
TM-C Application – Everything You Need to Know
TM-C is the official form to record assignment, transmission or any change of ownership of a registered trademark or trademark application in India. Filing TM-C updates the Register so the assignee can enforce legal rights.
Why is TM-C Application Required?
Form TM-C is filed to officially notify the Trademark Registry about assignment, transmission or any change in the proprietor details. Without TM-C recordal the Register will continue to show the old owner and the assignee won't have enforceable rights.
- Legally transfer ownership of a trademark to buyer/assignee.
- Record mergers, successions and other changes in ownership.
- Provide public notice and avoid future disputes about title.
- Enable assignee to license, sell or enforce the trademark commercially.
Documents Required for Filing TM-C
Checklist of documents typically attached with TM-C
Assignment / Transmission Agreement
Duly executed Deed of Assignment or transfer agreement specifying scope and goodwill clause.
Copy of Registration / Application
Trademark registration certificate or application number for pending marks.
Affidavit / Declaration
Affidavit confirming authenticity and details of transfer.
No Objection Certificate (NOC)
NOC from assignor if applicable / required.
Power of Attorney (TM-48)
If filing through an agent or attorney.
Identity & Address Proof
PAN, Aadhaar or Certificate of Incorporation for parties involved.
Supporting Legal Documents
Succession, amalgamation, bankruptcy papers when transfer by law.
Benefits of Filing TM-C
How TM-C helps secure and monetize your trademark
Legal Ownership Transfer
Assignee becomes recorded proprietor and can enforce the mark.
Monetization
Enables sale, licensing and commercial exploitation of the mark.
Business Continuity
Records IP during M&A to preserve brand value and operations.
Avoids Disputes
Clear register entry reduces ownership conflicts and litigation.
Transparency
Public record of ownership is available for due diligence and transactions.
Process of Filing TM-C Application
Step-by-step guide to record assignment / transmission
Draft Assignment Deed
Prepare a clear Deed of Assignment specifying parties, goods/services and goodwill clause.
Execute & Notarize
Sign and notarize the deed on appropriate stamp paper as per local laws.
Prepare Documents
Gather TM certificate, POA, NOC, identity proofs and supporting papers.
File Form TM-C
File TM-C online at IP India portal (filed by assignor/assignee/agent).
Examination by Registry
Registrar reviews submission and may request clarifications.
Recordal & Acknowledgement
On approval, Registry records transfer and issues acknowledgement/entry in Register.
Timeline & Government Fee
Form | TM-C |
Purpose | Record assignment / transmission of mark |
Applicant | Assignor / Assignee / Legal Representative |
Government Fee | ₹900 per mark per class (e-filing) |
Processing Time | Typically 3–6 months (subject to examination) |
Types of Assignment Covered under TM-C
Complete Assignment with Goodwill
Transfer of all rights including goodwill and business reputation.
Assignment without Goodwill
Gross assignment where goodwill is expressly excluded.
Partial Assignment
Transfer limited to specific goods/services within a class.
Transmission
Transfer by operation of law (inheritance, amalgamation, bankruptcy).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Assignment is a deliberate transfer via agreement; Transmission is transfer by operation of law (inheritance, dissolution).
Either the assignor, assignee or an authorised trademark agent can file TM-C.
Yes — under Section 45 of the Trade Marks Act recording is required to update the Register.
The Register will continue to show the old owner; the assignee cannot legally enforce the mark.
No — a separate TM-C must be filed for each trademark/mark per class.
Typically 3–6 months depending on Registry examination and clarifications.
Need assistance with TM-C filing?
We prepare assignment deeds, collate documents, file TM-C on the IP India portal and follow up with the Registry until recordal is complete.
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