India recorded over 5.5 lakh domestic trademark filings during FY 2024–25, the highest ever registrations in a single year, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
This milestone reflects the strengthening of India’s institutional framework for intellectual property (IP) protection, which directly supports innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.
Key Highlights
- Highest-ever annual trademark registrations recorded in India.
- Strong linkage with national vision:
Ideate in India – Innovate in India – Make in India – Make for the World. - The Trade Marks Act, 1999 continues to be the backbone of trademark protection for over two decades.
- India’s improved global IP standing is driven by:
- Sustained policy reforms
- End-to-end digitisation
- Faster examination and reduced pendency
- Top sectors for trademark registrations:
- Pharmaceuticals
- Veterinary products
- Sanitary and healthcare preparations
A Decade of IP System Strengthening
India’s trademark ecosystem has undergone a major transformation due to:
- Digitised filing and examination systems
- Faster clearance timelines
- Increased IP awareness among startups, MSMEs, and creators
- Stronger enforcement and legal remedies
Trademark protection is now viewed not merely as a legal formality, but as a strategic business asset.
Key Reasons Behind Surge in Trademark Filings
Digitisation of IP Processes
- Trademark filing is now:
- Fully online
- Transparent and time-bound
- Startup- and MSME-friendly
- Key enablers:
- E-filing
- Virtual hearings
- Online tracking
- Paperless documentation
Faster Examination and Reduced Pendency
- Earlier, trademark registration took several years.
- Reforms have led to:
- Faster examination cycles
- Large-scale clearance of backlog cases
- Predictable timelines
- This has increased trust in the IP system, encouraging early brand registration.
Policy Reforms and Awareness Campaigns
Government initiatives have improved awareness about:
- Importance of trademarks
- Commercial value of brand protection
- Role of IP in attracting investment and scaling businesses
Expanding Startup and Entrepreneurial Culture
- India’s growing startup ecosystem recognises that:
- Brand identity = economic value
- Trademark registration enhances credibility
- IP protection is essential for funding and global expansion
Sectors with the Highest Trademark Registrations (FY 2024–25)
Pharmaceuticals
- Largest number of trademark filings.
- Critical for:
- Brand differentiation
- Preventing counterfeit medicines
- Ensuring patient safety
Veterinary Products
- Rising demand for animal healthcare.
- Growth in organised veterinary and livestock markets.
Sanitary & Healthcare Preparations
- Increased health awareness.
- Preference for domestic healthcare brands.
- Reflects India’s role as a global healthcare manufacturing hub.
Trade Marks Act, 1999: Backbone of India’s IP Regime
The Trade Marks Act, 1999 has shaped India’s trademark system for more than 20 years and continues to evolve with global business practices.
Key Provisions
- Validity: 10 years
- Renewal: Indefinite renewal every 10 years
- Grounds for refusal:
- Generic terms
- Descriptive marks
- Deceptively similar marks
- Rights granted:
- Exclusive use
- Licensing and transfer
- Legal remedies:
- Civil remedies: injunctions, damages
- Criminal remedies: fines and penalties
The Act ensures fair competition, consumer protection, and brand security.
Alignment with India’s Larger Economic Vision
Trademark growth supports:
- Innovation-led economic development
- Export-oriented manufacturing
- Global brand building
It directly aligns with India’s push to move from:
- Low-value production → High-value branding
- Domestic markets → Global markets
India’s Growing Global IP Presence
- India is increasingly attracting foreign trademark registrations through the Madrid Protocol.
- Reasons:
- Large consumer market
- Rising purchasing power
- Improved IP enforcement
- This reflects India’s growing stature as a trusted global business destination.
Benefits for Indian Businesses
- Stronger legal protection for brands
- Higher investor confidence
- Improved ease of doing business
- Enhanced global competitiveness
Startups, MSMEs, and creators now treat trademarks as core intangible assets.
What is a Trademark?
- A trademark is a distinctive name, logo, symbol, or mark that differentiates goods or services.
- Registration provides:
- Legal exclusivity
- Protection against imitation
- Brand trust among consumers
Trademark Validity in India
- Valid for 10 years
- Renewable indefinitely every 10 years
® Symbol
- Indicates a registered trademark
- Enhances consumer confidence and authenticity