Documents Required for Trademark Registration in India: Complete Checklist (2026)
Documents by Applicant Type
| Applicant Type | Mandatory Documents | Optional / Situational |
|---|---|---|
| Individual / Sole Proprietor | PAN card, Aadhaar card, Business address proof | Udyam certificate (for ₹4,500 fee), User affidavit (if mark already in use) |
| Private Limited Company | PAN of company, Certificate of Incorporation, Registered address proof | Udyam certificate (if MSME), DPIIT certificate (if startup), Board resolution |
| Partnership Firm | PAN (firm or partner), Partnership Deed, Business address proof | Udyam certificate (if registered MSME) |
| LLP | LLP PAN, Certificate of Incorporation, LLP Agreement | Udyam/DPIIT certificate |
| Society / Trust / NGO | PAN, Society/Trust Registration Certificate, Address proof | Relevant approvals if applicable |
The Logo / Mark File Requirements
- File format: JPEG only (IP India does not accept PNG, PDF, or vector formats for the mark)
- Dimensions: Minimum 8cm × 8cm at 300 dpi recommended
- Colour: If you want colour-specific protection, submit the coloured logo. If you want protection in all colours, submit a black-and-white version.
- Background: White or transparent background preferred — avoid decorative borders
- Multiple marks: Each mark variation (text-only version vs logo version) needs a separate application
Power of Attorney (Form TM-48)
- Form TM-48 is the official Power of Attorney form — download from ipindiaonline.gov.in
- Must be signed by the applicant (individual proprietor or authorised signatory of company)
- Does NOT need to be notarised or stamped for domestic (India) filings
- Must be submitted at the time of filing — cannot be submitted later separately
- Your attorney fills the form; you sign it
User Affidavit: When and Why
- Not mandatory — but claiming prior use gives you stronger rights against someone who filed a similar mark after you started using yours
- The affidavit states your first date of use, the geographic territory of use, and the nature of goods/services
- Supported by evidence: invoices, packaging, advertisements, website screenshots with dates
- Submit on non-judicial stamp paper, signed before a Notary or Oath Commissioner
- Earlier use = earlier rights — file this if you have been using your mark for 6+ months before application
Documents NOT Required (Common Misconceptions)
- ❌ GST Registration Certificate (not an IP India requirement)
- ❌ FSSAI Licence (not required even for food/pharma trademarks)
- ❌ Udyog Aadhar (old system — replaced by Udyam; only Udyam is accepted now)
- ❌ Factory Licence or Shop & Establishment Certificate (not required)
- ❌ Bank account statements or financial documents
- ❌ Premises ownership/rental agreement (address proof via Aadhaar/utility bill suffices)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GST registration required for trademark filing in India?
No. GST registration is not a requirement for trademark filing. IP India only requires PAN, business proof, and Udyam (if claiming MSME rate). Many businesses file trademarks before they are GST-registered.
Can I file a trademark without a company registration?
Yes. An individual (sole proprietor) can file using their personal PAN and Aadhaar. No company registration, LLP registration, or partnership deed is required for individual trademark applications.
What if I don't have a logo — can I still register a trademark?
Yes. A word mark (text-only) application does not require any logo file. You simply enter your brand name as text. This actually provides broader protection than a logo mark, as it protects the name in any font or stylisation.
Does the Power of Attorney need to be notarised?
For domestic Indian trademark filings, notarisation of the Power of Attorney (Form TM-48) is NOT required by IP India. For international filings via Madrid Protocol, notarisation requirements vary by designated country.
Get Expert Trademark Help
Our IP India specialists handle trademark registration end-to-end — search, filing, objection replies, and certificate follow-up. Transparent fees, all business types.