Faster examination: Expedited trademark applications are examined in approximately 3–6 months — compared to 12–18 months for standard applications. Same-day filing available on receipt of documents and fees.
What is Expedited Trademark Registration?
The Trade Marks Rules, 2017 provide an official mechanism for applicants who need their trademark applications examined on a priority basis. By paying a higher government fee, the application is assigned to the expedited queue at the Trade Marks Registry and is picked up for examination significantly earlier than standard applications.
It is important to note that expedited processing speeds up the examination stage — not the entire registration process. The 120-day opposition period after publication, and any objection or opposition proceedings, remain unchanged. However, clearing examination faster means earlier publication, earlier opposition period and earlier registration — compressing the overall timeline considerably.
Expedited vs Standard Filing — Comparison
Government fee: Rs 9,000 per class (e-filing). Examination: 12–18 months. Full registration: 24–36 months typically.
Government fee: Rs 40,000 per class (e-filing). Examination: 3–6 months. Full registration: 12–18 months typically — saving 12+ months.
Who Should Choose Expedited Filing?
- Businesses launching new products or brands imminently and needing early protection
- Startups and companies involved in fundraising, investment or M&A transactions requiring registered IP
- E-commerce sellers needing access to Amazon Brand Registry or Flipkart Brand Protection
- Businesses that have discovered a conflicting mark and need to establish priority quickly
- Parties with active trademark enforcement needs — infringement actions are stronger with registration
- Franchise businesses requiring registered marks before expanding to new territories
- Entities applying for government tenders or licences where trademark registration is a prerequisite
- Companies whose brand has recently gone viral or gained significant market recognition
Expedited Filing Process
Availability Search
We conduct a trademark search to assess availability before filing
Documents Collected
KYC form, TM-48, logo files and class details collected same day
Same-Day Filing
Expedited application filed online — application number issued immediately
Priority Examination
Application examined within 3–6 months by the Trade Marks Registry
Objection / Acceptance
If objected — we file reply. If accepted — published in TM Journal
Registration
After opposition period — certificate issued and ® symbol authorised
Same-day application number: Once the expedited application is filed online, the application number is generated immediately. You can begin using the ™ symbol from that day and quote the application number in correspondence, invoices and on packaging.
Documents Required
Frequently Asked Questions
What is expedited trademark registration in India?
Expedited trademark registration is an official option under the Trade Marks Rules, 2017 where an applicant pays a higher government fee to have their application placed in a priority queue at the Trade Marks Registry. This results in examination being completed in approximately 3–6 months rather than the standard 12–18 months, significantly compressing the overall registration timeline.
What is the fee for expedited trademark examination in India?
The government fee for expedited trademark examination is Rs 40,000 per class for e-filing (Form TM-A with expedited request). For comparison, the standard e-filing fee is Rs 9,000 per class. The higher fee covers the priority processing by the Registry. Professional charges are in addition — contact us for a complete fee quote.
Does expedited filing guarantee faster registration?
Expedited filing guarantees faster examination — not faster total registration. After examination is cleared and the mark is published in the Trade Marks Journal, the standard 120-day opposition period still applies. Any objections raised or oppositions filed must still be resolved in the normal course. However, starting the examination stage 12+ months earlier means the entire process is compressed significantly.
Who should choose expedited trademark filing?
Expedited filing is most beneficial for businesses launching new brands imminently, startups in fundraising or acquisition discussions where IP status matters, e-commerce sellers needing Brand Registry access, and businesses with active or anticipated infringement situations. The extra fee is a worthwhile investment when time-to-registration has direct commercial consequences.
Can I convert a standard application to expedited?
No. Expedited processing must be selected and the higher fee paid at the time of filing the original trademark application. Once an application is filed as a standard application, it cannot be upgraded to expedited status. If you need expedited processing, a fresh application with the expedited fee must be filed — the original standard application may then be withdrawn if desired.
Official Resource: For official information, visit the Trade Marks Registry, IP India — the authoritative government source for IP matters in India.