Different Types of Trademarks in India: Importance & Examples

“Your brand is what other people say about you when you’re not in the room,” Jeff Bezos. In today’s competitive business world, these words carry more weight than ever. Nowadays, a brand isn’t just a name; it’s a feeling, a memory, an impression that stays with the customer even after they walk away. And what shapes that impression? Your name, your logo, your tagline, your sound, every tiny detail that turns a business into a brand. That’s why understanding the different types of trademarks is so important. 

In India, a trademark is any unique sign, symbol, word, sound, shape, or design that instantly helps people identify your goods or services. Trademarks can take many forms, including words, logos, combinations of words and logos, colors, sounds, and even scents. Each type protects a specific part of your brand identity. Think about how instantly you recognize Nike’s “Just Do It” catchphrase or Netflix’s “ta-dum” intro sound. 

The Trade Marks Act, 1999, provides the legal foundation for protecting these marks. It defines what can be registered and how businesses can enforce their rights. 

However, simply knowing the definition of trademark isn’t enough. To truly protect your brand, you must understand different trademark categories in India. This blog helps you explore relevant trademark examples and understand each category, so you can secure your brand smartly and confidently.

What are the Different Types of Trademarks (With Examples) in India?

In India, businesses can register different types of trademarks depending on what makes their products or services unique. Each type safeguards a specific element of your brand, from names and logos to colours, shapes, sounds, and patterns.

Below are the main types of trademarks recognised under Indian law, along with examples and tips on when to register each:

1. Word Marks

A word mark protects the name, tagline, or slogan that identifies your brand. When the words themselves carry recognition and recall, registering them ensures exclusive rights under Section 2(m) of the Trade Marks Act.

Examples: The simple yet powerful name “Amazon”, the family-rooted “TATA”, and the coined term “Google” are all registered word marks. These remain identifiable without any additional visuals.

Use this trademark type when you want to:

• Protect your brand name, tagline, or slogan in all fonts and styles.
• Focus on a unique or catchy name that defines your business.
• Rely on words as the primary element of brand recall.

2. Device / Logo (Symbol) Marks

A device mark protects the visual symbol or logo of a brand. Logos are often more memorable than words, and a strong logo becomes a symbol for quality, trust, and recognition. Moreover, you can sue for infringement if someone copies your logo without permission.

Examples: The bitten apple logo of Apple, the Golden Arches “M” of McDonald’s, and the Nike Swoosh are instantly recognizable logos worldwide.

Brands utilize this type of trademark to:

• Build brand identity through visuals.
• Apply the logo consistently across products, packaging, and marketing materials.
• Prevent imitation of your brand’s visual signature.

3. Combination Marks (Word + Logo)

A combination mark protects the word and logo used together. Many brands register both individually and in combination to ensure maximum protection. It protects your brand in all instances of use, reducing the risk of trademark infringement or imitation.

Examples: The Starbucks siren combined with the word “Starbucks” and the Adidas three stripes with the Adidas name are combination marks that strengthen brand recognition.

The combination mark is ideal for situations where you need to:

• Protect both the visual and verbal elements together.
• Ensure legal coverage whether the word or logo appears alone or combined.
• Strengthen overall brand identity across media.

4. Service Marks

Service marks protect brands that provide services rather than goods. They distinguish one service provider from another and build trust in service-based industries. Service marks can include names, taglines, or slogans specifically linked to the services offered.

Examples: The name IRCTC for railway ticketing services and tagline “It’s Your Sky” by Akasa Air are registered as service marks.

Use this trademark type when you want to:

• Distinguish services rather than physical products.
• Build credibility and recognition in service industries.
• Protect your service-based brand identity.

5. Collective Marks

A collective mark represents a group, organization, or association. It signals membership or adherence to certain standards rather than ownership by a single business. Only authorized members (associations, public institutions, Section 8 companies, etc.) can use the mark, protecting the collective identity legally. 

Examples: The CA mark used by members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, the FICCI logo for industry members, and the ISACA certification mark for auditors are collective marks.

Apply this type of trademark to:

• Represent a group with shared goals or standards.
• Provide members with a unified identity that signals credibility.
• Distinguish certified or trained members from others.

6. Certification Marks

Certification marks indicate that goods or services meet specific quality, safety, or origin standards. They enhance consumer trust by verifying compliance. The mark cannot be used by unauthorized manufacturers, enforceable under Section 71 of the Trade Marks Act.

Examples: The ISI mark on electrical products, the FSSAI logo on packaged foods, and the Agmark symbol on agricultural products are certification marks that ensure quality and reliability.

Use this type of trademark when you want to:

• Assure customers of compliance with legal or quality standards.
• Build trust and credibility for products or services.
• Protect marks used to certify authenticity, quality, or origin.

7. Shape / 3D Marks

Shape marks protect the distinctive physical form of a product or its packaging. Unique shapes help customers recognize your brand instantly.

Examples: The iconic contour shape of the Coca-Cola bottle, the uniquely curved Fanta bottle, and the triangular Toblerone chocolate bar are shape marks.

Choose this option when aiming to:

• Protect packaging or product shapes that stand out.
• Strengthen brand recognition through physical form.
• Prevent competitors from using confusingly similar shapes.

8. Color Marks

Color marks protect specific colours or combinations closely associated with a brand. A signature colour becomes a strong brand identifier. Color itself is recognized as a trademark under Indian law if it identifies your business and gains secondary meaning.

Examples: The Pantone 2685 C purple of Cadbury chocolate, the Tiffany Blue (Pantone 1837) seen on jewellery boxes, and the Vodafone red (Pantone 485 C) used across stores and advertisements are colour marks.

Use this when you want to:

• Establish recognition through a consistent color palette.
• Differentiate your brand in crowded markets.
• Prevent imitation of unique brand colours.

9. Pattern Marks

A pattern mark protects unique patterns or designs that appear on products, packaging, or labels. Unlike logos or word marks, pattern marks focus on repetitive visual elements that make your brand instantly recognizable. These marks help your products stand out in competitive markets and prevent imitation.

Examples: The zig-zag pattern on Adidas sneakers, the iconic checks on Burberry scarves, or the polka-dot pattern of certain FabIndia fabrics.

Use this trademark type when you want to:

• Protect distinctive visual patterns that identify your brand.
• Prevent competitors from copying signature designs.
• Strengthen product recognition through recurring visual elements.

10. Sound Marks

Sound marks protect audio elements that identify a brand. Jingles, tones, or melodies can create instant recognition and emotional recall. These marks gain legal protection when they are distinctive and clearly linked to a specific brand.

Examples: The Nokia tune, the Netflix “ta-dum” sound, and the Intel Inside jingle are sound marks that instantly signal their brands.

Recommended for brands that want to:

• Build recognition through music or sound.
• Create a distinctive audio identity.
• Ensure customers can identify your brand through sound alone.

11. Smell / Olfactory Marks

Smell marks protect unique scents linked to a brand. It is important to note that Indian law allows registration if the scent is unique and capable of graphical representation.

Examples: The Play-Doh scent of Hasbro, the rose-like tyre fragrance of Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. (India’s first smell mark), and certain perfumes have been registered as smell marks internationally.

Use this when you want to:

• Protect a distinctive scent that defines your product.
• Reinforce brand recognition through smell.
• Ensure legal protection for unique non-functional scents.

Choosing the right trademark helps you protect your brand’s identity and stand out in the market. Trademarks are registered under 45 different classes, based on goods or services can cost around Rs. 6,500–Rs. 35,000. However, the types of trademarks define the form of your mark, such as word, logo, sound, colour, or shape.

Confused about which trademark suits your brand? RegisterKaro can help you choose the right type and register it quickly, keeping your brand safe from copycats. Contact us today.

Why Trademark Registration Matters for Entrepreneurs and Startups?

For startups and entrepreneurs, a trademark is a vital business asset. Trademark registration protects your brand, builds trust, and helps you grow without legal worries.

• Protect Your Brand Identity: Stop others from using your name, logo, or tagline. Keep your brand unique.
• Build Credibility: A registered trademark signals professionalism to customers, investors, and partners.
• Prevent Legal Conflicts: Avoid costly disputes by securing your rights from the start.
• Increase Business Value: A trademark adds value to your startup and attracts investors.
• Support Expansion: Expand to new cities, states, or countries without losing your brand identity.
• Stay Ahead of Competitors: Keep copycats away and protect the reputation you build.
• Secure Online Presence: Protect your brand on websites, social media, and e-commerce platforms. This becomes even more important for trademark registration for e-commerce businesses, where online impersonation and fake listings are common.
• Enable Licensing Opportunities: Licensed trademarks can generate additional revenue streams.
• Strengthen Customer Loyalty: Customers trust and remember brands that are officially protected.

These trademark registration benefits for startups ensure that the brand stays safe, credible, and ready for growth. 

Legal Basis: Trademark Law in India

The Trade Marks Act, 1999, forms the foundation of brand protection in India. It defines what a trademark is, what can be registered, and how businesses can enforce their rights. The Act recognizes a trademark as any sign that helps consumers identify the source of goods or services. 

It also clearly specifies what you can register as a trademark. These include:

• Names and words (invented or existing)
• Logos, devices, and symbols
• Letters and numerals, if distinctive
• Three-dimensional shapes
• Colours and colour combinations
• Sounds represented in graphical form

India follows the NICE Classification system, which divides goods and services into different trademark classes. This helps businesses register trademarks in the right category and ensures proper legal protection.

Indian law recognizes both conventional trademarks (like word marks and device marks) and non-conventional trademarks (like shape, colour, and sound marks). Businesses can also use the ™ symbol to indicate that a mark is claimed as a trademark, even before official registration. This signals ownership and warns others against unauthorized use. While doing so, businesses must also know trademark registration fees, which may differ based on the applicant type and filing category.

The Act also guards brands against misuse and weakening. Moreover, it acknowledges different types of trademark dilution, such as blurring or tarnishment. These occur when another party uses a mark in a way that reduces its uniqueness or harms its reputation.

Violating a registered trademark can lead to legal penalties, including fines up to Rs. 2 lakh and imprisonment up to 3 years, depending on the severity of infringement. Civil lawsuits for damages and injunctions to stop misuse are also common.

How to Choose the Right Type of Trademark for Your Business?

Choosing the right type of trademark is crucial to protect your business name. The wrong choice can leave your brand exposed to copying or legal disputes. Understanding your brand identity and how it interacts with your customers helps you make the best decision.

Tips to select the right trademark type:

• Identify your brand’s primary identity, whether it’s the name, logo, tagline, shape, colour, or sound.
• Consider which element drives customer recognition and recall.
• Think about long-term branding plans, including expansion and licensing.
• Check the distinctiveness of your brand element, and avoid generic or common terms.
• Ensure compatibility with online presence, e-commerce, and digital marketing platforms.
• Evaluate legal feasibility for non-conventional marks like colour, sound, or scent.
• Decide if a combination of trademarks (word + logo) provides stronger protection.

Choosing the right type ensures your brand remains unique, legally protected, and recognizable across all channels. A well-selected trademark forms the foundation for long-term growth and brand value.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What’s the difference between a Word Mark and a Logo Mark?

A Word Mark protects the textual elements of your brand, your name, tagline, or slogan, irrespective of style, font, or colour. A Logo Mark, on the other hand, protects the visual design or symbol that represents your brand. 

While a word mark secures the verbal identity, a logo mark safeguards the graphical identity. Many brands use both to ensure complete protection.

2. Can you register multiple types of trademarks (word + logo + shape) for the same brand?

Yes, you can register multiple types of trademarks for the same brand, and many established companies do exactly that for stronger legal protection. Registering your word, logo, and even unique shapes separately creates multiple layers of defence. This strategy ensures that even if one element changes or evolves, the rest of your brand identity stays legally secured.

3. Are colour, sound, or smell trademarks allowed in India?

Yes, Indian trademark law allows colour, sound, and even smell trademarks, although the registration process can be more complex. You must prove that the colour combination, sound pattern, or scent is distinctive and capable of graphical or technical representation. Since these marks are harder to define and associate with a single source, applicants must demonstrate strong uniqueness and long-term recognition.

4. What type of trademark should a service-based business register?

A service-based business should register a Service Mark, which distinguishes services rather than physical goods. However, businesses often strengthen protection by also registering their word mark and logo mark. This ensures that the brand name, visual identity, and service offerings all remain protected, preventing competitors from copying the overall look, feel, or identity of the service brand.

5. What happens if you don’t register a trademark but still use it?

If you use a mark without registering it, you may still gain common-law rights through continuous usage. These rights help you take action under the doctrine of passing off if someone copies your brand. However, protection remains weaker, slower, and geographically limited. Without registration, you cannot claim exclusive ownership nationwide or stop others from registering similar marks in the future.

6. What are the four types of trademarks commonly used by businesses?

The four types of trademarks most commonly used by businesses are Word Marks, Logo/Device Marks, Combination Marks, and Service Marks. These help protect different aspects of a brand, its name, visuals, and services. While there are more categories under Indian law, these four form the base for most businesses starting their trademark protection journey.

7. How do the types of trademarks in intellectual property help protect a brand?

The various types of trademark in intellectual property rights protect different elements of a brand, such as words, designs, shapes, sounds, and colours. Each type safeguards a unique part of your brand identity and prevents others from copying or misusing it. Choosing the right category ensures stronger protection and better recognition in the market.

8. Can I register a colour or sound as a trademark in India?

Yes, you can register a colour or sound as a trademark in India, but the process demands strong proof of distinctiveness. You must show that consumers associate that specific colour or sound exclusively with your brand. Sound marks require a clear audio representation, and colour marks need evidence that the shade is not functional and directly identifies your business.

9. What is a shape trademark, and who should register it?

A shape trademark protects the unique three-dimensional form of a product or its packaging. Brands with distinctive bottle designs, container shapes, or product forms should register them to stop imitators from copying their look. This protection strengthens brand recognition and prevents competitors from using confusingly similar shapes in the market.

10. What is passing off, and how is it different from trademark infringement?

Passing off applies when you rely on unregistered trademark rights. If someone copies your brand elements, you must prove reputation, misrepresentation, and damage. Trademark infringement applies only to registered marks, and the law presumes your ownership. Registration gives you a much stronger, faster, and easier legal remedy compared to passing off.

11. How long does trademark protection last in India?

Trademark protection in India lasts for ten years from the date of filing. You can renew it indefinitely every ten years by paying the renewal fee. As long as you maintain your registration and continue using the mark, your trademark can stay protected forever, allowing your brand to grow without fear of losing its identity.

12. What type of trademark is best for beginners?

For beginners, a word mark usually works best. It protects your brand name, tagline, or slogan across all fonts and styles. Word marks are simple to register and provide strong legal protection. They help startups and small businesses build a clear and memorable identity, making it easier to establish their presence in the market without legal complications.

13. Can I register more than one type of trademark?

Yes, you can register multiple types of trademarks for the same brand. Many businesses register a word mark, logo mark, and combination mark together to ensure complete protection. This approach safeguards all elements of your brand, prevents imitation, and strengthens your legal rights, giving you more control over how your brand is represented and used in the market.

14. Are smell marks and colour marks allowed in India?

Yes, India allows the registration of smell and colour marks, though the process is stricter. Colour marks must uniquely identify your brand, like the distinct purple shade of Cadbury chocolate. Smell marks protect a distinctive scent linked to a product. Both require clear representation to meet legal standards and successfully gain trademark protection.

15. Which trademark should I choose if I am starting a new business?

If you are starting a new business, the trademark you choose depends on what you want to protect. A word mark works for brand names or taglines, a logo/device mark protects visual symbols, and a service mark covers services. You can also register multiple types together to ensure full protection and strengthen your brand identity.

16. What is the difference between a trademark class and type?

A trademark type defines the form of your mark, such as a word, logo, sound, color, or shape. A trademark class defines the category of goods or services your mark covers under the Nice Classification system. Knowing the trademark class vs type difference helps you register correctly, avoid conflicts, and ensure legal protection for both your brand and the business category.