A Trademark Attorney in India is a legal professional specializing in trademark registration law, assisting clients with trademark registration, opposition, infringement cases, and brand protection. The role requires a combination of legal education, specialized training, and registration with the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (CGPDTM) under the Trade Marks Act, 1999 16.

1. Qualifications & Eligibility

To become a Trademark Attorney in India, you need to knowledge of Intellectual property rights, this department is a government body and its play very important role for provide the special right, so that you must meet the following criteria.

A. Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) from a recognized university (3-5 years) 45.
• Alternatively, a graduate in any discipline (if applying as a Trademark Agent).

B. Additional Qualifications

• Pass the Bar Exam (if practicing as an advocate) under the Advocates Act, 1961.
• Membership in ICSI (Institute of Company Secretaries of India) is also accepted
• Specialized IP Law Courses (optional but recommended)

C. Age & Citizenship

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must be an Indian citizen (for Trademark Registration Agent )

2. Registration Process

To legally practice as a Trademark Attorney/Agent, you must register with the Trade Marks Registry (TMR).

Step 1: Apply via Form TM-G

• Submit Form TM-G (in duplicate) to the Trademark Registry office under whose jurisdiction your business operates
• The form includes personal details, qualifications, and proof of eligibility.

Step 2: Examination (Rule 148)

• After submission, the Registrar schedules an examination in Trade Marks Law & Practice
• The exam tests knowledge of:
  • Trade Marks Act, 1999
  • Procedures for filing, opposition, and infringement cases
  • International trademark laws (Madrid Protocol, etc.)

Step 3: Certification & Enrollment

• Upon passing, the Registrar issues a Certificate of Registration after fee payment 1.
• The registration is valid till the end of the financial year and must be renewed annually.

3. Career Pathways & Responsibilities

Once registered, a Trademark Attorney can work in:

• Law Firms (e.g., LexOrbis, Krishna & Saurastri Associates) 
• Corporate Legal Departments (handling brand protection).
• Independent Practice (filing trademarks for startups & businesses).

Key Responsibilities

1. Trademark Search & Clearance – Ensuring no conflicts with existing marks 
2. Filing & Prosecution – Submitting applications with the Trademark Registry 
3. Opposition & Litigation – Handling disputes in court or via ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) 
4. Renewals & Portfolio Management – Keeping track of trademark renewals (valid for 10 years)
5. International Trademark Protection – Assisting with Madrid Protocol filings 

4. List of IPR Offices in India

The Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trademarks (CGPDTM) oversees trademark registrations through the following offices

Office	Jurisdiction	Address
Mumbai (Head Office)	Maharashtra, Goa, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli	Boudhik Sampada Bhawan, Antop Hill, Mumbai-400037
Delhi	Northern India (Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, UP, etc.)	Intellectual Property Office, Plot No. 32, Sector 14, Dwarka, Delhi-110075
Chennai	Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Puducherry	Intellectual Property Office, G.S.T. Road, Guindy, Chennai-600032
Kolkata	Eastern India (West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, etc.)	Intellectual Property Office, CP-2 Sector V, Salt Lake, Kolkata-700091
Ahmedabad	Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh	Intellectual Property Office, 15/27, National Chambers, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad-380009

Additionally, the Geographical Indications Registry is located in Chennai 

5. Challenges & Future Scope

• Increasing Demand – With startups and global brands expanding in India, trademark attorneys are in high demand 
• Digital Transformation – The TMR now accepts online filings, making the process faster 
• Global Opportunities – Expertise in Madrid Protocol filings allows attorneys to work internationally 

Conclusion

Becoming a Trademark Attorney in India requires legal education, registration with the Trade Marks Registry, and continuous learning in IP laws. With India’s growing emphasis on brand protection, this career offers lucrative opportunities in law firms, corporates, and private practice.

For further details, refer to:

• IP India Official Website