To file Form TM-M, you must identify the correct request, complete the prescribed form, attach the required documents, and pay the applicable government fee. This form is used to submit various miscellaneous requests to the Trade Marks Registry under the Trade Marks Act, 1999.
Depending on your requirement, you can use Form TM-M to correct application details, obtain certified copies, request expedited examination, or make other procedural requests. As it consolidates 22 different forms into one, it is the most commonly used trademark form after Form TM-A. It plays an important role in managing requests that arise during or after trademark registration.
This guide explains the purpose of Form TM-M, its common uses, government fees, filing process, required documents, and practical tips to help you file it correctly.
Key Takeaways
- Form TM-M is the prescribed miscellaneous application form under the Trade Marks Rules, 2017, for various procedural requests before the Trade Marks Registry.
- You can use Form TM-M to correct application details, request expedited examination, seek an extension of time, obtain certified copies, and make several other miscellaneous requests.
- The government fee for most routine TM-M requests is ₹900 for online filing and ₹1,000 for physical filing, while special requests attract higher fees.
- File one request per Form TM-M and attach all required supporting documents to avoid delays or objections.
- The Trade Marks Registry generally processes routine TM-M requests within 30–90 days, while complex requests may take 12–24 weeks.
- Always select the correct request category and verify the latest government fees before filing, as the requirements vary depending on the purpose of the application.
What is Form TM-M? Purpose & Who Can Apply
Form TM-M is the miscellaneous application form prescribed under the Trade Marks Rules, 2017. Applicants, registered proprietors, and other eligible parties use it to submit various requests to the Registrar at different stages of the trademark’s lifecycle.
Instead of prescribing a separate form for every procedural request, the Trade Marks Registry uses Form TM-M to handle multiple miscellaneous applications under the Trade Marks Act, 1999. It plays a crucial role in managing requests that arise during or after trademark registration.
Uses and Purposes of Form TM-M
Form TM-M covers a wide range of procedural requests, including:
| Purpose | When to Use Form TM-M |
| Correction or amendment | Correct clerical errors or amend permitted application details. |
| Change of applicant details | Update the applicant’s name, address, or other permitted particulars. |
| Expedited examination (Rule 34) | Request priority examination of a trademark application. |
| Correction or amendment (Rule 37) | Correct clerical or typographical errors or make other permitted amendments to a pending trademark application. |
| Extension of time | Seek additional time for actions permitted under the Trade Marks Rules. |
| Certified copies | Obtain certified copies of Registry documents or records. |
| Duplicate registration certificate | Request a duplicate certificate if the original is lost, damaged, or destroyed. |
| Inspection of records | Inspect documents available in the public record. |
| Well-known trademark request (Rule 124) | Apply for recognition of a trademark as a well-known trademark. |
| Grounds of the Registrar’s decision | Request the written reasons for the Registrar’s decision. |
| Review of the Registrar’s decision (Section 127 / Rule 119) | Apply for a review of the Registrar’s decision within one month from the date of the decision or communication, as applicable. |
| Other miscellaneous requests | Submit any other request for which the Trade Marks Rules prescribe Form TM-M. |
Who Can File Form TM-M?
The following persons can file Form TM-M, depending on the nature of the request:
- The trademark applicant.
- The registered proprietor of the trademark.
- A registered trademark agent or attorney acting on behalf of the applicant or proprietor.
- Any other person who is legally entitled to make the specific request under the Trade Marks Act, 1999, or the Trade Marks Rules, 2017.
Note: If a trademark agent or attorney files Form TM-M on your behalf, the Trade Marks Registry may require Form TM-48 (Power of Attorney) as proof of authorization.
Prerequisites Required Before Filing Form TM-M
The exact requirements to file Form TM-M depend on the purpose of your request, but you will generally need:
- Trademark opposition, application, registration, or rectification number.
- Applicant’s or registered proprietor’s name, address, and other details recorded with the Trade Marks Registry.
- The specific purpose of the request, such as an amendment, extension of time, expedited examination, or certified copy.
- Complete details of the requested change or action.
- The relevant class number and goods/services details, if applicable.
- Trademark agent or attorney details and authorization, if someone files the application on your behalf.
- Supporting documents, such as affidavits, Form TM-48, proof of the requested change, or other relevant evidence.
- A valid Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for online filing, where required.
- The applicable government fee based on the type of request.
How to File Form TM-M Via the IP e-Filing Portal?
You can file Form TM-M online through the IP India e-filing portal or submit it physically at the appropriate Trade Marks Registry office (if required). Here’s how the process works:
Step 1: Choose the Filing Method
Decide whether you want to file the application online or physically. Most applicants file online because the process is faster.
Note: Certain requests, like expedited examination and well-known trademark determination, can be filed online only.
Step 2: Complete Form TM-M
Fill out Parts A, B, and C of the Form TM-M:
| Part | Purpose |
| Part A – Applicant Details | Enter the applicant’s or registered proprietor’s details and the relevant trademark application, registration, opposition, or rectification number. |
| Part B – Request Details | Select the type of request and provide the information required for that request. |
| Part C – Verification | Complete the declaration and sign the form to verify that the information is correct. |
While Parts A and B are mandatory for every application. Complete Part B based on the specific request, like an amendment, expedited examination, or extension of time.
Note: File a separate Form TM-M for each request. Do not include multiple requests in a single form.
Step 3: Attach Supporting Documents
Attach all supporting documents required for your request. Depending on the purpose, you may need:
- Affidavits
- Authorization documents
- Proof of the requested change
- Other supporting evidence
Step 4: Sign the Application
If you file online, sign the form with a valid Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), where required. For physical filing, sign the application before submitting it.
Step 5: Pay the Government Fee
Pay the applicable government fee based on the type of request:
- Online filing: Pay ₹900 through the IP India e-filing portal using the available online payment options.
- Physical filing: Pay ₹1,000 through a payment mode (such as a demand draft or banker’s cheque) accepted by the Trade Marks Registry.
Note: Special requests, such as expedited examination and well-known trademark determination, attract higher fees.
Step 6: Submit the Application
Submit the completed application through the IP India e-filing portal (ipindiaonline.gov.in) or at the appropriate Trade Marks Registry office.
Step 7: Save the Acknowledgement and Track the Status
After submission, save the acknowledgement receipt and payment receipt. Use the application reference number to track the status of your request on the IP India trademark portal. For physical filings, keep the acknowledgement issued by the Registry for future reference.
The processing time for Form TM-M depends on the type of request. The Trade Marks Registry generally processes routine requests within 30–90 days, while it may take 12–24 weeks to process complex requests or applications that require a hearing.
Note: You do not use Form TM-M to file a reply to a trademark objection. The Trade Marks Registry requires applicants to submit the reply separately through the e-Response facility on the IP India portal. You can, however, use Form TM-M to request an extension of time or seek an adjournment of a hearing, where the Trade Marks Rules, 2017 permit it.
Can Form TM-M Be Used After Trademark Registration?
Form TM-M mainly supports miscellaneous procedural requests during the trademark process. After registration, you must use Form TM-P for most recordal requests, such as changing the registered proprietor’s name or address or altering the registered trademark. As a general rule:
- Use Form TM-M for miscellaneous requests, such as amendments to pending applications, certified copies, and other requests.
- Use Form TM-P for most post-registration changes, including changes to the registered proprietor’s details and alteration of a registered trademark.
Fees for Filing Form TM-M
The government fee for Form TM-M depends on the purpose of your request. Most routine requests have a standard fee (₹900 for online or ₹1,000 for physical filing), while special requests, such as expedited examination and well-known trademark recognition, attract higher fees.
The First Schedule to the Trade Marks Rules, 2017 prescribes these fees:
| Purpose of Form TM-M | E-Filing Fee | Physical Filing Fee |
| Most routine requests (amendment, extension of time, certified copy, duplicate registration certificate, inspection of documents, etc.) | ₹900 | ₹1,000 |
| Expedited examination under Rule 34 (Individual/Startup/Small Enterprise) | ₹20,000 | Not permitted |
| Expedited examination under Rule 34 (Other applicants) | ₹40,000 | Not permitted |
| Request to include a trademark in the list of well-known trademarks (Rule 124) | ₹1,00,000 | Not permitted |
Trade Marks Registry does not refund the government fee once you file Form TM-M, even if it rejects or withdraws the request.
Tips to Correctly File Form TM-M
Keep these tips in mind to avoid delays or rejection while filing Form TM-M:
- File one request per form: The Trade Marks Registry generally considers only the first request and ignores the rest. File a separate Form TM-M for each request.
- Select the correct purpose: Choose the appropriate request in Part B. Selecting the wrong category may delay processing or result in rejection.
- File your request early: Submit amendment requests as early as possible, preferably before the examination report is issued. Late amendments may require re-examination or re-advertisement, which can delay registration.
- Know the limits of amendments: Use Form TM-M only for permitted corrections or amendments. You cannot materially alter the trademark or add new goods, services, or classes. Such changes require a fresh trademark application.
- Attach all required documents: Submit all supporting documents relevant to your request, such as affidavits, authorization documents, or proof of the requested change.
- Review the form before submission: Check the application number, applicant details, and supporting documents carefully to avoid objections or delays.
- Keep the acknowledgement receipt: Save the acknowledgement and payment receipt after filing. You will need the application reference number to track the status of your request and for future reference.
Offline vs Online Filing of Form TM-M
The table below compares both online and offline filing methods of Form TM-M:
| Basis | Online Filing (E-Filing) | Offline Filing (Physical) |
| Mode of filing | File through the IP India e-filing portal. | Submit the application at the appropriate Trade Marks Registry office. |
| Government fee (most routine requests) | ₹900 | ₹1,000 |
| Payment method | Pay online through the e-filing portal. | Pay through a demand draft, banker’s cheque, or another mode accepted by the Registry. |
| Submission speed | Instant submission with immediate acknowledgement. | Slower due to manual submission and processing. |
| Convenience | File from anywhere at any time. | Requires a visit to the Registry office. |
| Status tracking | Track the application online using the acknowledgement number. | Track the application using the acknowledgement number after the Registry processes the filing. |
| Signature | Requires a valid Class 3 DSC, where applicable. | Requires a physical signature on the application. |
| Availability | Available for all Form TM-M requests. | Available only for requests that permit physical filing. Expedited examination and well-known trademark requests must be filed online. |
Tip: Unless physical filing is necessary, choose online filing. It is quicker, more convenient, and costs less for most routine Form TM-M requests.
Not sure which Form TM-M request applies to your case? Let RegisterKaro’s trademark experts identify the right request, prepare the required documents, and provide complete support until the Trade Marks Registry processes your request.
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