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When is the Right Time to File for Expedited TM Registration?

The right time to file for expedited trademark (TM) registration is when a business or individual urgently needs legal protection for a brand—often due to imminent product launches, investor demands, market expansion, or potential infringement risks. Expedited TM registration prioritizes the application and can secure legal rights in a fraction of the usual time, making it a key tool for entrepreneurs, startups, and organizations facing time-sensitive branding challenges.

Understanding Expedited TM Registration

Expedited trademark registration fast-tracks the examination and approval process, generally reducing wait times from 12–24 months (standard) to just 3–6 months for examination and a total of 6–8 months for registration if there are no major objections or opposition. This procedure requires a special request (Form TM-M in India) and an additional fee—typically five times the standard fee, making it an investment decision.

When Should You File an Expedited TM?

  • For an immediate product launch or business opening where brand identity must be secured fast

  • When facing a high risk of trademark infringement or “brand squatting” in a competitive space

  • If you need trademark protection for international market expansion or licensing deals

  • For investor requirements or during mergers, acquisitions, or rebranding events

  • If your business is receiving press, preparing promotions, or entering strategic partnerships requiring proof of trademark registration

Key Steps & Eligibility

  • Ensure eligibility: expedited TM registration is open to individuals, startups, MSMEs, and companies under specific circumstances.

  • Prepare documentation thoroughly; errors or incomplete information can delay even the expedited process.

  • Submit the application along with the expedited fee and proof of urgency—for example, evidence of a pending product launch.

  • Respond promptly to any office actions or objections to maintain fast processing times.

  • Note: An expedited application is still subject to the four-month opposition period after publication, so opposition can extend the timeline.

Practical Benefits

  • Swift legal protection boosts confidence among partners and customers.

  • Priority processing helps prevent trademark squatting and gives you a market advantage with legal use of the ® symbol.

  • Allows immediate enforcement actions against brand infringement and provides for smoother business operations.

Conclusion

File for expedited TM registration when timing is critical for brand protection—such as launches, strategic deals, or high-risk sectors. Fast action can mean the difference between market leadership and missed opportunities.

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FAQs
The right time to file for expedited registration is when there is an urgent business need for brand protection. This is ideal for startups launching a new product, businesses facing potential infringement, or companies that need a registered trademark to secure funding or participate in trade fairs.
Yes, you can. You can request expedited processing at any time after filing the initial application, but it must be done before the examination of your application starts. You will need to file Form TM-M with the additional, higher fee.
While the standard process can take 18-24 months, an expedited application can be processed in as little as 3-6 months if there are no objections. The examination report is usually issued within a couple of months, and subsequent proceedings are also prioritized.
The facility is available to individuals, startups (as per DPIIT definition), and small enterprises. This option is specifically designed to support small businesses and innovators who need to secure their brand identity quickly.
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.
No, expedited registration does not guarantee a successful outcome. It only ensures that the application is prioritized at all stages. 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.