Types of Trademark Registration in India: A Complete Guide

A trademark is more than just a logo or a name—it’s the identity of your brand. It helps distinguish your products or services from others in the market. In India, businesses and individuals can protect their brand by applying for trademark registration with the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks. But before applying, it’s important to understand the different types of trademark registration available under Indian law.

In this article, we’ll explore the various types of trademarks you can register and how they apply to different businesses and industries.

1. Product Mark

A Product Mark is used to identify a tangible product rather than a service. It helps businesses protect their goods from counterfeiting and build brand reputation. Product marks are commonly used by manufacturers, sellers, and distributors.

Example: The logo on a clothing brand, food packet, or electronics item.

When applying for trademark registration for a product mark, businesses usually register under Class 1 to 34 depending on the type of goods.

2. Service Mark

A Service Mark is used to represent services instead of goods. This type of trademark registration is ideal for businesses like restaurants, advertising agencies, educational institutions, or financial services.

Example: The brand name or logo of a coaching center or a cab service.

Service marks are typically registered under Class 35 to 45, which cover all service-based industries.

3. Collective Mark

A Collective Mark is used by a group or association to represent its members. The mark helps show that the product or service comes from a member of that organization and meets certain quality standards.

Example: “CA” for Chartered Accountants in India, used by members of ICAI.

Trademark registration of a collective mark gives legal rights to all members of the association to use the mark as per the rules defined.

4. Certification Mark

A Certification Mark is given to products that meet a specific standard set by an organization or body. It shows that the goods or services are certified for quality, origin, material, or manufacturing method.

Example: ISI mark, FSSAI logo, or Agmark.

In this type of trademark registration, the mark is not owned by the producer but by the certifying authority.

5. Shape Mark

A Shape Mark protects the shape of a product or its packaging if it is distinctive enough. It helps businesses protect unique product designs from being copied.

Example: The distinctive shape of the Coca-Cola bottle.

This type of trademark registration is useful for companies that invest in product design and want to preserve their identity in the market.

6. Sound Mark

A Sound Mark is a unique sound or jingle associated with a brand. It must be distinctive and recognizable.

Example: The four-note Intel tune or the Airtel jingle.

Businesses can apply for trademark registration of sound marks by submitting a sound clip along with a graphical representation of the sound.

7. Word Mark

A Word Mark is the most common form of trademark registration, protecting the brand name or any combination of words, letters, or numerals.

Example: TATA, Infosys, or Zomato.

Registering a word mark ensures that no one else can use a similar name in the same business category.

Conclusion

Understanding the types of trademark registration available in India helps you protect your brand in the right way. Whether it’s a product, service, sound, or even the shape of your packaging, a trademark builds your identity and offers legal protection from misuse or copying.

Before applying for trademark registration, consult a professional to identify the right type of mark for your business and the appropriate class under which to register it.