A registered trademark isn’t forever — a trademark renewal is what keeps your brand protected beyond its first 10 years. Miss it, and you risk losing the exclusive rights you worked to secure. This guide explains the trademark renewal process in India in four simple steps, plus the fees, timelines and the grace period that can save a lapsed mark.
Key takeaways
- A registered trademark is valid for 10 years, then needs renewal.
- Trademark renewal can be filed up to 1 year before expiry — and within a 6-month grace period after.
- Renewal keeps your rights alive indefinitely, in 10-year cycles.
- Missing the deadline can lead to your mark being removed from the register.
What is trademark renewal?
Trademark renewal is the process of extending your registered trademark’s validity for another 10 years. Under the Trade Marks Act, a registration lasts 10 years from the date of filing; after that, you must renew it to keep your legal rights. Unlike the first registration, renewal doesn’t require re-examination — it’s an administrative filing with the IP India Trademark Registry, so it’s far quicker than the original trademark registration process.
When should you renew your trademark?
Timing is everything with a trademark renewal:
- Up to 1 year before expiry: you can file early — the ideal, stress-free option.
- At expiry (10 years from filing): the standard renewal deadline.
- Grace period (within 6 months after expiry): still allowed, but with a late/surcharge fee.
- After the grace period: the mark can be removed, though restoration may be possible within a limited window with additional fees.
The Registry usually sends a reminder before expiry, but the responsibility to renew is yours — don’t rely on the notice alone.
Trademark renewal process in India: 4 easy steps
Step 1: Check your renewal due date
Find your registration date (the 10-year clock runs from the original date of filing). Mark the expiry and set a reminder at least a few months ahead.
Step 2: File Form TM-R
A trademark renewal is filed using Form TM-R, either by the registered proprietor or an authorised agent. You can file it online through the Trademark Registry portal.
Step 3: Pay the renewal fee
Pay the government renewal fee (plus a surcharge if you’re filing in the grace period). Keep the acknowledgement for your records.
Step 4: Confirmation and updated register
Once processed, your renewal is recorded and your trademark’s validity is extended by another 10 years. That’s it — no re-examination, no journal publication.
Trademark renewal fees in India
The cost of a trademark renewal has two scenarios:
- On-time renewal (Form TM-R): the standard government renewal fee per class.
- Grace-period renewal: the renewal fee plus a surcharge for late filing.
As with the original filing, fees are charged per class. A professional fee may apply if you use a consultant to manage the filing. For how per-class fees work generally, see our trademark registration cost guide.
What happens if you miss the renewal deadline?
Missing a renewal deadline has real consequences:
- Within 6 months after expiry: renew with a surcharge — your mark stays protected.
- After the grace period: the Registry can remove your mark from the register and you lose your exclusive rights.
- Restoration: within a limited window (generally up to 1 year from expiry), you may apply to restore a removed mark using Form TM-R with restoration fees — but it’s costlier and not guaranteed.
The safest approach is simply to renew early.
Why timely renewal protects your brand
Letting a trademark lapse means anyone could potentially register a similar mark — undoing years of brand equity. A timely renewal keeps your ® protection unbroken, preserves your goodwill and avoids the cost and uncertainty of restoration. For businesses that depend on their brand, renewal is routine insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do you need to renew a trademark in India? Every 10 years. A registered trademark is valid for 10 years from the date of filing and a trademark renewal extends it for another 10-year term, indefinitely.
What is the grace period for renewal? You can renew within 6 months after the expiry date by paying the renewal fee plus a surcharge. After that, the mark may be removed from the register.
Which form is used for renewal of trademark? Form TM-R is used for trademark renewal in India, filed by the proprietor or an authorized agent and it can be submitted online.
Can a lapsed trademark be restored? Yes, in many cases. Within a limited window (generally up to 1 year from expiry), you can apply to restore a removed mark using Form TM-R with restoration fees, though it’s more expensive than renewing on time.
How much does trademark renewal cost? It’s the government renewal fee per class, plus a surcharge if filed during the grace period and any professional fee if you use a consultant.
Keep your brand protected
Don’t let years of brand-building lapse over a missed date. Our trademark registration in Guwahati service handles trademark renewal end-to-end — we track your deadline, file Form TM-R and keep your protection unbroken. Book a free consultation to secure your renewal.
