When you launch a business or brand, protecting its name or logo through trademark registration is an important step. In India, applications can proceed through the normal filing process or an applicant can request expedited processing to move the examination and later stages faster.
The right option depends on your commercial timeline, budget and the readiness of your application. Here is how the two routes differ.
What is normal trademark filing?
Under the normal process, a trademark application is filed with the Indian Trade Marks Registry using Form TM-A. It then moves through the regular registration process and may involve:
- Examination by the Trademark Registry
- An examination report if objections are raised
- Reply to examination objections and a hearing, if required
- Publication in the Trade Marks Journal and the opposition period
- Registration of the trademark
The overall timeline can vary according to Registry workload, objections, hearings and other circumstances.
What is expedited trademark filing?
Expedited filing is a facility under Rule 34 of the Trade Marks Rules, 2017 that lets an applicant request faster processing of a trademark application. The request is made using Form TM-M after the official application number has been received.
Key difference between normal and expedited filing
| Particular | Normal filing | Expedited filing |
|---|---|---|
| Application form | TM-A | TM-A + TM-M request |
| Examination | Regular process | Expedited processing |
| Processing speed | Normal queue | Faster processing |
| Additional fee | No expedited fee | Additional expedited fee |
| Examination timeline | No fixed short timeline | Ordinarily within 3 months of request |
| Best for | No immediate urgency | Businesses needing faster processing |
How much does expedited processing cost?
The supplied article states that the official expedited-processing fee is ₹20,000 per mark per class for an Individual, Startup or Small Enterprise, and ₹40,000 per mark per class for other applicants. This is separate from the basic trademark application fee.
For example, where a company requests expedited processing for one trademark in two classes, the expedited fee is generally calculated separately for each class.
Does expedited filing guarantee trademark registration?
No. Expedited processing puts an application on a faster track; it does not change the legal standard for registration or guarantee approval. An application can still face examination objections, similarity objections, absolute grounds objections, hearings, third-party opposition, or other legal and procedural issues.
A trademark search still matters
A proper trademark search, correct class selection and a carefully prepared application remain important regardless of the processing route you choose.
Which option should you choose?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Normal filing can be suitable when you are not in a hurry, want to keep filing costs lower, or are still in the early planning stage.
Consider expedited processing if you need a faster examination, are launching your brand shortly, have a significant investment in branding, or need the application to progress sooner for a commercial requirement.
- Choose normal filing if you are comfortable with the regular processing timeline and want to avoid the additional expedited fee.
- Consider expedited filing if time is a material business factor and you require faster examination.
- In both cases, prioritise a registrable mark and a high-quality application over speed alone.
Need help with trademark registration?
Our team can assist with trademark searches, class selection, filing, examination objection replies and the registration process.
Schedule a consultationThis article is a general guide based on the supplied material and is not legal advice. Fees and processes may change; obtain professional advice for your specific filing.
About the author
Mohamed Fazier
Mohamed writes practical guides on trademark registration, brand protection and the filing process to help businesses protect their identity with confidence.