A trademark registration in India is valid for 10 years from the date of application — not from the date of registration. This distinction matters: even if your certificate arrived two years after filing, your renewal clock started from the original application date. Under the Trade Marks Act, 1999 and Trade Marks Rules, 2017, renewal must be handled proactively — waiting for a notice from the Registry is not a safe strategy.
When to Renew
You should file for renewal within 6 months before the expiry date. Rule 57 of the Trade Marks Rules, 2017 governs the renewal process. The Registry issues a notice approximately 6 months before expiry, but this notice is a courtesy — it is your responsibility to track your own renewal date.
📅 Example: Application filed 15 March 2015 → Registration expires 14 March 2025. Renewal window opens: 14 September 2024. File by: 14 March 2025 (ideally much earlier).
The Grace Period
If you miss the advance window, a 6-month grace period after expiry allows late renewal with a surcharge. During this period, the mark appears as "removed" from the Register — which creates a dangerous window in which competitors could file similar marks. After the grace period expires, the mark is permanently removed and restoration requires a separate application at the Registrar's discretion.
How to File Form TM-R
Renewal is filed using Form TM-R on the IP India Online portal:
- Log in to the IP India Online portal
- Select your trademark application number
- Complete Form TM-R — applicant details and class(es) to renew
- Pay the prescribed government fee
- Download the acknowledgement receipt
Renewal extends the registration for a further 10 years from the date of expiry — not from the renewal filing date. Filing early costs you nothing.
Renewal Fees
| Applicant Type | Per Class (on time) | Per Class (in grace period) |
|---|---|---|
| Individual / Startup / MSME | ₹4,500 | ₹5,400 + surcharge |
| Company / Large Entity | ₹9,000 | ₹10,800 + surcharge |
Multi-Class Renewal
If your trademark is registered in multiple classes, each class must be renewed and paid for separately. You may choose to renew only some classes — for example, if you no longer trade in a particular category. However, dropping a class creates a gap in protection that competitors can exploit by filing in that vacated class.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline Entirely
- The mark is permanently removed from the Trade Marks Register
- You lose the statutory right to use the ® symbol
- You lose the right to sue for infringement — only the weaker passing off remedy remains
- A third party can file an identical or similar mark in the same class
- Restoration is possible but not guaranteed, and requires a separate application with additional fees
Practical Tips
- Record your expiry date immediately upon receiving your certificate
- Set calendar reminders 18 months, 12 months and 6 months before expiry
- Keep your registered address updated with the Registry so official notices reach you
- If the trademark has changed hands, ensure the assignment is recorded before renewal
- Renew all classes simultaneously to avoid different expiry dates
Conclusion
Trademark renewal is simple — but only if you act on time. A registration built over years can be lost to a missed deadline. Set your reminders today. Contact Nikhil Soni & Co. for renewal assistance →
Need help renewing your trademark?
Adv. Nikhil Soni handles trademark renewals across all five Registries in India. Never miss a deadline again.