In a move to safeguard the identity of small business owners, the Trademarks Registry of India has announced a policy revision to prioritize trademark applications filed by sole proprietors. The decision, spearheaded by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, aims to recognize the growing number of individual entrepreneurs in India and provide them with timely protection of their brand names and business identities. This shift is expected to reduce delays, minimize legal disputes, and boost formalization among micro-businesses that often lack the resources to protect their intellectual property.

As per the revised guidelines, trademark applications filed under the name of a registered sole proprietorship, particularly those listed under the Udyam or Startup India platform, will be tagged for expedited processing. These applications will receive preferential examination within a reduced timeframe compared to the standard queue, especially if the business name is already in use in the market. The registry has also simplified documentation requirements for sole proprietors by allowing Aadhaar-based identity verification and current account bank statements as proof of business usage, making the filing process less cumbersome.

Officials emphasized that this reform not only strengthens legal recognition for small business owners but also encourages them to invest in brand building and customer trust. By securing exclusive rights over their business names, logos, and product tags, sole proprietors can better defend themselves against infringement and brand dilution—challenges they often face from larger competitors. Legal experts and small business associations have welcomed the move, calling it a timely intervention that levels the playing field and promotes innovation among India’s smallest yet most widespread business segment. Training workshops and online tutorials will soon be launched to guide sole proprietors through the updated trademark application process.