In 2026, protecting your business identity is no longer optional—it’s essential. A registered trademark gives your brand exclusive legal rights over its name, logo, tagline, or symbol. Whether you run a tech startup in Patliputra, a sweets shop in Boring Road, or a garment brand in Muzaffarpur, a trademark ensures no one else can legally copy your business name or logo.
Benefits of trademark registration in Bihar:
Exclusive ownership and nationwide protection
Builds customer trust and brand identity
Helps in franchise or licensing opportunities
Adds asset value to your business (IP asset)
Legal right to use ® symbol and take action against infringers
Example: A local Patna café called “Chhappan Bhog” avoided a long legal dispute after registering its name early—when another outlet tried to use a similar brand, the registration protected its rights.
TM Search Basics (Public Search + Classes)
Before applying, you must ensure your brand name or logo is unique. This step is called a Trademark Search.
How to do a trademark search:
Visit the official IP India portal → https://ipindiaonline.gov.in/tmrpublicsearch
Enter your proposed brand name.
Choose the relevant Nice Classification (Class 1–45 depending on goods/services).
Example:
Class 30 – Food, sweets, bakery products
Class 25 – Clothing and apparel
Class 35 – Business consulting, marketing services
If a similar mark already exists, modify your brand name slightly or choose a new one to avoid future objections.
Documents Checklist for Trademark Registration
Depending on your business type, here’s what you’ll need:
| Applicant Type | Documents Required |
|---|---|
| Individual/Proprietor | Aadhaar card, PAN card, signed authorization form |
| Startup/MSME | Aadhaar card, Udyam/MSME certificate, logo (if applicable) |
| Company (LLP/Pvt Ltd) | Certificate of Incorporation, PAN of company, logo, Board resolution |
| Partnership Firm | Partnership deed, PAN, logo, authorization from all partners |
🖼 Logo format: JPEG/PNG, high resolution, black & white recommended
🧾 User Affidavit: Needed if you’ve already used the mark in trade before filing.
Filing Steps (Form TM-A, Fees & Online Process)
Trademark registration in India is done through Form TM-A—you can file it online via the official portal or through a legal professional.
Step-by-Step Filing Process:
Create Account: Register on https://ipindiaonline.gov.in/trademarkefiling
Fill Form TM-A:
Applicant details (individual/company/startup)
Class number (based on goods/services)
Description of goods/services
User date (if already using the mark)
Upload Documents & Logo
Pay Fees:
₹4,500 (individual/startup/MSME – per class)
₹9,000 (others – per class)
Submit & Get Application Number – You can start using the ™ symbol immediately after filing.
💡 Pro Tip: Always save your Acknowledgment Receipt (TM number) — it’s proof of application and helps in future follow-up.
Examination, Objections & Hearing
After submission, your application goes through several stages:
1. Examination
The Registrar examines your application for:
Similar marks
Descriptive or generic terms
Legal compliance under the Trademark Act, 1999
2. Objection (if any)
If an objection is raised:
You’ll receive an Examination Report via email.
File a reply within 30 days addressing the objection.
Include case laws, prior use evidence, and your distinctiveness claim.
3. Show-Cause Hearing
If the Registrar isn’t satisfied with your written reply:
You’ll be called for a hearing (virtual or at Kolkata office).
Your lawyer or authorized agent will represent your case.
Advertisement & Opposition Period
Once accepted, your mark is published in the Trademark Journal for 4 months.
During this time, any third party can file an opposition if they believe your mark conflicts with theirs.
If no opposition is filed, or you successfully defend it, your mark proceeds to registration.
Registration & Certificate
After the opposition period:
You’ll receive a Registration Certificate with your TM number converted to “Registered Trademark (®)” status.
You can now use the ® symbol legally.
✅ Validity: 10 years from the date of filing.
✅ Renewal: Every 10 years thereafter.
Post-Registration: Renewal, Assignment & Licensing
Your trademark can be renewed indefinitely every 10 years.
Other post-registration actions include:
Assignment: Transfer ownership to another entity.
Licensing: Authorize someone to use your mark under an agreement.
Recordal: Update ownership, address, or logo changes with the Trademark Registry.
💡 Renewal should be done before expiry to avoid restoration fees.
Cost, Time & Common Mistakes in Bihar Filings
| Stage | Estimated Cost | Average Time (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Filing | ₹4,500 – ₹9,000 | 1 day |
| Examination | – | 2–3 months |
| Objection Reply/Hearing | ₹2,000–₹5,000 (professional fees) | 3–6 months |
| Opposition Period | – | 4 months |
| Registration | – | Total 12–15 months |
Common Mistakes:
Filing under the wrong class
Choosing a generic or descriptive name
Not replying to objections on time
Missing renewal deadlines
Not using the mark consistently
When to Hire a Local Trademark Attorney (Bihar Advocates Club CTA)
Although anyone can file a trademark, having an experienced trademark attorney in Patna ensures:
Proper class selection
Strong objection replies and evidence filing
Timely updates and hearing representation
Avoiding rejection or delays
At Bihar Advocates Club, our legal experts handle end-to-end trademark registration in Bihar — from search and filing to objection replies and renewals.
Whether you’re a startup, small business, or established brand, we help protect your intellectual property efficiently and affordably.
📞 Contact Bihar Advocates Club today for a free consultation on your trademark filing in Patna, Bihar (2026).
👉 Call us at +91-7783060749 or email info@biharadvocatesclub.in