Trademark registration for MSMEs and startups in India protects a business’s brand name, logo, or slogan under the Trade Marks Act, 1999. MSMEs and startups can apply for trademarks in their own name and, once registered, get exclusive rights to use the mark across India along with legal protection against copying or misuse. It is available to all eligible business types, including proprietorships, partnerships, LLPs, and companies.
For small and early-stage businesses, a trademark is a long-term asset. It helps build brand identity, improves trust with customers and investors, and protects the goodwill the business has created. MSMEs and startups also get certain benefits during registration that are not available to larger businesses.
This guide explains trademark registration for MSMEs and startups, including benefits, eligibility, documents, fees, and the step-by-step process, based on the Trade Marks Rules, 2017.
Key Takeaways
- MSMEs and startups can register a trademark at a concessional government fee of ₹4,500 per class, half the ₹9,000 standard rate paid by companies and LLPs.
- MSMEs claim the concession with a free Udyam Registration Certificate, while startups use DPIIT recognition. The two routes are separate but lead to the same reduced fee.
- Any business type can claim the concession through Udyam, but DPIIT recognition is limited to companies, LLPs, and registered partnership firms, not sole proprietors.
- The Udyam or DPIIT certificate must be valid and submitted at the time of filing. There is no refund if you file at the standard rate first.
- All trademark fees are per class, per mark, and non-refundable, prescribed under the First Schedule of the Trade Marks Rules, 2017.
- There is no concession on the ₹9,000 renewal fee. The Scheme for Facilitating Startups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) professional-fee waiver for startups also lapsed on 31 March 2026.
Can MSMEs and Startups Register a Trademark?
The government encourages MSMEs and startups to register trademarks by offering a reduced filing fee. This makes brand protection more affordable for smaller businesses.
How you register depends on which category your business falls under:
- Registered MSMEs: If your business holds a valid Udyam Registration Certificate, you can file as a Micro, Small, or Medium Enterprise and pay the lower fee. This route is open to every business type, from a sole proprietor to a private limited company.
- DPIIT-recognized startups: A company, LLP, or registered partnership firm recognized as a startup by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) can register a trademark using its recognition certificate. It can also claim the same reduced filing fee.
- Businesses without either registration: A business that qualifies but hasn’t yet obtained Udyam or DPIIT status can either file at the standard fee or get one of these free recognitions first to unlock the concession.
The key is to select the correct applicant category on the trademark portal and attach your Udyam or DPIIT certificate at the time of filing.
Trademark Registration Benefits for MSME/Startup
Registering a trademark as an MSME or startup makes brand protection more affordable. Here are the key benefits:
- 50% lower government filing fee: Eligible MSMEs and DPIIT-recognized startups pay only half the standard government trademark registration fee for every application.
- Affordable brand protection: The reduced fee helps small businesses protect their brand from the beginning without a high upfront cost.
- Support for intellectual property: The government offers this concession to encourage MSMEs and startups to build and protect their intellectual property.
- Free eligibility: You can get Udyam registration (for MSMEs) or DPIIT recognition (for startups) at no cost, making it easy to claim the concession fee.
Note: Until 31 March 2026, DPIIT-recognized startups could also receive support for professional or facilitator fees under the Startups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) scheme. The scheme has ended, so businesses now pay professional fees themselves. However, the 50% government fee concession for Trademark Registration is still available, so an eligible startup or MSME pays ₹4,500 per class instead of ₹9,000 for online filing.
Who is Eligible for the Trademark Concessional Fee?
The concessional trademark fee is available to individuals, MSMEs, and startups, but MSMEs and startups must hold the right recognition to claim it. Here’s who qualifies under each:
1. MSME route (Udyam registration)
- Who qualifies: Any business with a valid Udyam Registration Certificate, whether a sole proprietor, partnership firm, LLP, or company.
- Basis of eligibility: Classification as an MSME under the MSMED Act, 2006, based on investment and turnover.
- Current limits (effective from 1 April 2025):
- Micro: Investment up to ₹2.5 crore and turnover up to ₹10 crore.
- Small: Investment up to ₹25 crore and turnover up to ₹100 crore.
- Medium: Investment up to ₹125 crore and turnover up to ₹500 crore.
2. Startup Route (DPIIT Recognition)
- Who qualifies: A private limited company, LLP, or registered partnership firm recognized as a startup by the DPIIT. Sole proprietorships are not eligible for DPIIT recognition.
- Basis of eligibility: The entity must be within 10 years of incorporation, have an annual turnover not exceeding ₹200 crore in any financial year since incorporation, and work on innovation or a scalable business model.
- Validity: DPIIT recognition lasts up to 10 years from incorporation, or until turnover crosses ₹200 crore in any financial year, whichever comes first. Deep Tech startups get an extended limit of up to 20 years and ₹300 crore turnover.
Note: Both routes lead to the same concessional fee of ₹4,500 per class, so you only need to qualify through one. Sole proprietors and traditional businesses can claim the benefit through Udyam, while eligible startups can use either Udyam or DPIIT recognition. Businesses that exceed the eligibility limits must pay the standard trademark filing fee of ₹9,000 per class.
Documents MSMEs and Startups Required for Trademark Registration
An MSME or startup needs a specific set of documents to register a trademark, covering the business, its recognition status, and the mark itself. The documents required are:
- Udyam or DPIIT certificate: The Udyam Registration Certificate (for MSMEs) or the DPIIT recognition certificate (for startups) is the key document for claiming the concessional fee.
- PAN card: The PAN of the applicant, whether an individual, proprietor, partnership firm, LLP, or company.
- Identity and address proof: Aadhaar, passport, voter ID, or driving licence of the applicant or authorized signatory, along with the business address proof.
- Business registration proof: The Certificate of Incorporation (CoI), partnership deed, or GST Registration Certificate, depending on the business structure.
- Trademark or logo: A clear copy of the wordmark, logo, or slogan to be registered.
- Power of Attorney (Form TM-M): An authorization that allows a trademark agent or attorney to file the application on your behalf. Form TM-M is the current power of attorney under the Trade Marks Rules, 2017, which has integrated Form TM-48.
- User affidavit (if applicable): An affidavit with proof of prior use, required only if you claim the mark has been used since an earlier date.
Note: The Udyam or DPIIT certificate must be valid and submitted at the time of filing to claim the concessional trademark filing fee. The name on the certificate should match the applicant’s name. The listed business activity should also match the goods or services being registered. Otherwise, the application may receive a deficiency notice.
How to File a Trademark as an MSME or Startup?
Follow these steps to register a trademark as an MSME or startup in India:
1. Get Udyam or DPIIT Recognition First
- Obtain your Udyam Registration Certificate (for MSMEs) or DPIIT recognition certificate (for startups) before you file.
- Keep the certificate ready to upload, since it must be submitted at the time of filing.
2. Conduct a Trademark Search
- Search the IP India database to check whether an identical or similar mark already exists.
- Use a Free Trademark Public Search tool to identify the right class and screen for conflicts before filing.
Confirm the mark is unique to reduce the risk of objection or opposition later.
3. Choose the Right Class
- Identify the correct class from the 45 trademark classes under the Nice Classification.
- Choose the class that matches your business’s goods or services.
Filing in the wrong class leaves your brand unprotected in your actual line of business.
4. Select the Correct Applicant Category
- While filing, select the applicant category that matches your recognition, such as startup, small enterprise, or individual.
- Choosing the correct category ensures you receive the concessional trademark filing fee.
5. File the Application (Form TM-A)
- File the trademark application in Form TM-A online through the IP India portal.
- Enter the applicant’s details, the mark, and the class of goods or services, and upload the Udyam or DPIIT certificate.
- Pay the concessional government fee (₹4,500 per class for e-filing or ₹5,000 per class for physical filing). You will then receive your application number and filing receipt.
6. Examination by the Registry
- The Trademark Examiner reviews the application and issues an examination report.
- If an objection is raised, respond within 30 days, extendable by up to 30 more days on request.
- A clear reply, or a hearing if needed, moves the application toward acceptance.
7. Publication in the Trademark Journal
- Once accepted, the mark is published in the Trademark Journal for public review.
- Any third party can oppose the mark within four months of publication.
- If no opposition is filed, the application proceeds to registration.
8. Registration and Certificate
- With no opposition, the Registry registers the mark and issues the Trademark Registration Certificate.
- The business can now use the ® symbol beside its registered mark.
- The trademark is valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely.
Trademark registration for an MSME or startup usually takes 6 to 18 months, or up to 24 months if there are objections or oppositions.
Trademark Registration Fees for MSMEs and Startups
An MSME or startup pays a government fee of ₹4,500 per class for online filing or ₹5,000 per class for physical filing.
To get this concessional rate, the applicant must hold a valid Udyam or DPIIT certificate and submit it at the time of filing. Here’s how the fees compare:
| Applicant Type | Government Fee (Online, per class) | Physical Filing |
| MSME (with Udyam certificate) | ₹4,500 | ₹5,000 |
| Startup (with DPIIT recognition) | ₹4,500 | ₹5,000 |
Note: If you pay the standard ₹9,000 filing fee first, you cannot claim a refund or switch to the MSME or startup concessional fee later.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Trademark Registration for MSMEs and Startups
A few common mistakes can make you lose the concessional fee or delay your trademark application. Avoid these to ensure a smooth filing process:
- Filing before getting the certificate: If you apply before receiving your Udyam or DPIIT certificate, you must pay the standard ₹9,000 fee. You cannot claim a refund later. Get the certificate first, then file.
- Using a pending certificate: Applying for Udyam or DPIIT registration is not enough. You can claim the concession only after the certificate has been issued.
- Name mismatch on the certificate: The name on the Udyam or DPIIT certificate must exactly match the trademark applicant’s name. A mismatch can lead to a deficiency notice.
- Activity not matching the goods or services: The business activity mentioned in the certificate should match the goods or services covered in the trademark application. If they do not match, the concession may be questioned.
- Filing under the wrong class: If you choose the wrong trademark class, your products or services may not receive proper protection. Check the correct class before submitting the application.
Registering a trademark as an MSME or startup means choosing the correct applicant category, holding a valid Udyam or DPIIT certificate, and filing the application correctly to claim the concessional fee. RegisterKaro handles the entire process of trademark registration, from the class search to filing and objection replies. Contact us today to register your trademark at the concessional fee!
