A registered trademark in India is valid for 10 years from the date of filing (not from the date of registration). After 10 years, you must renew it — or the registration lapses and anyone can file the same mark.

When to Renew

Your trademark registration expires on the date corresponding to 10 years after your original filing date. For example, if you filed on 15 March 2016, your trademark expires on 15 March 2026.

You can renew your trademark:

  • Up to 12 months before expiry — at the standard renewal fee
  • After expiry (within 6 months) — at the standard fee plus a surcharge (late renewal)
  • 6 months after expiry — the mark lapses; only restoration possible
Critical Warning

Your trademark can lapse if you miss renewal. Once lapsed, your brand name becomes available for anyone to register — including competitors. Set a calendar reminder 18 months before your renewal date.

How to Renew Your Trademark

  1. File Form TM-R at ipindia.gov.in — the Trade Marks Renewal form
  2. Pay the renewal fee (see table below)
  3. No examination required — renewal is administrative, not examined again
  4. New certificate issued — valid for another 10 years from the expiry date

Renewal Fees 2026

TimingIndividual / MSME (per class)Company / LLP (per class)
Standard renewal (before expiry)₹9,000₹18,000
Surcharge renewal (up to 6 months after expiry)₹9,000 + surcharge₹18,000 + surcharge

Note: Renewal fees are higher than initial filing fees because the registrant has already benefited from 10 years of protection.

What If Your Trademark Has Already Lapsed?

If more than 6 months have passed since expiry, the trademark is no longer renewable through the standard process. You can apply for restoration within 1 year after the 6-month surcharge period, by filing an application to the Registrar explaining the delay. The Registrar has discretion to grant or refuse restoration.

After restoration, the mark is treated as having been continuously registered — this is important for enforcement.

Renewal Best Practices

  • Renew early — file for renewal at least 12 months before expiry to avoid any procedural complications
  • Check all your marks — if you have multiple trademark registrations, track each one's expiry date separately
  • Update ownership first — if the trademark needs to be transferred to a new entity (e.g., from individual to company), complete the assignment before renewal
  • Renew even if not actively using — unless you are abandoning the mark, always renew. A competitor or squatter may register the same name if your mark lapses
Renewal Timeline Summary

Standard renewal: up to 12 months before expiry
Late renewal with surcharge: up to 6 months after expiry
Restoration: up to 1 year after the 6-month surcharge window
After restoration window: mark lapsed permanently