Can You Legally Own an AI-Generated Brand Name in India? 

More and more Indian startups, influencers, and creators are turning to tools like ChatGPT, Namelix, and Shopify’s AI business name generators to craft brand names. But the question remains: Can you legally trademark and own a name generated by artificial intelligence in India?

Let’s break it down.

Why AI-Generated Names Raise Legal Flags?

Under Indian trademark law, a name must be:

• Distinctive (not generic or descriptive)

• Not identical or confusingly similar to an existing registered mark

• Filed by a rightful owner (a legal person or entity)

This is where AI complicates things.

AI tools can generate impressive brand names—but they often:

• Recycle popular word structures

• Output names that may resemble existing brands

• Do not provide proof of originality or authorship

This creates a legal grey area when it comes to claiming ownership.

Can You Trademark an AI-Generated Name? 

Yes; but with caution. The Indian Trade Marks Act, 1999 does not prohibit AI-created names, but it also doesn’t recognize AI as a ‘legal author’ or ‘creator.’

So, to succeed in registration:

1. The human applicant must take ownership by filing the trademark under their name or their company’s.

2. The name must be distinctive and not merely a combination of popular keywords or suffixes (e.g., “ify,” “genix,” “kart”).

3. You’ll need to verify availability through a professional search; even if the AI tool says it’s “unique.”

How to Pick a Brand Name (Even If It’s AI-Generated) ?

Choosing the right brand name is a blend of creativity and legal strategy. If you’re using AI tools:

• Avoid names that sound like trending startups

• Pick names that are easy to pronounce and spell

• Make sure the name is not descriptive of your services

• Run a legal check before locking it in

Filing Under the Right Class 

Most AI-generated brand names are for:

• Tech platforms: Class 42

• E-commerce or digital services: Class 35

• SaaS or productivity tools: Class 9

Selecting the right class ensures better protection and fewer chances of opposition.

How to Register a Brand Name in India?

Step-by-step:

1. Finalize your brand name (use tools or create manually)

2. Do a professional trademark availability search

3. Identify the right trademark class(es)

4. File the application online or via a service like Ebizfiling

5. Respond to any Trademark objections if raised

6. Once approved, you receive a registration certificate

 Tips to Strengthen Your Application 

• Modify or stylize the AI-generated name to make it more unique.

• Use it in actual business activities before or immediately after filing (this builds usage evidence).

• Pair the name with a custom-designed logo and file as a Device Mark in addition to a Word Mark.

How to TM a Logo in India?

To trademark your logo:

• Make sure it’s original and not AI-copied from existing logos

• File under the Device Mark category

• Submit in black & white to preserve broader rights

• Include a short description of visual elements

• Logo and name can be filed together for layered protection

Comparison: AI-Generated vs Human-Coined Brand Names 

Final Verdict: You Can Own AI-Generated Brand name; But Should You? 

If you’re building a serious business, treat AI as a tool—not a legal source. Use its suggestions as inspiration, then personalise and verify the name before filing. and most importantly, don’t assume “free to use” or “available domain” means trademark-safe.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Register a Brand in India? 

The most cost-effective way is to:

• File your trademark yourself via the IP India portal (₹4,500–₹9,000 per class)

• But beware: mistakes may cost you re-filing fees, delay, or rejection

Using a service like Ebizfiling adds some cost; but reduces legal risk and saves time.

Ebizfiling helps startups and creators in India trademark even AI-assisted names; by validating legal gaps, running expert searches, and handling objections.

Ready to lock your brand name before someone else does?

➡ Reach out to Ebizfiling for a Trademark Clearance Search & Filing

FAQs: AI-Generated Brand Name and Trademark in India