TM-A Single-Class vs Multi-Class Trademark Application: Cost, Speed and Risk
Single-class vs multi-class TM-A filing: same ₹4,500 or ₹9,000 fee per class, one application vs separate ones, and how objections can delay all classes.
Short answer
Fees are the same either way, ₹4,500 or ₹9,000 per class, so the choice is about administration and risk. A multi-class TM-A keeps everything in one application and one number, which is convenient for a clean mark. Separate single-class applications are safer when one class may face an objection or opposition, because a problem in one class cannot hold up the others.
- Form
- TM-A for single or multiple classes
- Classes available
- 45 (1-34 goods, 35-45 services)
- Fee per class (individual, startup, small enterprise)
- ₹4,500 e-filing
- Fee per class (others)
- ₹9,000 e-filing
- Renewal
- Every 10 years, ₹9,000 per class online
- Division
- A multi-class application can be divided on request
What is a multi-class application?
Under the Trade Marks Rules 2017, one Form TM-A can cover a mark in several of the 45 classes of the Nice Classification: classes 1 to 34 for goods and 35 to 45 for services. The applicant pays the per-class fee for every class included, and the application receives one number and moves through examination, advertisement and registration as a single file.
The alternative is to file a separate TM-A for each class. Each application gets its own number, examination report and timeline, and each can succeed or fail independently of the others, which changes how risk spreads across your portfolio.
Side-by-side comparison
The table compares the two approaches for the same mark filed across several classes. Official fees are the e-filing amounts in the First Schedule to the Trade Marks Rules 2017, and exclude professional charges.
| Factor | Single-class applications | Multi-class application |
|---|---|---|
| Official fee | Per class | Per class, same total |
| Application numbers | One per class | One |
| Examination | Separate report per class | One report covering all classes |
| Effect of objection in one class | Other classes proceed | Whole application can be delayed |
| Effect of opposition in one class | Other classes can register | Registration of all classes can be held up |
| Renewal | Separate renewals | One renewal for all classes |
| Assignment of one class | Simple | Needs partial assignment |
| Admin effort | Higher | Lower |
| Best for | Marks with uneven risk across classes | Distinctive marks with low conflict risk |
Where does each approach go wrong?
The main risk of a multi-class filing is contagion. If the examiner cites a conflicting mark in one class, or a third party opposes in one class, the whole application may wait until that issue is resolved. Dividing the application can separate the problem class, but that adds a step and a fee.
The main drawback of separate filings is admin: several examination reports, hearings and renewal dates to track. For a portfolio of five or more classes, docketing errors become a real risk, so use a calendar or a professional docketing service.
How do fees and timelines compare?
Official fees do not change with the route: a startup filing in three classes pays ₹13,500 either as one multi-class application or as three single-class applications. Professional fees may be slightly lower for one combined application because there is one set of forms and one examination report to manage.
Timelines diverge only when problems arise. With clean search results, both routes usually move at a similar pace. With a conflict in one class, separate filings let the clean classes reach registration while the disputed class is argued, which can matter if you need a registration certificate for a marketplace brand registry or an investor.
Which should you choose?
Run a trademark search in every class you intend to file before deciding between the two routes. These rules reflect what practitioners commonly advise after reviewing the search results with a client.
- Distinctive, invented word with clean search results: multi-class TM-A is efficient.
- Common or descriptive elements, or similar marks found in some classes: separate applications for the risky classes.
- Core class critical for launch, others for future expansion: file the core class separately so it is not delayed.
- Planning to license or sell the brand by product line: separate filings simplify assignment.
- Startup or small enterprise: you get the ₹4,500 fee either way, so decide purely on risk.
Related services
Sources
- Trademark registration fees in India, First Schedule to Trade Marks Rules 2017 (Intepat)
- Trademark registration in India: complete guide (Legal Suvidha)
Written by the Refogo Editorial Team from the official sources above and checked on 2026-10-31. Laws, rates and due dates change, and authorities often extend deadlines, so confirm your own case with a qualified professional. This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Read our editorial policy or report an error to support@refogo.com.
Common questions
Is a multi-class trademark application cheaper in India?
No. The official fee is charged per class whether you file one multi-class application or several single-class ones. Professional fees may differ.
How many classes can one TM-A cover?
A single TM-A can include any number of the 45 classes, provided the fee is paid for each class.
What happens if one class gets an objection in a multi-class application?
The whole application may be held up until the objection is resolved. You can request division of the application to let unaffected classes proceed.
Which classes should a tech startup file in?
Commonly class 9 for software, class 42 for software as a service and technology services, and class 35 for online retail or business services, depending on the actual business.