Trademark law India helps businesses protect their brand names, logos and other unique signs that distinguish their goods or services. In India, it seems likely that the Trade Marks Act, 1999 is the primary legislation, offering a framework for registering and safeguarding trademarks. This law defines a trademark as a mark that can be shown graphically and distinguishes one person’s goods or services from others. Trademarks can include names, logos, slogans, or even colors and sounds. Registering a trademark, while not mandatory, provides stronger legal protection, and registered trademarks can be renewed every 10 years. For businesses, understanding trademark law is essential in order to prevent others from using the same trademarks that could confuse customers. Legal professionals and students benefit from studying it to navigate registration, disputes and enforcement. The books on Trademark Law in India listed below are some of the most recommended resources for learning about trademark law in India, offering clear explanations and practical insights.
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Recommended Books on Trademark Law in India
The following books are among the most authoritative and widely recommended resources on trademark law in India. They cover statutory provisions, judicial interpretations and practical applications, catering to diverse audiences including legal practitioners, students, and businesses.
1. Imperfect Recollections: The Indian Supreme Court on Trade Mark Law by Eashan Ghosh (2020)
Imperfect Recollections provides its readers a detailed analysis of what is trademark law as interpreted by the Supreme Court. It provides and examines landmark judgments and offers insights into the judicial evolution of trademark law in India. This book is particularly valuable for understanding the legal principles and precedents that shape trademark disputes at the highest judicial level. It is an important resource for legal professionals, judges and academics seeking to navigate complex trademark litigation.
2. Law of Trade Marks and Passing Off by P. Narayanan (2017)
A classic in the field, this book offers a comprehensive overview of trademark law, covering registration, infringement and passing off. It provides detailed commentary on the Trade Marks Act, 1999, and integrates both statutory and common law perspectives. Widely used by legal practitioners and students, this book is a foundational text for anyone seeking a thorough understanding of trademark law in India.
3. Trade Marks And Passing-Off by Venkateswaran & K.C. Kailasam (2015)
This book is a detailed, section-wise commentary on the Trade Marks Act, 1999, and includes analysis of judicial decisions from India and the UK. It also covers international registration under the Madrid Protocol and provides appendices with relevant Acts and Rules. The book is ideal for litigators, trademark agents, and judges seeking a practical guide to trademark law.
4. Law Of Trademarks Including International Registration Under Madrid Protocol & Geographical Indications by K.C. Kailasam & Ramu Vedaraman (2013)
Law Of Trademarks Including International Registration Under Madrid Protocol & Geographical Indications focuses on both trademarks and geographical indications, with an emphasis on international registration under the Madrid Protocol. It discusses international trademark concepts, such as the Paris Convention, alongside Indian law. This book is an important resource for legal professionals dealing with cross-border trademark issues and geographical indications.
5. Trade Marks Act: Including Schedules, Rules, Notifications, Treaties, Conventions and Much More by Iyengar (2011)
This book serves as a comprehensive reference, including the full text of the Trade Marks Act, 1999, along with schedules, rules, notifications and international treaties. It is an indispensable tool for legal researchers, practitioners, and students needing a detailed statutory reference for trademark law in India.
6. Trade Mark and the Emerging Concepts of Cyber Property Rights by VK Unni (2005)
Trade Mark and the Emerging Concepts of Cyber Property Rights explores the intersection of trademark law with cyber property rights by addressing issues like domain name disputes and online branding. As digital commerce grows, this book remains relevant for legal professionals and businesses navigating the challenges of online trademark protection.
7. Ambush Marketing: Game Within a Game by Arul George Scaria (2008)
Ambush Marketing examines ambush marketing, a practice often involving trademark issues, particularly in sports and event contexts, though it does not exclusively focused on trademarks. It provides the legal implications of ambush marketing and so making it a valuable resource for marketers, event organizers and lawyers.
8. Law & Justice’s Landmark Judgments on Trade Marks Law – 1st Edition (2025)
This recent publication compiles landmark judgments on trademark law from the Supreme Court, High Courts and other judicial bodies in India. It includes case summaries, legal principles and contextual analysis, making it a ready reference for understanding the latest judicial interpretations. This book is particularly useful for legal practitioners, IP professionals and students seeking to stay updated with current trends.
The following table summarises the books as mentioned above:
Title | Author/Editor | Publisher | Publication Date | Key Focus | Target Audience |
Imperfect Recollections: The Indian Supreme Court on Trade Mark Law | Eashan Ghosh | Thomson Reuters | 2020 | Supreme Court rulings on trademark law | Legal professionals, judges, academics |
Law of Trade Marks and Passing Off | P. Narayanan | Eastern Law House Pvt. Ltd. | 2017 | Statutory and common law aspects of trademarks | Practitioners, students |
Trade Marks And Passing-Off | Venkateswaran & K.C. Kailasam | Lexis Nexis | 2015 | Commentary on Trade Marks Act, 1999 | Litigators, trademark agents, judges |
Law Of Trademarks Including International Registration Under Madrid Protocol & Geographical Indications | K.C. Kailasam & Ramu Vedaraman | Lexis Nexis | 2013 | Trademarks and geographical indications | Professionals handling international trademarks |
Trade Marks Act: Including Schedules, Rules, Notifications, Treaties, Conventions and Much More | Iyengar | Universal Law Publishing | 2011 | Statutory provisions and international treaties | Researchers, practitioners, students |
Trade Mark and the Emerging Concepts of Cyber Property Rights | VK Unni | Eastern Law House | 2005 | Trademarks and cyber property rights | Professionals, businesses in digital branding |
Ambush Marketing: Game Within a Game | Arul George Scaria | Oxford University Press | 2008 | Ambush marketing and trademark issues | Marketers, event organizers, lawyers |
Law & Justice’s Landmark Judgments on Trade Marks Law – 1st Edition | Not specified | Law & Justice | 2025 | Recent judicial decisions | Practitioners, IP professionals, students |
Summary
Trademark law protects brand identities and ensures fair competition in the marketplace. The books listed above provide a foundation for anyone seeking to understand this area of law, whether for academic, professional or practical purposes. From foundational texts like Law of Trade Marks and Passing Off by P. Narayanan to specialized works like Imperfect Recollections by Eashan Ghosh, these resources cover statutory provisions, judicial interpretations, and emerging issues like cyber property rights. For those interested in recent developments, Law & Justice’s Landmark Judgments on Trade Marks Law (2025) offers valuable insights into the latest judicial trends. These books on trademark law in India equip readers with the knowledge which is needed to navigate the complexities of trademark law.
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Books on Trademark Law India: FAQs
Q1. What is the best book on trademark law in India for beginners?
Law of Trade Marks and Passing Off written by P. Narayanan (2017) is ideal for foundational knowledge.
Q2. Which book covers recent trademark case law in India?
Landmark Judgments on Trade Marks Law (2025) provides the latest judicial decisions and analysis.
Q3. Are there books on trademarks and cyber property rights?
Trade Mark and the Emerging Concepts of Cyber Property Rights written by VK Unni (2005) addresses online trademark issues.
Q4. What book explains the Trade Marks Act, 1999, in detail?
Trade Marks And Passing-Off by Venkateswaran & K.C. Kailasam (2015) offers a section-wise commentary.
Q5. Is there a book on international trademark registration in India?
Law Of Trademarks Including International Registration Under Madrid Protocol written by K.C. Kailasam (2013) covers global trademark laws.