Last Updated on August 18, 2026
For a Micro, Small or Medium Enterprise (MSME), a brand name, logo, tagline or product identity can become a valuable business asset. Trademark registration for MSMEs helps protect that identity and gives the owner stronger legal rights against unauthorised use of an identical or deceptively similar mark.
Eligible small enterprises can also benefit from a reduced government trademark filing fee. However, it is important to clarify that MSMEs do not receive a complete fee waiver. Instead, eligible applicants can claim a 50% reduction in the prescribed trademark application fee, subject to applicable conditions.
This blog explains the trademark registration process for MSMEs, eligibility, documents, fee benefits, application procedure and serious mistakes to avoid.
Quick Summary
MSMEs and eligible small businesses can benefit from a reduced official fee when filing a trademark application in India. Trademark applications are generally filed using Form TM-A, and the applicable government fee depends on the applicant category. Individuals, eligible startups, and small enterprises pay a lower e-filing fee of ₹4,500 per mark, per class, while other applicants generally pay ₹9,000 per mark, per class. To claim the applicable reduced fee, the applicant must satisfy the prescribed eligibility requirements and provide supporting proof where required.
- Main application form: Trademark applications are generally filed using Form TM-A.
- Eligible reduced-fee category: Individuals, eligible startups, and small enterprises can avail of the applicable concessional government filing fee.
- Reduced e-filing fee: ₹4,500 per trademark, per class for eligible individuals, startups, and small enterprises.
- Standard e-filing fee: ₹9,000 per trademark, per class for applicants outside the eligible concessional category.
- MSME benefit: Eligible small enterprises can receive a 50% reduction in the official trademark e-filing fee compared with the standard applicant category.
- Supporting proof: The applicant may need to provide valid documents, such as applicable Udyam Registration or other prescribed evidence, to establish eligibility for the concessional fee category.
- Trademark validity: Once registered, a trademark is generally valid for 10 years from the date of registration.
- Renewal: A registered trademark can be renewed for further periods of 10 years, subject to payment of the applicable renewal fee.
- Goods classes: Trademark Classes 1 to 34 generally cover goods.
- Service classes: Trademark Classes 35 to 45 generally cover services.
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What Is Trademark Registration for MSMEs?
Trademark registration for MSMEs is the process of registering a distinctive business mark with the Trade Marks Registry. The mark may include a brand name, word, logo, symbol, label, tagline or combination of elements capable of distinguishing the goods or services of one business from another.
Trademark registration helps establish the proprietor’s legal rights over the registered mark for the goods or services covered by the application.
For an MSME, registering a trademark can be particularly useful because a growing business may invest significantly in marketing, packaging, online presence and customer recognition. Protecting the brand early can help reduce the risk of another business adopting a similar identity.
For example, if an MSME operates under the brand name “ABC Foods”, registering the relevant trademark can provide stronger legal protection for that brand in connection with its specified goods or services.
Is There a Trademark Fee Waiver for MSMEs?
No. MSMEs do not receive a complete waiver of the trademark registration fee. Eligible applicants receive a 50% reduction in the prescribed government application fee.
For electronic filing of Form TM-A, the current fee is: –
| Applicant Category | E-Filing Fee Per Mark/Class |
| Individual / Startup / Small Enterprise | ₹4,500 |
| Other applicants (including Medium Enterprises) | ₹9,000 |
Therefore, an eligible MSME can save ₹4,500 per mark per class compared with the standard e-filing fee.
For example, if an eligible MSME files one trademark in two classes, the government filing fee would generally be ₹9,000. If two separate marks are filed in one class each, the fee would also be ₹9,000.
This concession applies to the official trademark filing fee. Professional fees, search fees and other applicable charges are separate.
Important distinction: The concessional ₹4,500 rate applies to individuals, DPIIT-recognised startups, and Small Enterprises, not all Udyam-registered entities. A Medium Enterprise (which is also part of “MSME”) does not qualify for this rate and must pay the standard ₹9,000. For an MSME whose Udyam certificate shows “Medium Enterprise”, the ₹4,500 fee does not apply even if the business genuinely qualifies as an MSME under the MSMED Act. Only the Small Enterprise category qualifies.
MSME IPR Scheme: Going Beyond the Fee Concession
The ₹4,500 concessional fee is the fee at the time of filing. There is also a separate government scheme, the MSME Innovative Scheme (IPR Component), that can provide reimbursement of trademark fees after registration:
| Feature | Details |
| Implementing agency | IPFC (Intellectual Property Facilitation Centres), operated through NRDC, NSIC, and others |
| Reimbursement for domestic trademark | Up to ₹10,000 |
| Reimbursement for international trademark | Up to ₹2,00,000 per application |
| Who can apply | Udyam-registered MSMEs |
| When to apply | After filing/registration |
This means an eligible MSME can potentially claim back the government filing fee after it is paid on top of already paying the concessional ₹4,500 rather than ₹9,000. The schemes are independent and can be used together. For a complete guide on claiming reimbursement of trademark fees under the MSME IPR scheme, see our guide on how to claim MSME subsidy on trademark and patent fees.
Who is Eligible for the MSME Trademark Fee Concession?
The concessional trademark fee category covers an Individual / Startup / Small Enterprise, subject to the applicable requirements.
For small enterprises, appropriate government-issued documentation is required to support the fee concession. IP India’s guidance refers to certificates issued by the Ministry of MSME for small-enterprise claims.
An MSME seeking the benefit should therefore keep its Udyam Registration Certificate and other relevant documents ready.
However, having an MSME registration does not mean that every trademark application automatically qualifies for the concession. The applicant must fall within the applicable category and provide appropriate supporting documentation.
Businesses should also ensure that the information in their trademark application is consistent with the supporting MSME documentation.
Medium Enterprise Exclusion
The concessional trademark fee applies to Micro and Small enterprises, not Medium. Here’s why this matters:
| MSME Category | Qualifies for ₹4,500 Fee? |
| Micro Enterprise (investment ≤ ₹1 crore; turnover ≤ ₹5 crore) | Yes, qualifies as “individual or small enterprise” |
| Small Enterprise (investment ≤ ₹10 crore; turnover ≤ ₹50 crore) | Yes, specifically covered |
| Medium Enterprise (investment ≤ ₹50 crore; turnover ≤ ₹250 crore) | No, pays standard ₹9,000 fee |
If your Udyam certificate shows “Medium Enterprise,” your trademark applications are filed at ₹9,000 per mark per class. This doesn’t affect your right to register trademarks, only the fee rate.
Documents Required for MSME Trademark Registration
The exact documents depend on the applicant and the circumstances of the application. Generally, an MSME should prepare: –
- Udyam Registration Certificate, where required to support the MSME fee concession.
- Applicant’s name, address and contact details.
- Details of the proprietor, partners, company or authorised signatory, as applicable.
- Representation of the trademark, such as the word mark or logo.
- Details of the goods or services.
- Appropriate trademark class.
- User details if the trademark has already been used.
- User affidavit and supporting evidence where prior use is claimed.
- Power of Attorney if the application is filed through a trademark agent or attorney.
If the applicant claims prior use of the trademark, the required user affidavit and supporting evidence should be prepared carefully.
Step-by-Step Process for Trademark Registration for MSMEs
Step 1: Decide What You Want to Trademark
First, identify the brand element that requires protection. An MSME may seek registration for:
- Brand name
- Logo
- Product name
- Tagline
- Label
- Other distinctive marks
A business should identify its important brand assets before filing because trademark rights are connected to the particular mark and the goods or services covered by the application.
Step 2: Conduct a Trademark Search
A trademark search should be conducted before filing the application. The purpose is to identify existing applications and the registrations that may be identical or deceptively similar to the proposed mark.
The search should consider:
- Identical names
- Similar spellings
- Phonetically similar names
- Similar logos
- Related goods or services
- Existing applications and registrations
A proper search helps an MSME assess potential conflicts before paying the filing fee. It can also reduce the risk of examination objections or opposition. A professional trademark search can help identify potential conflicts before your MSME invests in the registration process.
Step 3: Select the Correct Trademark Class
Trademark protection is based on the goods or services specified in the application. There are 45 trademark classes. Classes 1–34 generally cover goods, while Classes 35–45 cover services.
For example, a manufacturer selling physical products may require a different class from a business providing advertising, consultancy or technology services.
Selecting the correct class is important because registering a trademark in one class does not automatically protect it for every type of business activity. The description of goods or services should therefore accurately represent what the business offers or intends to offer.
Step 4: Verify MSME Eligibility
Before claiming the concessional fee, verify that the applicant qualifies for the relevant category.
The business should check:
- Whether it falls within the applicable small-enterprise category.
- Whether the supporting MSME certificate is available.
- Whether applicant details are consistent across documents.
- Whether the goods or services in the trademark application are appropriately connected with the business activity.
Incorrectly claiming a concessional fee can lead to additional fee requirements or procedural complications.
Step 5: Prepare Form TM-A
Trademark applications are filed through Form TM-A.
The application generally includes: –
- Applicant details
- Trademark representation
- Goods/services description
- Trademark class
- User claim
- Address for service
- Supporting documents
- Applicable applicant category
If the mark has already been used, the applicant must provide the relevant prior-use details and supporting evidence. If the application is filed on a proposed-to-be-used basis, the filing position is different.
Step 6: File the Application
The trademark application can be filed electronically through the IP India trademark filing system. For an eligible individual, startup or small enterprise, the current e-filing fee is ₹4,500 per mark per class.
The fee calculation depends on the number of marks and classes.
| Filing Example | Government Fee for Eligible Applicant |
| 1 mark × 1 class | ₹4,500 |
| 1 mark × 2 classes | ₹9,000 |
| 2 marks × 1 class each | ₹9,000 |
| 2 marks × 2 classes each | ₹18,000 |
These figures represent the official application fee and do not include professional charges or other applicable costs.
Step 7: Receive the Trademark Application Number
After successful filing, the applicant receives a trademark application number. This number can be used to track the application status.
However, obtaining an application number does not mean that the trademark has already been registered. The application must pass through the remaining stages of the registration process.
Step 8: Examination by the Trademark Registry
The Trade Marks Registry examines the application to determine whether it satisfies the legal requirements.
The Registry may raise objections for reasons such as: –
- Similarity with an existing trademark
- Lack of distinctiveness
- Descriptive or generic elements
- Prohibited marks
- Classification or documentation issues
- Other grounds under trademark law
If an examination objection is issued, the applicant generally needs to submit an appropriate reply within the prescribed period. A hearing may also be required depending on the case. A timely and properly supported trademark objection response can be important for moving the application forward.
Step 9: Publication in the Trademark Journal
If the application proceeds after examination, it may be published in the Trade Marks Journal. Publication gives third parties an opportunity to oppose the proposed registration.
Under the applicable process, an opposition may be filed within the prescribed period after publication. IP India’s filing guidance specifies a four-month opposition period. If no opposition is filed within the applicable period, or if an opposition is successfully resolved in the applicant’s favour, the application can proceed towards registration. Opposition during the 4-month window can be contested; our guide on how to respond to a trademark opposition notice explains counter-statement filing and evidence requirements.”
Step 10: Trademark Registration
After completion of the required stages, the trademark can be registered and the registration certificate issued. A registered proprietor can use the ® symbol for the registered mark in relation to the relevant goods or services. A trademark registration is generally valid for 10 years and can be renewed for successive 10-year periods.
Benefits of Trademark Registration for MSMEs
- Protects Brand Identity: Trademark registration helps establish legal rights over the registered mark for the relevant goods or services.
- Helps Prevent Unauthorised Use: Registration gives the proprietor stronger legal grounds to challenge unauthorised use of an identical or deceptively similar mark.
- Builds an Intangible Business Asset: A recognised trademark can become an important intangible asset as the business grows. It may also support licensing, franchising and other commercial arrangements.
- Supports Business Expansion: As an MSME introduces new products or services, it can assess whether additional classes or separate trademark applications are necessary.
- Reduces Initial Government Filing Cost: The concessional fee can substantially reduce the initial filing expense for eligible MSMEs. The ₹4,500 difference per mark per class can become significant where an enterprise needs protection for multiple marks or classes.
Common Mistakes MSMEs Should Avoid
- Skipping the trademark search: Filing without checking existing marks can increase the risk of objections or opposition.
- Choosing the wrong class: Protection is connected to the goods or services specified in the application.
- Making an unsupported prior-use claim: Prior use should be supported with appropriate evidence.
- Claiming the MSME concession incorrectly: The applicant should have appropriate government-issued documentation.
- Assuming Udyam registration equals trademark registration: These are separate registrations serving different purposes.
- Assuming filing means registration: An application still needs to pass examination and other applicable stages.
Non-Use Cancellation Risk
Not Using the Trademark Commercially After Registration. Under Section 47 of the Trade Marks Act 1999, a registered trademark can be challenged and cancelled if it has not been in bona fide commercial use for 5 continuous years before the cancellation application.
For MSMEs, this risk arises when:
- A trademark is registered for a product line that never launched
- A business name changes but the old registered mark is kept “just in case”
- An MSME expands its category list speculatively but never sells in those categories
Bona fide use means actual commercial use, the mark appearing on invoices, packaging, websites, and promotional material. Maintaining dated evidence of use (invoices, product photos, website screenshots, advertisements) is advisable from the point of registration.
How Long Does MSME Trademark Registration Take?
There is no guaranteed fixed timeline for trademark registration. The actual time depends on factors such as examination, objections, hearings, publication and opposition.
An application without objections or opposition may progress more smoothly, while an application involving disputes or examination issues may take considerably longer. Therefore, MSMEs should not rely on a fixed number of days when planning their brand protection strategy.
Here are approximate ranges based on current Registry processing patterns:
| Stage | Approximate Time From Filing |
| Application number issued | Same day (e-filing) |
| Examination report issued | 3–12 months |
| Response to examination report | Within 1 month of report (extendable) |
| Hearing (if required) | Additional 2–6 months |
| Publication in Trade Marks Journal | After examination clearance |
| Opposition period | 4 months from publication date |
| Registration certificate issued | 1–3 months after opposition window |
| Total: Smooth application (no objections, no opposition) | 18–30 months |
| Total: With examination objections and/or opposition | 3–5 years |
The most important point for MSMEs: The filing date, not the registration date, establishes priority. An MSME that files today has priority over anyone who files the same mark tomorrow, even if registration takes 2 years. This is why early filing matters more than waiting for everything to be perfect.
Final Takeaway
Trademark registration is an important step for MSMEs that want to protect their brand and build long-term business value. The process starts with selecting a distinctive mark and conducting a trademark search, followed by class selection, documentation, Form TM-A filing, examination, publication and registration.
Eligible applicants can also reduce their government filing cost through the concessional fee category. However, describing this as a complete “trademark fee waiver for MSMEs” is incorrect. The current fee structure provides a 50% reduction, with the e-filing fee for an eligible individual, startup or small enterprise being ₹4,500 per mark per class instead of ₹9,000 for other applicants.
Before filing, MSMEs should verify their eligibility, keep the required MSME documentation ready, select the correct trademark class and conduct a proper trademark search.
Protect your MSME brand with trademark registration and explore applicable fee benefits and concessions.
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FAQs
1. What is the trademark registration fee for MSMEs in India?
For an eligible individual, startup or small enterprise, the official e-filing fee for Form TM-A is ₹4,500 per mark per class. The standard e-filing fee for other applicants is ₹9,000 per mark per class.
2. Is trademark registration completely free for MSMEs?
No. MSMEs do not receive a complete trademark fee waiver. Eligible applicants receive a 50% reduction in the prescribed government application fee, subject to the applicable eligibility and documentation requirements.
3. Can an MSME claim the reduced trademark fee using Udyam Registration?
Yes. An eligible small enterprise can use appropriate government-issued MSME documentation to support its claim for the concessional trademark fee. The applicant should ensure that its documentation and application details meet the applicable requirements.
4. How long is an MSME trademark valid?
A registered trademark is generally valid for 10 years from the relevant filing date and can be renewed for additional 10-year periods.
5. Can an MSME register both its brand name and logo?
Yes. An MSME can seek trademark protection for both its brand name and logo. However, each mark is treated separately, and the applicable filing fee is calculated based on the number of marks and classes.
