The practical checklist
- Applicant identity — individual, firm or company, with address (this decides fees and ownership; group structures should decide which entity owns the brand before filing).
- The mark — exact word(s), or the logo in decent resolution; decide word vs device vs both.
- Goods/services description per class — the single most consequential drafting decision.
- Power of attorney (Form TM-48) when filing through an agent/attorney.
- Startup India / Udyam certificate if claiming reduced official fees.
- If claiming use since a date: invoices, packaging, ads or web archives evidencing it.