Quick Answer
Trademark registration in India requires identity proof, address proof, and a clear representation of the mark for every applicant. Companies and LLPs additionally need incorporation documents and a board resolution. DPIIT-recognized startups need extra proof to claim the reduced government fee, and Form TM-48 is required only if you’re filing through an attorney or agent.
Missing or incorrect documentation is one of the most common causes of delay in trademark filing. An incomplete Form TM-A gets flagged during formality checks, and that pushes your entire timeline back by weeks. Use the checklists below to confirm you have everything ready before you file.
Documents for Individual Applicants
If you’re filing as an individual or sole proprietor, you need:
- PAN card: used to verify applicant identity and tax status
- Aadhaar card or other government ID: passport, voter ID, or driving license are also accepted
- Address proof: utility bill, bank statement, or Aadhaar (if it shows your current address)
- Representation of the mark: a clear digital copy of the wordmark, logo, or combination mark
- Signed Form TM-48: only required if a trademark attorney or agent is filing on your behalf
That’s the complete list for individual applicants. No additional business documentation is needed at this stage.
Documents for Companies, LLPs, and Partnerships
Business entities need a broader document set to establish legal identity and authorization:
- Certificate of Incorporation / LLP Agreement / Partnership Deed: confirms the entity’s legal existence and structure
- PAN card of the entity: not the individual director’s or partner’s personal PAN
- Udyam/MSME registration certificate: required only if claiming the MSME fee discount
- Board resolution or authorisation letter: names the individual authorized to sign and file on the company’s behalf
- Signed Form TM-48: required if a trademark agent or attorney is filing the application
- Representation of the mark: same requirement as for individual applicants
Filing under the wrong entity type or submitting a personal PAN instead of the entity’s PAN is a common cause of formality objections. Confirm you’re using the correct legal name exactly as it appears on your incorporation certificate.
For a breakdown of government and professional fees by entity type, see our trademark registration cost guide.
Documents for DPIIT-Recognised Startups: Additional Proof for the Fee Discount
DPIIT-recognized startups pay the individual applicant rate rather than the higher company rate. To claim this discount, you need:
- DPIIT recognition certificate: issued through the Startup India portal
- All standard entity documents listed above (incorporation certificate, entity PAN, board resolution)
Without the DPIIT certificate attached at the time of filing, the Registry will process your application at the standard company fee. There’s no mechanism to reclaim the difference after filing, so confirm this document is included before submission.
Logo/Wordmark-Specific Requirements
The documentation required for your mark itself depends on what you’re registering:
- Wordmark only: No image file is required; the mark is entered as plain text.
- Logo or combination mark: A JPEG image, ideally 8 cm × 8 cm in size, with a clear background and no distortion.
- Color claim: If you want color protection, submit the mark in the specific colors you intend to use. If filed in black and white, protection generally extends to all color variations.
Choosing between a wordmark and a logo affects both your documentation and the scope of your legal protection. Our logo vs. wordmark guide covers which option suits your brand strategy.
Power of Attorney (Form TM-48): When It's Needed
Form TM-48 is required only when a trademark attorney or agent files the application on your behalf. It authorizes that representative to act, respond to examination reports, and communicate with the Registrar on your behalf.
- Filing yourself: Form TM-48 isn’t required.
- Filing through Altacit Global or any other agent: A signed Form TM-48 must be submitted along with Form TM-A.
The Power of Attorney doesn’t need to be notarized or stamped for domestic applicants, which keeps this step quick once you’ve decided on representation.
Need help confirming your documents before filing? Altacit Global can review applications, contact info@altacit.com.
Get Your Documentation Right Before You File
A rejected filing over a missing PAN card or an unauthorized signatory costs you weeks, not minutes. Altacit Global is a Legal 500-ranked firm with offices in Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Coimbatore, and we’ve reviewed and filed trademark applications since 2003. Contact info@altacit.com for a document review before you submit, or for a complete walkthrough of the process in our step-by-step registration guide.
Frequently Asked Questions: Trademark Registration Documents India
Q1: Can I file a trademark application without a logo file?
Yes. If you’re registering a wordmark only, no image file is needed since the mark is entered as text. A logo file is required only if you’re registering a graphic or combination mark.
Q2: Do I need a company PAN or is my personal PAN enough?
If you’re filing as a company, LLP, or partnership, you must submit the entity’s PAN card, not the personal PAN of a director or partner. Individual applicants and sole proprietors submit their personal PAN.
Q3: What happens if I submit incomplete documents?
Incomplete documentation triggers a formality objection from the Registry, which pauses your application until you submit the missing document. This can add several weeks to your timeline, so verify your checklist before filing.
Q4: Is a Power of Attorney mandatory for trademark filing?
No. Form TM-48 is required only if you’re filing through a trademark attorney or agent. If you file the application yourself directly on the IP India portal, this document isn’t needed.
