Series Marks in India: Registering a Family of Related Trademarks as One Application (2026)

📅 May 2, 2026 • 🕐 9 min read • ✍ IP India Research Desk

✅ Quick Answer: A series mark in India allows you to register multiple trademarks that are nearly identical in material particulars (differing only in colour, non-distinctive elements, or statement of goods/services) as a single application, paying one filing fee. Governed by Section 15 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999.

What Is a Series Mark?

Under Section 15 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999, an applicant can register a series of trademarks in a single application if all marks in the series:

Resemble each other in their material particulars
Differ only in: (a) statements of the goods or services in relation to which they are used; or (b) colour; or (c) non-distinctive additions (like descriptors)

Example of a series mark: A brand that uses 'SuperClean', 'SuperFresh', and 'SuperBright' as sub-brands under the same 'Super' family could apply to register all three as a series in a single application.

Why File a Series Mark?

Cost efficiency: One application fee covers the entire family (though fees may be calculated per mark in the series)
Brand family protection: Establishes that the marks are related and part of a strategic brand family
Simpler management: One registration covers all marks in the series — one renewal, one certificate

Series Mark vs Individual Marks: When to Use Each

Scenario	Use Series Mark	Use Individual Marks
Marks nearly identical, differ in colour	Yes	No (inefficient)
Same root word, different descriptors	Yes (e.g., Coca-Cola Zero, Light, Regular)	Possible but series is better
Completely different marks in same class	No	Yes
Marks in different classes	Only if within same series application	Yes for different classes

Examples of Series Marks in Indian Business

Indian companies commonly use series marks for:

Product lines within a family brand ('Maggi Masala', 'Maggi Hot & Sweet', 'Maggi Tomato' — all in the Maggi series)
Same brand in colour and black-and-white versions
Brand name in English and a phonetically equivalent version in Hindi/regional language script
Parent brand and sub-brands with a common distinctive element

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a series mark in India?

Multiple trademarks registered as one application because they are nearly identical — differing only in colour, non-distinctive elements, or goods/services description. Governed by Section 15 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999.

Can I register my brand in Hindi and English as a series?

Yes — if the Hindi version is a phonetic transliteration of the English mark, they may be registered as a series mark in one application.

Is the fee for a series mark lower than individual marks?

The filing fee is generally based on the number of marks in the series (not one flat fee for all). However, administrative processing is simpler — one application, one examination, one certificate covering all marks in the series.

What happens if one mark in a series is opposed?

Opposition can be lodged against the entire application or against specific marks in the series. If one mark in the series is successfully opposed, the remaining marks in the series can still proceed to registration.

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