Trademark Renewal Process in India: A Definitive Guide

Your brand’s logo, name, or slogan is more than a marketing asset. It is your business’s legal identity and one of its most valuable protections. In India, a registered trademark grants you exclusive rights for 10 years from the date of application. But this protection is not permanent. To keep your brand secure and prevent competitors from using a similar mark, you must renew your trademark before it expires.
Failing to renew can result in the loss of your rights, leaving your brand vulnerable to misuse and customer confusion. That is why understanding the trademark renewal process in India is critical.
This guide covers everything you need to know: key deadlines, required forms, step-by-step filing instructions, fees, and common mistakes to avoid. By the end, you will be equipped to confidently manage your trademark’s lifecycle and ensure your brand remains legally protected for years to come.

What is Trademark Renewal, and Why is it Essential?

A trademark registration in India is not a one-time thing that lasts forever. It is valid for a period of 10 years from the date you first applied for it. Trademark renewal is the process of officially extending the validity for another 10 years. Think of it like renewing your driver's license or passport, you have to do it periodically to keep it active and valid. This process is essential for a few key reasons:

Continued Brand Protection:

A registered trademark gives you the exclusive right to use your brand name or logo. Without renewal, this protection ends after 10 years. Your mark could then become available for others to use, making it difficult for your customers to identify your brand and potentially damaging your reputation. Renewal ensures your mark does not fall into the public domain.

Legal Recourse:

An active, registered trademark is a powerful legal tool. Under the Trade Marks Act, 1999, a renewed trademark provides you with a strong legal basis to take action against anyone who tries to copy or misuse your brand. Without renewal, you lose the right to sue for infringement, leaving your brand vulnerable to misuse.

Monetary Value:

Your trademark is a valuable business asset. An active and renewed trademark can be licensed to other companies, assigned (sold) to another party, or used as a security interest to get a loan. Renewing it maintains its value and allows you to continue to use it for financial gain.

Maintaining Priority:

In trademark law, the "first-in-time" principle is very important. By renewing your trademark, you maintain your original filing date. This is a huge advantage. If a dispute arises with another party using a similar mark, your renewed trademark proves that you were the first to use and register it, giving you a strong position in the legal argument.

If you haven’t yet registered a trademark, you’ll first need to complete the application process. Here’s a detailed guide to the trademark registration process in India (step-by-step) before moving on to renewals.

Trademark Renewal Timeline and Key Deadlines

It is really important to know when to renew your trademark, as missing the deadline can be costly. Just like a passport or a driver's license, your trademark has an expiry date, and if you let it lapse, you could lose your exclusive rights to your brand. This not only makes your business vulnerable to competitors but can also lead to complicated and expensive legal battles to get your brand back. Here is a simple breakdown of the timeline you need to be aware of, explaining the right time to file, the grace period for late renewals, and what happens in a worst-case scenario.

The 10-Year Cycle

A trademark registration is valid for 10 years, starting from the day you first applied for it. To keep your brand protected, you need to renew it every 10 years. This means you have a new renewal deadline every decade.

Reminder from the Registrar

The government's Trademark Office is supposed to send you a notice (called Form O-3) reminding you that your trademark is about to expire. However, you should never rely on this notice alone. It is your responsibility as the trademark owner to keep track of the date and ensure you file the renewal on time.

Three Key Scenarios and Deadlines

Here are the three possible timelines for renewal, based on when you file the application;

Normal Renewal (The Best Time to Renew):

The best time to file for renewal is within one year before your trademark's expiry date. For example, if your trademark expires on December 31, 2025, you can file the renewal application anytime between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025. Filing during this period is the easiest and cheapest option.

Renewal with a Late Fee (The Grace Period):

If you miss the one-year window, don't worry; you still have a chance. The law provides a 6-month grace period right after the expiry date. During these six months, you can still file your renewal application, but you will have to pay an extra late fee on top of the regular renewal fee.

Restoration and Renewal (If You Miss Everything):

If you miss both the one-year renewal window and the 6-month grace period, your trademark will be removed from the official register. This is a serious situation, but it is still possible to fix it. You have a chance to file a special application for "restoration and renewal" within one year from the expiry date. This process is more complicated and requires a much higher fee, but it's your last chance to save your trademark without having to apply for a new one from scratch.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Online Trademark Renewal Process

Renewing your trademark online is a simple and efficient process. Here is a clear, step-by-step guide to help you navigate the official portal without any confusion.

Step 1: Get Your Documents Ready

Before you begin, have these key pieces of information and documents ready. This will make the online filing process much smoother:

• Your Trademark Number (also called the Registration Number).
• Details of the current trademark owner (the applicant).
• A scanned copy of the Power of Attorney if you are filing through a lawyer or agent.

Step 2: Access the IP India Portal

The entire process takes place on the official government website for intellectual property in India.

• Go to the official e-filing portal of the Intellectual Property India website.
• Look for the section for "Comprehensive e-Filing Services" and click on the trademark portal link.

Step 3: Log in and Navigate to Form TM-R

Once you are on the e-filing page, you will need to log in with your credentials.

• After logging in, find and select the option to file a new application.
• The application for trademark renewal is filed using Form TM-R. You will need to select this form from the list.

Step 4: Fill Out and Submit Form TM-R

This is the main part of the process where you provide the details for your renewal. The form is designed to be straightforward.

• Trademark Number: Enter your unique trademark registration number.
• Applicant Details: The portal will likely pre-fill your information, but you should verify that your name, address, and other details are correct.
• Type of Renewal: The form will ask you to select the type of renewal you are seeking. You must choose one of the three options:
• • Normal renewal (filed within the one-year window before expiry).
  • Renewal with a surcharge (filed during the 6-month grace period).
  • Restoration and renewal (filed after the grace period is over).
• Correct Class: Make sure you select the correct class or classes of goods and services for which you are renewing the trademark. This is crucial for maintaining your rights.

Step 5: Pay the Prescribed Fee

After filling out the form, you will be directed to the online payment gateway.

• The official fee for a normal renewal is ₹9,000 per class (for online filing).
• If you are filing during the 6-month grace period, you will pay the normal fee plus an additional surcharge of ₹4,500 per class.
• If you are applying for restoration, you will have to pay the normal fee plus a higher restoration fee of ₹9,000 per class.
• Complete the payment using a debit card, credit card, or net banking.

Step 6: Status Tracking

Once your application and payment are submitted successfully, you will receive an acknowledgment with an application reference number.

• You can use this application number to track the status of your renewal on the same portal.
• The status will change from "Sent for Renewal" to "Renewed" once the process is complete, and your trademark will be valid for another 10 years.

Required Documents for Trademark Renewal

Getting your documents ready is the first step to a smooth renewal process. Here is a simple checklist of what you need.

• Copy of the Trademark Registration Certificate: This is the most important document. It proves that you own the trademark and provides the key details needed for the renewal application, like the trademark number and the expiry date.
• Copy of the Original TM-A Application Form: While not always mandatory for the online process, it is good to have this for reference. It contains all the original details of your application, which can be useful to verify information.
• Power of Attorney (PoA): If you are hiring a lawyer or a trademark agent to file the renewal for you, you must give them a signed Power of Attorney. This document gives them the legal authority to act on your behalf.
• Identity and Address Proof: You'll need to provide your identity and address proof (like a copy of your Aadhaar card or passport) to ensure your details are current. This is especially important if there have been any changes since you first registered the trademark.
• Board Resolution (for companies): If the trademark is owned by a company, you will need a document called a Board Resolution. This is a formal statement from the company's board of directors that authorizes a specific person to file the trademark renewal application.

Trademark Renewal Fees and Surcharges

Understanding the fees for trademark renewal is straightforward, but it is crucial to pay the correct amount at the right time. All fee details below are as per the official IP India Fee Schedule (2025), published by the Government of India’s Intellectual Property Office.

Normal Renewal Fee

• E-filing: ₹9,000 per class.
• Physical filing: ₹10,000 per class.

E-filing is cheaper, faster, and more widely recommended.

Late Renewal Fee (with Surcharge)

If you miss the one-year window but file within the 6-month grace period:

• E-filing: ₹9,000 + ₹4,500 surcharge per class.
• Physical filing: ₹10,000 + ₹5,000 surcharge per class.

Restoration and Renewal Fee

If you miss both the renewal period and the 6-month grace period, you must apply for restoration within one year from removal.

• E-filing: ₹9,000 + ₹9,000 restoration fee = ₹18,000 per class.
• Physical filing: ₹10,000 + ₹10,000 restoration fee = ₹20,000 per class.

Expert Tip: Always choose e-filing over physical filing — it’s cost-effective, faster, and easier to track online.

Last Updated: 2025
Fee structures are subject to change. Always verify on the official IP India website before filing.

What Happens After a Successful Renewal?

Once your renewal application is approved, your trademark's protection is officially extended. Here’s what you can expect next:

Publication in the Trademark Journal

The government announces the renewal in the official Trademark Journal. This is a public record that shows your trademark is still active and protected. This step confirms that your renewal has been accepted.

Issuance of Renewal Certificate

You will not receive a new paper certificate. Instead, a computer-generated renewal certificate is issued and made available on the online portal. You can download and save this document as your proof of renewal, which confirms your trademark is protected for another 10 years.

No Physical Certificate

The government has moved to a digital-first system. A physical, hard-copy certificate is no longer sent by mail unless you make a specific request and pay an additional fee. Your digital certificate is the official and valid proof of your renewed trademark.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Renewal

Renewing a trademark can be simple, but some common errors can cause delays or even the loss of your trademark.

• Missing the Deadlines: This is the most serious mistake. If you miss the one-year window and the 6-month grace period, you will have to go through a much more expensive and complex restoration process. Missing the final deadline means your trademark is permanently removed.
• Using the Incorrect Form: The renewal application must be filed using Form TM-R. Using any other form can lead to rejection and wasted time and money.
• Incomplete Information: Make sure all the details you provide are accurate and complete. Small mistakes, like a typo in your address or a missing signature, can lead to an objection from the Registrar, which delays the process.
• Ignoring Reminder Notices: Although the Registrar sends a notice about expiry, it is a courtesy, not a guarantee. You should not rely solely on this notice. It is your responsibility to keep track of your trademark's expiry date and set your own reminders.

Common Reasons for Trademark Renewal Rejection

Sometimes, even after filing, a trademark renewal application can be rejected. This usually happens for a few key reasons:

• Non-Payment or Incorrect Fees: If you fail to pay the correct fee, especially if you miss the deadline and don't include the proper surcharge, your application will be rejected.
• Missing Restoration Deadline: If you miss the one-year window for restoration after your trademark has been removed from the register, it cannot be renewed and is permanently lost.
• Incomplete or Unverifiable Information: If you fail to correct incomplete information or provide the required documents after the Registrar objects, your application will be rejected. The information you provide must be verifiable.

Conclusion

Your brand's identity is one of its most valuable assets, and protecting it is essential for long-term success. While a trademark registration lasts for a decade, it is not permanent. Timely renewal is the key to maintaining your brand's exclusive rights and ensuring it remains a shield against infringement. Failing to act on time can lead to costly late fees, a complex restoration process, or even the complete loss of your trademark. This leaves your brand vulnerable and could force you to start from scratch.

Do not let your hard-earned reputation fade away. Take proactive steps today to secure your brand’s future for the next decade. If you are ready to renew, explore our Trademark Renewal Service to complete the process quickly and with confidence