Trademark Assignment and Licensing
A trademark is property. It can be sold, transferred on a business sale, licensed to franchisees, or inherited — but the transfer only binds third parties once it is recorded with the Registry.
- Assignment deeds drafted and stamped
- Form TM-P recordal with the Registry
- Franchise and licensing agreements
- Registered user applications
- Government fee from
- ₹9,000
- Our fee from
- ₹6,999
- Typical timeline
- 3–9 months
Assignment, licensing and why recordal matters
An assignment transfers ownership of a trademark from one party to another. It can be with goodwill — the whole business and brand move together — or without goodwill, where only the mark for specified goods transfers. Assignments commonly arise on business sales, group restructuring, founder exits and inheritance.
A licence, by contrast, keeps ownership with you while permitting someone else to use the mark on agreed terms. Franchise networks, distribution arrangements and brand collaborations all run on licences. A registered user application records the licensee on the register, which strengthens both parties' position and ensures use by the licensee counts as use of the mark.
The critical step people skip is recordal. Until the assignment is recorded with the Registry on Form TM-P, the register still shows the old owner. That creates problems in enforcement, renewal, due diligence and any future sale. Recordal should be filed within six months of the assignment deed.
What assignment & licensing gives you
The practical advantages, not the marketing version.
Legally effective transfer
A deed alone is not enough. Recordal on Form TM-P makes the change effective against third parties.
Clean diligence record
Buyers and investors check the register, not your files. An unrecorded assignment is a diligence red flag.
Franchise-ready licensing
Licence agreements drafted with quality-control clauses that protect the mark's validity.
Licensee use counts as your use
A properly structured licence means the licensee's use supports your registration against non-use challenges.
Stamp duty handled
Assignment deeds must be stamped correctly under state law. We calculate and arrange it.
Group restructuring support
Bulk transfers across a portfolio when entities merge, demerge or reorganise.
The process, step by step
Every stage, with realistic timelines — including the ones that depend on the registry rather than on us.
- 12–3 days
Structure the transaction
We establish whether you need an assignment with or without goodwill, a licence, or a registered user application — and what that means commercially.
- 23–5 days
Draft the instrument
Assignment deed or licence agreement drafted with the right recitals, consideration, warranties and quality-control terms.
- 32–5 days
Execution and stamping
Parties execute the deed and it is stamped at the applicable state rate. We advise on the correct stamp value.
- 4Within 6 months
Recordal with the Registry
Form TM-P filed with the deed and supporting documents to record the change on the register.
- 53–9 months
Register updated
The Registry examines and records the change. The new owner appears on the register and receives confirmation.
What you need to provide
Have these ready and the filing moves quickly. We tell you if anything is missing before we start.
For an assignment
- Registration or application number of the mark
- Executed and stamped assignment deed
- Details of assignor and assignee
- Board resolutions authorising the transfer, for companies
- Form TM-48 Power of Attorney from the new owner
- NOC from the assignor where required
For a licence or registered user
- Executed licence agreement
- Affidavit by the proprietor setting out the licence terms
- Details of the permitted goods or services and territory
- Quality-control provisions and duration of the licence
- Form TM-U application for registered user entry
Official fees
These are statutory fees payable to the government, separate from our professional fee. We never mark them up.
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Recordal of assignment (TM-P) — e-filing | ₹9,000 | Per mark. |
| Registered user application (TM-U) — e-filing | ₹4,500 | Per mark, per registered user. |
| Change of name or address (TM-P) | ₹900 | Per mark. |
| Stamp duty on assignment deed | Varies | Set by state law, usually based on consideration. |
Recordal should be applied for within six months of the assignment. Later applications may attract additional fees at the Registrar's discretion.
Transparent professional fees
Fixed fees, quoted upfront. Government fees are charged at cost and shown separately on every invoice.
Deed Drafting
Assignment deed or licence agreement, professionally drafted.
- Transaction structuring advice
- Assignment deed or licence drafted
- Stamp duty calculation
- Execution guidance
Deed + Recordal
Draft, execute and record — the complete transfer.
- Everything in Deed Drafting
- Form TM-P filed with the Registry
- Supporting affidavits prepared
- Registry queries handled
- Confirmation of updated register entry
Portfolio Transfer
Bulk assignment across multiple marks or entities.
- Portfolio-wide assignment structuring
- Bulk deed drafting and recordal
- Group restructuring support
- Chain-of-title reconstruction
- Diligence-ready documentation pack
Questions we get asked
If your question is not here, send it over — we answer directly rather than routing you to a form.
What is the difference between assignment with and without goodwill?
Do I have to record an assignment with the Registry?
Can I license my trademark to a franchisee?
Does my licensee's use count as use of my mark?
How long does recordal take?
Still unsure? Book a free consultation and we will tell you honestly whether this is the right service for you.
Ready to start your assignment & licensing?
Talk to an IP professional first. No obligation, no sales script — just a clear view of where you stand and what it will cost.