Trademark Registration is one of the very important aspects of the business world. It’s not easy to protect intellectual properties without obtaining protection under the law. In order to register a trademark one needs to pay the fees which is not a petty amount but there are many ways to cut the cost of registering a trademark in India. Here in the present blog we are going to discuss various ways to cut the cost of registering a trademark. We will explore novel and lesser-known strategies to streamline the trademark registration procedure in this comprehensive guide, guaranteeing efficiency without compromising efficacy.
Cost of Trademark Registration in India
Before knowing about the points to cut the cost of registering a trademark, one must know what exactly the general cost of trademark registration in India is. The cost of registering a trademark in India is not fixed. It may verify on many aspects like type of applicant, the number of classes the trademark is filed under, and the use of professional services etc. There are some of the variables that can affect the price of trademark registration in India. The typical expenses incurred during the trademark registration procedure in India is somewhat between Rs. 3000 to Rs. 10000.
How to Cut the Cost of Registering a Trademark?
There are many small steps which you can take in order to cut the cost of registration of a trademark in India, some of those are given below:
Apply Online
Online application forms are less expensive than paper forms submitted to the Trade Marks Registry. Online trademark registration is less expensive and takes less time to complete. Utilize the online tools and resources offered by government trademark offices. To help you navigate the process without having to pay extra for consulting, many offices provide educational materials. Hence because of the above all reasons you must register the trademark of your business online instead of doing it physically.
Digital Communication
Make use of the trademark office’s online channels for communication. Compared to traditional methods, electronic communication is frequently more efficient, which lowers the possibility of errors and the possible costs of corrections, hence in order to cut the cost of registering a trademark, one must use digital communication option.
Select the Appropriate Trademark Class
If you know little bit about the trademark registration you must be aware about the 45 classes of the trademark. One can obtain a trademark after filing the application under the appropriate class. If you select the wrong class your application may be rejected, which will cost you some extra expense to file application again. Hence to cut the cost of trademark registration one must file the registration application under the appropriate class.
The applicant must file Form TM-M and pay the required fee in order to amend the trademark application to include the additional class when the Registrar finds that the goods as well as services described or mentioned in the trademark application fall within the additional trademark class.
Keep Track Of The Word Mark
A company’s name and logo help people recognize it. Two applications, or two Form TM-As, must be filed in order to register the name and logo separately if the trademark consists of both a design and a brand name. In a single application, only one trademark category may be registered. Two applications must be submitted independently in order to register the name and logo because they belong to two different categories- the name mark and the device/logo mark. It is preferable to register a brand name once and save money by not having to pay for two applications when there is a name and logo. Once registered, a word mark or brand name can have a different representation.
Regularly Examine and Renew
After your trademark has been registered, continue to manage it proactively. Frequent reviews guarantee accuracy, lowering the possibility of disagreements that can result in costly legal fees. In order to prevent reinstatement fees, remember to observe the deadlines for renewals, in this way as well you can cut the cost of registering a trademark.
Register as MSME
If your business falls under the category of MSMEs, you must register yourself under the same. This will provide many benefits out of which cost cutting during trademark registration is one. Hence if you want to cut the cost of registering a trademark you must obtain zero budget MSME Registration.
Major Problems in Implementation of the Trademark in Business
Trademark implementation in business has its own set of challenges, despite being essential for brand protection. A significant obstacle is the possibility of infringement, since companies have to negotiate tricky terrain to make sure their brands don’t violate preexisting rights. The difficulty of obtaining a distinctive mark is increased by the registration procedure, which can be laborious and require careful searches. Furthermore, businesses must be vigilant in order to maintain and enforce trademarks. They must actively watch for possible infringements and take legal action when needed. It can be difficult for small and emerging companies to invest in thorough trademark strategies due to financial constraints.
Conclusion
Safeguarding your brand through trademark registration is crucial for businesses, especially for startups facing financial constraints. Understanding the factors that cut the cost of registering a trademark in India is important. One can adopt cost-cutting measures to cut the cost of registration of a trademark without compromising protection. Leveraging online application processes, utilizing digital communication channels, selecting the appropriate trademark class, managing word marks efficiently, and staying proactive with renewals are practical steps to reduce expenses. Additionally, businesses falling under the MSME category can benefit from cost savings by registering as MSMEs. Overall, these strategies ensure a streamlined and cost-effective trademark registration process, making it accessible for businesses of all scales.
