Is DSC Mandatory for Trademark Registration in India?

July 9, 2025

Trademark registration is a vital step in safeguarding a brand’s identity, name, logo, or symbol. With digital systems now streamlining most legal and business processes in India, one question often arises—Is a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) mandatory for trademark registration? The answer is yes, a valid DSC is required for filing a trademark application online through the official portal of the Intellectual Property India (IP India). In this blog, we’ll explain what DSC is, why it is essential, and how to obtain one.

1. What is a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)?

A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is an encrypted electronic signature that proves the authenticity and integrity of a digital document or transaction. It is issued by licensed Certifying Authorities (CAs) and is legally valid under the Information Technology Act, 2000.

There are different classes of DSC, but Class 3 DSC is required for trademark filings and other legal processes involving government portals.

2. Is DSC Mandatory for Trademark Registration?

Yes, DSC is mandatory for online filing of trademark applications on the official portal of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks (CGPDTM). The DSC is required for:

Filing new trademark applications
Filing reply to objections or oppositions
Filing renewal requests or modification requests
Signing any form or affidavit digitally

This is because trademark filings involve submission of legally binding documents, which require secure authentication to ensure that the person submitting the documents is genuine.

3. Who Needs a DSC for Trademark Registration?

A DSC is required by:

Proprietors or Individual Applicants
Authorized Signatories of Companies/LLPs
Trademark Attorneys or Agents filing on behalf of their clients

The DSC must be in the name of the applicant or their authorized representative who is listed in the trademark application.

4. Why is DSC Required in Trademark Filing?

Here are the reasons why DSC is an essential component in trademark registration:

Authentication: It ensures the legitimacy of the applicant and prevents fraud.
Legal Validity: Digital signatures are legally recognized and admissible in court.
Secure Filing: Documents signed with DSC are encrypted and cannot be altered.
Mandatory by Law: As per the IP India portal, all forms and submissions must be digitally signed.

5. How to Get a DSC for Trademark Registration?

Obtaining a DSC is a simple process. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Choose a Certifying Authority

You can apply through licensed authorities such as eMudhra, Sify, NSDL, or authorized service providers like edrafter.in, who offer hassle-free DSC services.

Step 2: Select the Type of DSC

For trademark filing, choose Class 3 DSC with Signing Only option (though some may prefer Signing & Encryption combo).

Step 3: Submit Documents

You’ll need:

PAN Card
Aadhar Card
Passport-size Photo
Email ID and Mobile Number
Business documents (if applying on behalf of an organization)

Step 4: Video/OTP Verification

A quick video call or OTP-based verification will be conducted to confirm your identity.

Step 5: Download the DSC

After verification, the DSC is issued and can be stored on a USB token or device.

6. Can I Register a Trademark Without DSC?

No, if you’re filing your trademark application online, a DSC is mandatory. However, if you are submitting the application physically (offline at the Trademark Registry office), a DSC is not required—but this method is outdated, less efficient, and not encouraged.

Moreover, most agents and law firms today only support online filing due to faster processing and digital integration.

7. Benefits of Using DSC in Trademark Registration

Time-Saving: Quick and secure submission from anywhere
Paperless Process: No need for physical forms
Secure: Prevents tampering and ensures confidentiality
Legally Binding: DSC-signed documents are considered valid under Indian law

Conclusion

To sum up, a Digital Signature Certificate is mandatory for online trademark registration in India. It ensures the authentication of your application and maintains the legal sanctity of digital submissions. Whether you’re an individual entrepreneur or a legal professional, obtaining a Class 3 DSC is your first step toward protecting your brand in the digital world.

Legal Mentor