.