Master Checklist by Applicant Type
| Document | Individual | Company/LLP | MSME | Partnership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PAN Card | ✓ Personal | ✓ Company PAN | ✓ Business PAN | ✓ Any partner |
| Aadhaar / Passport | ✓ Required | ✗ Not needed | ✓ If proprietorship | ✓ Partners' ID |
| Certificate of Incorporation | ✗ | ✓ Required | ✗ | ✗ |
| Partnership Deed | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ Required |
| Udyam Certificate | Optional | Optional | ✓ For ₹4,500 rate | Optional |
| DPIIT Certificate | Optional | ✓ For ₹4,500 | Optional | Optional |
| Logo JPEG (device marks) | If filing logo | If filing logo | If filing logo | If filing logo |
| Form TM-48 (PoA) | If using agent | If using agent | If using agent | If using agent |
| User Affidavit (TM-M) | If mark in use | If mark in use | If mark in use | If mark in use |
Logo File Specifications for Device Marks
1
Format: JPEG (.jpg) ONLY — IP India does not accept PNG, SVG, PDF, or AI files.
2
Resolution: Minimum 300 dpi. Lower resolution files are rejected during formalities check.
3
Background: White only. Convert any coloured or transparent background to white before uploading.
4
Size: IP India recommends 8cm × 8cm at 300 dpi minimum. Ensure the mark is clearly visible.
5
Colour claims: If claiming specific brand colours as part of the mark, state this explicitly in the application description.
Documents NOT Required — Busting Common Myths
Many applicants are incorrectly told they need these. You do NOT need:
- GST Registration Certificate — Not required. File trademark before or after GST registration.
- FSSAI Licence — Not required even for food and beverage brands.
- Shop & Establishment Licence — Not required.
- Bank Account Statement or Proof — Not required.
- Business Address Proof (utility bills) — Not required at filing stage.
- Domain Registration Certificate — Not required even for digital brands.
- Income Tax Returns (ITR) — Not required at any stage of trademark filing.
- Import Export Code (IEC) — Not required even for exporters.
💡 Simple Filing
If an agent asks for 10+ documents, they are collecting their own KYC — not IP India's requirement. IP India's actual document requirements are very minimal.Form TM-48 — Power of Attorney
If you engage an attorney or agent to file on your behalf, you must sign Form TM-48.
- Download from ipindiaonline.gov.in
- Signed by the applicant (you) — agent fills their own name
- No stamp paper or notarisation required
- One TM-48 covers all classes within a single application
- A fresh TM-48 is needed for each new application with a different agent
User Affidavit (Form TM-M) — Claiming Prior Use
If your brand was in use before the filing date, submit a User Affidavit with evidence. This strengthens your position against objections and opposition.
The affidavit must state: the first date of commercial use, goods/services on which used, and territory. Attach supporting evidence — dated invoices, product packaging, website screenshots with Wayback Machine dates, advertisements.
✓ Why It Matters
Prior use evidence is your strongest defence against Section 11 objections raised due to a similar mark filed or registered after your actual use began — even if your filing date is later than theirs.Frequently Asked Questions
All documents are submitted digitally on the IP India e-filing portal. Scanned copies or clear photographs of originals are accepted. No physical documents need to be sent to any registry office.
The name must exactly match your legal PAN name. Mismatches cause formalities check failures. Use your exact registered legal name, not trade names or abbreviations.
No — concessional status must be declared and the Udyam certificate uploaded at the time of filing. You cannot retroactively claim the reduced rate.
Renewal (Form TM-R) needs: registration number, PAN of current proprietor, and fee payment. If proprietor has changed, assignment documents are additionally required.
The registered mark cannot be materially altered. Minor corrections go through Form TM-16. Substantial logo changes require a new application — you'd have a new application number and a new priority date.
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