Latest Trends in Expedited Trademark Application in India
01-Sep-2025
By Advocate Rekha Tiwari (Trademark Consultant and IP Attorney)
Latest Trends on Expedited Application for Trademark Registration in India
Introduction: The Need for Expedited Trademark Filing
Trademark registration is a crucial step for businesses and individuals seeking to protect their brand identity in India. While the normal route of trademark registration often takes months and even years to conclude, the law also provides an option for expedited trademark application. This mechanism allows applicants to fast-track their applications for quicker examination, reply consideration, and hearing. However, recent developments in 2024–2025 have shown a shift in the timelines of this expedited process. This article provides a comprehensive understanding of expedited trademark filing, its advantages, current challenges, and the latest trends observed in India.
What is Expedited Trademark Application?
An expedited trademark application is a special mechanism offered by the Indian Trademark Registry. In this process, the applicant can request faster processing of their trademark application by paying an additional Government fee of Rs. 20,000 over and above the normal filing fee and other related expenses. This ensures that the application is taken out of the regular queue and is placed under a fast-track channel for examination and further proceedings. The expedited application covers not only the initial filing but also subsequent steps like examination, reply to objections, opposition process, and hearings.
Government Fee and Costs Involved
The Government fee for expedited examination is fixed at Rs. 20,000 per application. This fee is in addition to the basic filing fee, attorney’s charges, drafting charges, and all incidental expenses that form part of the trademark filing process. While the cost is significantly higher than the normal route, many businesses, especially startups, corporates, and international brands, opt for expedited filing to secure faster statutory protection for their intellectual property.
Advantages of Expedited Trademark Application
Choosing the expedited route for trademark registration has numerous advantages, including:
Faster Examination: Applications are generally examined within days compared to months in the normal process.
Quick Reply Consideration: Objections raised by the Registry are reviewed and disposed of much faster.
Speedy Opposition Process: Oppositions filed against the application are also handled under the fast-track mechanism.
Early Hearing Dates: Applicants can expect hearing schedules much earlier than the standard process.
Brand Protection in Less Time: Businesses can secure statutory rights over their brand in a much shorter time frame, which is crucial in highly competitive markets.
Trends Until December 2024: A Truly Fast-Track Process
Until December 2024, the expedited process was functioning smoothly and was indeed a quick mechanism for applicants. The examination reports were issued within a couple of days, objections were reviewed in less than a week, and hearings were scheduled within 7 to 10 days. This made the expedited system highly popular among applicants who wanted urgent protection of their brands.
Latest Trends in 2025: Expedited but Delayed
While expedited applications are still faster compared to the regular queue, there has been a noticeable change in recent months. As of 2025, the following delays have been observed:
Applications are being taken up only after 15 to 30 days from filing, unlike the immediate action seen earlier.
Reply to examination objections is taking more than 30 days to be considered.
Hearings, which were earlier scheduled within 10 days, are now taking 45 days or more to be listed.
This indicates that while the system remains faster than the normal route, it has developed its own queue due to the rising demand for expedited filings.
Reasons Behind the Delay in Expedited Applications
Several factors contribute to the recent delays in expedited trademark applications:
Increasing Number of Applicants: With awareness about expedited applications rising, more individuals and companies are opting for this route.
Backlog in Trademark Registry: The overall increase in trademark filings in India has created pressure on the system.
Limited Manpower and Resources: The Registry has limited examiners and officials to handle the surge of applications.
Post-Pandemic Workload: Delays from previous years are still being cleared, causing a cascading effect.
Should You Still Opt for Expedited Trademark Filing?
Despite the observed delays, expedited filing continues to be the fastest available option in India for securing trademark rights. For businesses seeking urgent protection of their brand before launching in the market, entering into contracts, or raising investments, expedited filing is still highly advisable. The difference between the normal process and the expedited one remains significant, as regular filings may still take 12 to 18 months or longer.
Best Practices for Expedited Trademark Application
Applicants should adopt certain best practices to maximize the effectiveness of their expedited filing:
Ensure Comprehensive Search Before Filing: Conduct a detailed trademark search to minimize the chances of objections or oppositions.
Draft Precise and Error-Free Applications: Mistakes can cause unnecessary delays even in expedited processing.
Prepare Strong Objection Replies: Have replies ready with supporting case laws to ensure quick disposal of examination reports.
Monitor Application Progress: Regularly check the status of the application on the Trademark Registry portal and follow up actively.
Engage Legal Professionals: Experienced advocates ensure compliance with procedures and improve chances of quick approval.
Our Legal Services for Expedited Trademark Application
We specialize in trademark registration services, including expedited applications. Our expertise covers:
Trademark searches and advisory
Drafting and filing of expedited applications
Objection replies and representation before the Registry
Handling opposition proceedings under expedited timelines
Assisting with hearings and compliance filings
You can contact us directly at +91-9711511700 for professional services and representation in expedited trademark matters.
Conclusion: The Future of Expedited Trademark Filing in India
Expedited trademark application remains an essential tool for businesses and individuals who value speed in securing intellectual property rights. Although recent trends show that the process is no longer as lightning-fast as it was until 2024, it continues to provide a significant advantage over the regular route. With proper preparation, strategic filing, and expert legal assistance, applicants can still achieve their brand protection goals efficiently. As demand grows, it is expected that the Trademark Registry will streamline its resources further to meet the rising need for fast-track trademark services in India.
Final Word
If you are planning to protect your brand in India and wish to minimize delays, expedited trademark filing is still your best option. Stay updated with the latest trends, prepare thoroughly, and work with experienced advocates to ensure your trademark is secured at the earliest possible time. For assistance with expedited trademark applications, reach out to us at +91-9711511700.
