Faster Trademark Registration in India: What You Need to Know
June 21, 2025
In the fast-paced world of business, time is often as critical as innovation. Whether you’re launching a product, pitching to investors, or planning to file internationally through the Madrid Protocol, a delay in trademark registration could expose your brand to risks. Fortunately, the Indian Trade Marks Registry offers an expedited trademark examination process to fast-track applications under specific conditions.
What Is the Expedited Trademark Process?
The expedited process allows trademark applicants to request a faster examination of their application compared to the standard timeline. While a regular trademark application may take anywhere from 6 to 12 months (or more) to be examined, an expedited application is typically examined within 2-3 months from the date of application as per Trademark rules, 2017. But practically in most of the cases, the application will be examined within 7 days.
This process is available under Rule 34 of the Trade Marks Rules, 2017 and must be applied using Form TM-M, along with Form TM-A for the trademark application itself.
Who Can Apply for Expedited Examination?
Any applicant whether an individual, startup, MSME, or corporate entity can apply for expedited examination. Common grounds for requesting fast-track include:
Urgent product launch
Risk of brand infringement
Need to file internationally (Madrid Protocol)
Investor or compliance requirements
Process Breakdown: How Does It Work?
Trademark Filing (Form TM-A)
Submit your standard trademark application with required details and documents.
Expedited Request (Form TM-M)
File Form TM-M with the expedited processing option selected.
Additional Fee Payment
₹20,000 per class for individuals, startups, or MSMEs
₹40,000 per class for others
Faster Examination
Your application is examined ahead of the regular queue usually within 2 to 3 months(As per Trademark rule, 2017).
Further Proceedings
Objections (if any), show-cause hearings, are also processed expeditiously.
While expedited examination speeds up the initial stages of the trademark application process (such as examination, issuance of the examination report, and show-cause hearings), the opposition proceedings after journal publication follow the standard legal timelines prescribed under the Trade Marks Act, 1999 specifically:
Four months from the date of advertisement in the Trade Marks Journal for filing a notice of opposition (Section 21).
Further stages like counter-statement, evidence, hearings, etc., follow fixed procedural timelines.
Key Considerations Before You Opt
Accuracy is critical. Mistakes in classification or description may delay or derail your application.
Fast does not mean exempt. Objections and oppositions are still part of the process.
Cost vs. urgency. The additional fee should be weighed against your brand’s market timeline and risk exposure.
Why It Matters
In the age of brand-first businesses, legal readiness defines market readiness. Fast-tracking your trademark application can:
Boost investor confidence
Prevent unauthorized use of your brand
Secure your IP before a major product or brand launch
Accelerate Madrid filings for global expansion
The expedited trademark process is a smart, strategic move for businesses that value both speed and security. But it should not be seen as a shortcut. Instead, it’s a high-stakes, fast-lane that demands careful handling.
At IP Master, we help businesses evaluate whether this route aligns with their goals, and ensure the process is executed with clarity and compliance at every step.
Author: Siju Rajan
Registered Trademark agent
WhatsApp: +91 7012431293