Difference in Cost for Trademark Registration in India and Other Countries

Trademark plays an important role in establishing a company’s identity and securing its competitive position in the global marketplace. They act as a shield against brand misuse, counterfeit products and unauthorised usage. However, the process of trademark registration is not uniform worldwide. Different legal frameworks and administrative procedures govern it, resulting in significant variations in costs. In this article, you will learn about the Difference in Cost for Trademark Registration in India and Other Countries.

What is a Trademark?

A trademark is a legally protected sign, word, phrase, logo, symbol, design, or combination thereof that identifies and distinguishes the goods or services of one entity from those of others in the marketplace. It confers exclusive rights to the owner to use the mark about the registered goods or services, preventing unauthorised use and establishing the brand’s identity and goodwill in the commercial domain.

Trademark Registration Cost in India

The cost to register a trademark in India varies depending on the category of the applicant and the mode of filing. Here is a detailed list to understand the cost of registering a trademark in India:

• For Individuals, Startups, and MSMEs:
  • E-filing: ?4,500 per class/ mark
  • Physical filing: ?5,000 per class/ mark
• For Large Entities (e.g., companies, partnerships, not MSMEs):
  • E-filing: ?9,000 per class/ mark
  • Physical filing: ?10,000 per class/ mark

In addition, professional/legal consultation fees typically range from ?5,000 to ?25,000 (optional but recommended). Renewal of a trademark after 10 years costs ?9,000 (e-filing) or ?10,000 (physical filing) per class/mark.

These figures are based on official government fees and average market rates for professional services in India. Let me know if you’d like a comparative analysis of these costs with those in other countries.

Trademark Registration Cost in the United Kingdom

The basic cost to register a UK trademark online for one class of goods or services is £170. If you file by post, it's £200. Additional classes of goods or services cost £50 each for online applications and £75 each for paper applications. Legal fees for professional assistance from a trademark attorney can add to the total cost.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

• Basic Online Application: £170 for one class.
• Basic Paper Application: £200 for one class.
• Additional Class (Online): £50 per class.
• Additional Class (Paper): £75 per class.

Legal Fees: Can vary significantly, potentially adding around £1,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the application and the attorney's fees.

Renewal: A UK trademark registration is valid for 10 years and is renewable for further 10-year periods. The renewal fee is not specified in the search results.

Trademark Registration Cost in the European Union

In the European Union, applying for a Community Trademark covers protection in all member countries. The official fee for an online application is €900, which includes up to three classes of goods or services. If you choose to submit your application on paper, the cost is higher, at €1,050.

The EU follows a one-class-per-fee system. This means if you apply for just one class, you pay a lower fee. For two classes, the fee increases by €50. For each additional class beyond two, the cost goes up by €150 per class.

Renewal fees in the EU have also been reduced and are now set to match the application fees. This simplification helps businesses better plan for ongoing trademark protection costs. Additionally, fees related to legal proceedings like opposition, cancellation, and appeals have been lowered.

 Basic Cost Structure (as of 2025)

Trademark Registration Cost in the United States

In the United States, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is responsible for administering trademark registration. The USPTO offers two main types of trademark applications through its Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS):

TEAS Plus (Trademark Electronic Application System Plus)

Cost: $250 per class

Applicants must choose goods/services from a pre-approved list known as the Trademark Identification Manual (TIM).

TEAS Standard (Trademark Electronic Application System Standard)

Cost: $350 per class/mark

Applicants have the flexibility to write their descriptions of goods or services.

For businesses looking to protect their trademarks internationally, the Trademark Electronic Application System International (TEASi) option is also available. The fee for this international application is an additional $100 per class if it’s based on a U.S. application or registration.

These specific charges highlight the structured yet flexible framework offered by the USPTO, making it easier for businesses to secure and expand their trademark protection based on their needs.

Trademark Registration Cost in China

In China, trademark registration is managed by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), formerly known as the China Trademark Office (CTMO). The official fee for domestic registration is RMB 300 (approximately £ 44) for one class, which encompasses up to 10 items of goods or services. If you need to include more than 10 items, an additional fee of RMB 30 (approximately £ 4) is charged for each extra item.

For foreigners and foreign enterprises, it’s mandatory to use a local trademark agent or law firm to apply. In such cases, the basic service fees start from around $300–400, depending on the service provider. This system ensures compliance with Chinese regulations and smooth handling of applications for international businesses seeking trademark protection in China.

Trademark Registration Cost Comparative Analysis

Key Differences and Cost Drivers

The variation in trademark registration costs across different countries. A range of economic, administrative and legal factors influences the prices:

1. Economic Environment and IP Valuation

Each country’s economic landscape directly impacts the cost of trademark registration/ Developed countries typically have high fees due to robust intellectual property (IP) valuation, which adds value to brands and requires a sophisticated legal framework to manage disputes and enforcement.  In contrast, emerging economies may offer lower filing fees as part of their economic growth strategies.

2. Government Policies and IP Office Infrastructure

The infrastructure and policies of a country’s IP office also play a significant role. Countries with well-established IP offices and efficient online systems, such as the USPTO in the United States and the CNIPA in China, often have clearly defined fee structures. Meanwhile, countries with less digitised systems or limited administrative resources may impose additional costs or slower processing times, affecting the overall expense.

3. Enforcement Strength and Administrative Complexity

Trademark costs can also vary based on the strength of enforcement and the complexity of the administrative processes. Countries with stringent trademark protection laws and thorough examination processes, like those in the European Union, often have higher fees to support thorough verification, opposition, and enforcement measures. Conversely, jurisdictions with minimal enforcement structures may have lower costs but potentially higher risks for businesses.

4. Expedited Services and Additional Fees

Many jurisdictions offer expedited processing options for an additional fee. For example, some countries allow applicants to pay extra for faster examination or priority treatment of their application. This can be a significant cost driver for businesses needing quick market entry or urgent protection of their brand assets.

Conclusion

To sum up, protecting your brand in today’s global market means knowing the differences and costs involved in trademark registration across countries. Getting it right is crucial to securing your brand’s identity and standing out from the competition. While the process can feel complicated, expert guidance makes it easier. Online Legal India offers trusted, straightforward support to help you register your trademark smoothly, so you can focus on growing your business with confidence.