At Ebizfiling, we often receive this interesting query from founders and business partners: “Can we file a joint application for trademark registration in India?” The short answer is yes, it is possible. But before you go ahead, it is important to understand what joint trademark ownership means, how it works in India, and what you should keep in mind.
When two or more people decide to register a trademark together, it is called a joint application. In such cases, both applicants are considered joint owners of the trademark. For example, if two co-founders create a brand name, they can apply jointly so that both enjoy equal rights over the trademark.
This kind of registration ensures that the brand is not tied to only one individual and reflects the shared ownership.
Yes, the Indian Trademark Act allows a joint application for trademark registration. But the law makes one thing obvious; both applicants must have a genuine claim over the brand. That means they must be co-founders, business partners, or joint creators of the mark.
In our experience, this option works well for startups and partnerships where more than one person is directly responsible for building the brand.
From what we have seen while handling trademark filings, joint applications offer certain advantages:
Both partners enjoy equal rights over the brand.
It avoids disputes where one person claims sole ownership.
It reflects the true partnership behind the business.
It provides legal protection to all applicants under one filing.
Even though joint ownership is allowed, it does come with some conditions. Based on our work with clients, here are key points you should know:
Both applicants must be mentioned in the application as joint proprietors.
Any decision about the trademark, including licensing or assignment, must be agreed by all owners.
Disagreements between joint owners can complicate brand management.
If one partner exits the business, ownership rights may need to be restructured legally.
The process is similar to a normal trademark application, except that both applicants’ details must be included.
Choose the brand name or logo you wish to register.
Conduct a trademark search to check if it is unique.
File the application online at the IP India portal with both applicants’ details.
Submit required documents like ID proof, partnership details, and business information.
Pay the applicable government fees.
Track the status and respond to objections, if any.
At Ebizfiling, we guide clients through this process step by step to ensure both co-owners are properly represented in the application.
So, if you are wondering whether you can file a joint application for trademark registration in India, the answer is yes, you can. But make sure that both owners are on the same page and understand their shared responsibilities. Joint ownership works best when the partnership is strong and decisions can be made together.
For founders, co-creators, and partners, this is a smart way to protect your brand without leaving ownership in the hands of just one individual.
IP India (IPIndiaOnline) Trademark Registration
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FAQs on the Trademark Registration under Madrid System
Yes, two or more people can jointly apply for trademark registration if they share ownership of the brand.
Business partners, co-founders, or joint creators of a brand can file a joint application.
Yes, joint ownership is valid under the Indian Trademark Act, provided all applicants have a genuine claim over the mark.
Disagreements between joint owners can make it difficult to manage or transfer the trademark.
No, all joint owners must agree to decisions related to the trademark, including transfer or licensing.
The government fee for filing a joint application is the same as for a single applicant.
Yes, as long as both are joint proprietors of the brand.
Yes, it is especially useful for co-founders who want equal rights over the brand name.
Yes, but the license agreement must be signed and agreed by all joint owners.
You can find official information on the IP India portal at www.ipindia.gov.in.
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