If you sell your business, merge, or move a brand between companies, the trademark must be formally transferred. We prepare the deed and record the new owner at the registry.
When you need it
Selling a brand or a business
Moving the trademark from you to your new company, for example after converting a proprietorship
A merger, demerger or restructuring
Sharing ownership or giving the brand to a family member
Fixing the name of the owner after a name change
Types of transfer
Assignment: ownership moves to someone else, with or without the goodwill of the business
Transmission: ownership passes by law, for example on death or after a company merger
Licence: the owner stays the same but lets someone else use the mark. This is recorded as a registered user, so ask us if this is what you need
Documents needed
Trademark registration certificate or application number
Assignment deed, which we draft and stamp
IDs of the old and new owner
Board resolution or authority, for companies
Consent of all joint owners, if any
Our process
1You tell us what is being transferred and to whom.
2We check the status of the mark on the register.
3We draft the assignment deed for both sides to sign.
4We file the request to record the new owner with the registry.
5The register is updated, and we send you the proof.
Things to be careful about
Record the transfer soon after signing. Until it is recorded, the new owner may face problems in enforcing the mark
Transfer all related marks together, so that similar marks do not end up with different owners
Check for pending objections or oppositions before the transfer
Common questions
Can I assign a mark that is only applied for?
Yes. A pending application can also be transferred, and the new owner continues it.
Do I have to pay stamp duty?
An assignment deed needs stamp duty as set by the state. We prepare it on the right stamp paper.
What about changing only my name or address?
That is a simpler update to the register, and not an assignment. We do it for you.
How long does it take?
The deed can be ready in a few days. Recording at the registry takes a few weeks.
General information, not professional advice. Tax rates, limits and due dates change, so we confirm the current position for your case before we file. Government fees are separate from our service charge and are quoted before work begins.