Introduction

Trademark registration in India is an important legal protection for any brand, product, or service. Nevertheless, having a registered trademark doesn't guarantee the protection continues perpetually. Trademark registration must be renewed every so often to retain exclusive rights. If not renewed on time, you stand to lose ownership, legal protection, and the right to enforce your brand rights. This Lawfinity article discusses the entire trademark renewal process in India, including timelines, fines, and how Lawfinity keeps your renewal process smooth.

WHY RENEWAL IS IMPORTANT

A trademark registration in India is effective for ten years from the date of filing the trademark application. It is to be renewed before expiry so that uninterrupted protection continues. The renewal assures:

Exclusive ownership persists under the Trade Marks Act, 1999.
Protection against infringement—you can sue for unauthorized use.
Strong brand value—investors and buyers consider revived marks to be trustworthy assets.
Simple franchising or licensing opportunities.

If the trademark registration online is not renewed within time, it will be subject to deletion from the Trademark Register. Hence, being proactive about renewal keeps your brand legally safe and commercially worth something.

Renewal of a trademark registration online is easier now under the new IP India portal. Lawfinity suggests renewing six months prior to your trademark's expiry to prevent delays or fine.

RENEWAL PROCESS

The process of renewal of a trademark is regulated by Rule 57 of the Trade Marks Rules, 2017, revised to make online filings easier. Below is the step-by-step process:

1. Check Renewal Due Date – Every registration of a trademark is for ten years. The renewal application can be made six months prior to expiration.

2. File TM-R Form – The renewal takes place through Form TM-R under Rule 57, stating the trademark information, registration number, and class.

3. Attach Required Documents –

Copy of certificate of registration of the trademark
Power of Attorney (in case filed by an agent or advocate)
ID proof of applicant or authorised signatory

4. Pay the Renewal Fee –

₹9,000 per mark per class for online renewal (trademark registration online)
₹10,000 for physical filing

Acknowledgment and Verification – Upon successful trademark application for renewal, IP India provides an acknowledgment receipt.

5. Renewal Confirmation – Once verified, the renewed trademark registration is valid for another 10 years.

Lawfinity's experts monitor every renewal deadline and help file your trademark application online, making sure there's no gap in protection.

LATE FEES & PENALTIES

The Trade Marks Act, 1999 permits renewal even after the expiry, but at a late fee. Let's see how it works:

Grace Period: You have a 6-month extended grace period after the expiry date to make a belated trademark renewal application at an additional surcharge fee.
Late Renewal Fees: ₹9,000 + ₹4,500 (surcharge) for trademark registration online renewal during the grace period.
Restoration (if not renewed in the grace period):
Submit Form TM-R with restoration application under Section 25(4) within a year from expiry.
Remit restoration fee of ₹9,000 + ₹9,000 extra charges.
The Registrar can give notice in the Trade Marks Journal prior to restoration of the mark.

Non-renewal or non-restoration within the stipulated time leads to automatic deletion from the Register. The owner forfeits all rights to the trademark registration, and competitors can even get the same mark by applying for a fresh trademark registration.

Therefore, on-time online trademark registration renewal spares not only your brand name, but also years of goodwill and advertising investments.

HOW LAWFINITY HELPS

At Lawfinity, we make the otherwise complicated renewal process of trademark registration simpler through a process-driven, professional, and tech-enabled method.

Our end-to-end assistance involves:

Renewal Tracking: Automated reminders prior to expiry of your trademark registration online.
Preparation & Filing: Preparation and filing of the trademark application for renewal under TM-R Form.
Legal Verification: Ownership, class details, and checking for any likely conflicts.
Follow-up with Registry: Your trademark registration status updates are updated in the records of IP India.
Restoration Services: If you have already missed the deadline, Lawfinity manages restoration requests with ease.

Our seasoned team of CSs and Advocates prevents you from losing your trademark rights due to procedural omissions. Whether your trademark registration is national or international, we ensure compliance with current amendments and electronic filing guidelines.