Trademark Registration for a Mobile App in India
To protect a mobile app in India, file a trademark in Class 9 (downloadable software / mobile applications) and usually Class 42 (software-as-a-service and app development). Depending on what the app does, add the class of that service — e.g. Class 36 for fintech, Class 35 for marketplaces. Filing starts at ₹1,499 per class.
Your app's name is its identity on the App Store and Play Store — and app names get copied and squatted constantly. A trademark gives you the legal right to your app name, supports store takedowns of clones, and is expected by investors during due diligence. Here is which classes a mobile app needs and how to register.
Why trademark a mobile app name?
App stores are crowded, and clone apps riding on a popular name are a real problem. Google Play and Apple both handle trademark-based complaints far more decisively when you hold a registered mark. Beyond takedowns, a trademark protects your brand as you scale across platforms and markets, is a standard item in investor and acquirer due diligence, and prevents a competitor from registering your app name first. For a startup, the app name is often the most valuable brand asset — and it is unprotected until you file.
Which classes does an app need?
Two classes form the core. Class 9 covers downloadable software and mobile applications — the app itself as a product. Class 42 covers software-as-a-service (SaaS), platform services, and software design and development — the ongoing service your app provides. Most apps file both. On top of that, you add the class matching your app's actual function: Class 36 for fintech, payments, and insurance apps; Class 35 for e-commerce marketplaces and advertising; Class 38 for messaging/communication; Class 41 for gaming, education, or streaming; Class 44 for health apps. So a typical filing is Class 9 + Class 42 + one function-specific class.
How to register your app name
Run a trademark search on your app name across Class 9 and Class 42 (and your function class) to check availability. Decide whether to file the name (wordmark) and/or your app icon/logo. File Form TM-A online through IP India in the chosen classes; a startup can file in the company name or founder's name. Government fees are ₹4,500 per class for individuals, startups, and small enterprises, or ₹9,000 for larger companies. You get a TM number the same day and can use ™. The application then proceeds through examination and publication.
- Search the name in Class 9 and Class 42 first
- File the name as a wordmark plus your app icon if distinctive
- Add a function class (36 fintech, 35 marketplace, 41 gaming, etc.)
- Government fee ₹4,500/class for startups & small enterprises
- Claim your ™ on the store listing immediately
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common error is filing only Class 9 and forgetting Class 42, leaving your SaaS/service side exposed. Another is choosing a descriptive name (like "PayFast" for a payments app) that draws Section 9 objections. Startups also often delay filing until a funding round, by which point a squatter may have registered the name. And do not overlook the function class — a fintech app that files only Class 9/42 but not Class 36 leaves its core service unprotected.
A mobile app needs Class 9 (the downloadable app) and Class 42 (the SaaS/service), plus a function-specific class like 36 or 35. File the name as a wordmark, secure your ™ on day one, and lock the brand before a clone or squatter does. Filing starts at ₹1,499 per class.
Protect Your App Name Across Every Store
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Frequently Asked Questions
The core classes are Class 9 (downloadable software and mobile applications) and Class 42 (software-as-a-service, platforms, and software development). Most apps file both, then add a function class — such as Class 36 for fintech or Class 35 for marketplaces.
Ideally yes. The name as a wordmark gives the broadest protection because it covers the name in any style. The app icon/logo can be filed as a separate device mark to protect the specific design. Many startups file both.
Yes. You can file on an intent-to-use basis before launch, which secures your priority date early under India's first-to-file system. Filing before or at launch is strongly recommended so a squatter cannot register your name first.
Government fees are ₹4,500 per class for individuals, startups, and small enterprises (₹9,000 for larger companies). Since apps typically file two or more classes, budget accordingly. Professional filing services start around ₹1,499 per class plus government fees.
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