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    Sections 37–45, Trade Marks Act, 1999 • Form TM-P Recordal

    Trademark Assignment & Transfer Services in India

    Transfer trademark ownership properly when a brand is sold, restructured, inherited or moved between entities. RegisCorp Consultancy LLP prepares and records assignments so your trademark register always matches commercial reality.

    Our assignment and recordal services are available online across all Indian states, for both registered trademarks and pending applications.

    01 • FORMTM-PRecordal filing
    02 • TIMELINE2 to 4Months to record
    03 • COVERAGEPan IndiaExpert support
    YOUR DETAILED SERVICE ROUTE

    Clarity continues beyond the first step.

    The original page-specific roadmap is retained here, with every detail available after the quick enquiry panel.

    What is Trademark Assignment?

    Trademark assignment is the transfer of ownership rights in a registered or pending trademark from one party (the assignor) to another (the assignee), governed by Sections 37 to 45 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999. It is commonly required when a brand is sold, a business is restructured, ownership passes by inheritance, or a mark moves between group entities.

    WAYS TO TRANSFER

    Types of Trademark Assignment

    The correct form of assignment depends on how much of the mark's rights and reputation are meant to transfer.
    01

    Complete Assignment

    All rights in the mark are transferred fully to the assignee.

    02

    Partial Assignment

    Rights are transferred only for specific goods, services, or classes.

    03

    Assignment with Goodwill

    The assignee also acquires the business reputation associated with the mark.

    04

    Assignment Without Goodwill

    The assignee may use the mark only for specified goods or services, without the associated reputation.

    BEFORE YOU FILE

    Documents Required for Trademark Assignment

    Keep these ready so Form TM-P can be filed with the Trade Marks Registry without delay.
    01

    Registration Certificate

    Trademark registration certificate or application details.

    02

    Identity & Address Proof

    Identity and address proof of the assignor and assignee.

    03

    Executed Deed

    Executed deed of assignment, duly stamped.

    04

    Board Resolution

    Authorisation letter, where a company is involved.

    05

    Transfer Agreement

    Business transfer agreement or ownership documents, where relevant.

    06

    Form TM-P

    Form TM-P for recordal of subsequent proprietorship.

    A CONTROLLED WORKING SYSTEM

    Trademark Assignment Process

    From confirming ownership to recordal, a transfer moves through six tracked stages with the Registry.
    01

    Confirm Ownership

    Confirm current ownership and the marks to be transferred.

    02

    Draft the Deed

    Draft the deed of assignment covering rights, consideration and goodwill.

    03

    Execute & Stamp

    Execute and stamp the deed as required under the applicable state law.

    04

    File Form TM-P

    File Form TM-P with the Trade Marks Registry along with the deed.

    05

    Registrar Review

    The Registrar reviews the application and, where required, directs public advertisement.

    06

    Recordal

    Recordal is entered and an updated registration reflects the new owner.

    WHY IT MATTERS

    Why Assignment Recordal Matters

    An unrecorded transfer leaves ownership unclear exactly when it matters most.
    01

    Legal Certainty

    Gives legal certainty of ownership and avoids future title disputes.

    02

    Completes Transactions

    Required to complete a business sale, merger, or brand licensing transaction.

    03

    Accurate Register

    Keeps the trademark register aligned with who actually owns and uses the mark.

    04

    Stronger Enforcement

    Supports enforcement action, since the recorded proprietor's rights are clearest to establish.

    05

    Due Diligence Ready

    Often required by buyers, investors, or licensees during due diligence.

    DECISION TABLE

    Assignment vs Licensing vs Transmission

    Trademark rights can change hands in more than one way. Choosing the correct route matters, since each has a different legal effect on ownership.
    Basis of ComparisonAssignmentLicensingTransmission
    01Nature of TransferPermanent transfer of ownershipTemporary right to use, ownership unchangedTransfer by operation of law (inheritance, succession)
    02Governing ProvisionSections 37–45, Trade Marks Act, 1999Registered User provisions, Trade Marks ActSection 2(1)(zc) read with assignment provisions
    03Filing RequiredForm TM-PRegistered user agreement filingForm TM-P with legal proof of transmission
    04Effect on ProprietorAssignor loses all rights transferredLicensor remains the registered proprietorOriginal proprietor's rights pass to legal heirs/successors
    05Typical Use CaseBusiness sale, restructuring, brand transferFranchising, brand partnerships, manufacturing tie-upsDeath of proprietor, company merger by law

    EXPLORE RELATED IP SERVICES

    Choose the next step in your IP protection lifecycle

    Expert led guidance for every stage

    Transfer Your Trademark with Expert Legal Support

    Get end-to-end assistance for assignment deed drafting, stamping, and Form TM-P recordal. Our experts support businesses across all Indian states through a clear, well-documented transfer process.

    Talk to a Trademark Specialist

    COMMON QUESTIONS

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Answers to the questions businesses ask most often about trademark assignment and transfer in India.Ask a trademark question
    01Can a pending trademark application be assigned?+

    Yes. A pending application can be assigned, subject to the Registrar recording the change of ownership once the assignment deed and Form TM-P are filed.

    02Is stamp duty payable on a trademark assignment deed?+

    Yes. A deed of assignment is an instrument of transfer and attracts stamp duty under the applicable state stamp act, based on the consideration and the state of execution.

    03What is assignment without goodwill?+

    Also called gross assignment, this transfers the right to use a mark for specific goods or services without transferring the associated business reputation. The Registrar may direct public advertisement of such assignments.

    04How long does trademark assignment recordal take?+

    Timelines vary with the Registry's workload and whether public notice or objections arise, but applicants should generally allow several months for the Form TM-P process to complete.

    05Is public notice required for every trademark assignment?+

    Public notice is generally required where a mark is assigned without goodwill, so the Registrar can direct advertisement of the assignment within a prescribed period.

    06What is the difference between assignment and licensing of a trademark?+

    Assignment permanently transfers ownership of the trademark. Licensing allows a third party to use the mark for a defined period while the original proprietor retains ownership.

    07Can a trademark be assigned to a person outside India?+

    Yes, subject to the standard assignment deed, stamping, and Form TM-P recordal requirements, and any applicable foreign exchange regulations.

    08What happens if a trademark assignment is not recorded with the Registrar?+

    An unrecorded assignment may not be recognised as valid against third parties or in enforcement proceedings. Recording it through Form TM-P gives the new owner clear, enforceable title.

    PROTECT COMMERCIAL VALUE EARLY

    Make the next brand decision with a clearer IP strategy.

    Discuss the mark, work, owner and current registry position before filing or responding.

    1. 01Identify the assetShare the mark, work and ownership.
    2. 02Check the stageReview search, filing or dispute status.
    3. 03Choose the actionReceive the relevant protection route.

    Explore · prepare · decide

    A practical next step, at your pace.

    Simple tools for planning your conversation. No account required; these tools do not send your answers to the team.

    Your brand protection preparation checklist

    Tick what you have ready. This is a discussion checklist, not an exhaustive filing requirement.

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    No documents are uploaded here. Your selections stay on this page and reset when you leave or reload.

    Did you know?

    A registered trademark can be renewed for successive ten-year periods. Renewal is a separate action—not something to assume happens automatically.

    Read the official IP India guidance ↗Source checked 11 October 2026. Check current rules and your circumstances before acting.

    Your next-step flow

    1. Describe

      Activity, location and current status

    2. Prepare

      Collect relevant supporting records

    3. Review

      Confirm route, scope and dependencies

    4. Follow through

      Submit where applicable; track outcomes

    A preparation framework, not a promised approval sequence or completion time.

    Tools are educational, not legal or tax advice, filing confirmation or a guarantee of eligibility. Ask RegisCorp to review your specific requirement →

    TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT DECISION GUIDE

    Transfer the commercial rights and Registry record as one transaction.

    This assignment route connects the mark or application, assignor and assignee, goods and services, territory, consideration, goodwill, related marks, deed execution and stamping, title evidence and the TM-P recordal needed to align the Register.

    “trademark assignment”“trademark assignment agreement”“trademark transfer process”
    01

    Define exactly what transfers

    Registration and application numbers, classes, goods or services, territories, associated marks, goodwill and retained rights should be explicit rather than inferred.

    02

    Make the deed and recordal agree

    Parties, authority, effective date, consideration, warranties, execution and applicable stamp position should match the title case submitted to the Registry.

    03

    Handle special assignment conditions

    Transfers without goodwill, assignments that divide rights or markets and transactions involving overseas remittance can require additional directions, approvals or evidence.

    Reviewed by the RegisCorp corporate compliance team · Updated 3 October 2026 · Authority processing and approval remain subject to the applicable government portal and reviewing office.

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