A trademark is one of the most valuable assets of a business because it represents your brand identity, goodwill, and trust. At some point, you may want to transfer this asset to another party. In such cases, you must understand how to sell a trademark legally and effectively.
Can You Sell a Trademark?
Yes, you can. A registered trademark is an intellectual property (IP) asset, and like other assets, you can sell, transfer, or assign it. This process is known as Trademark Assignment. After the sale, the buyer (assignee) becomes the new owner and gains full rights over the mark.
Steps on How to Sell a Trademark
If you are planning to sell your trademark, follow this step-by-step guide:
| Step | Action Required |
|---|---|
| 1. Identify Buyer | Find a company or individual interested in purchasing your trademark. |
| 2. Draft Agreement | Prepare a Trademark Assignment Agreement that defines terms, scope, and consideration. |
| 3. Submit Application | File Form TM-P with the Trademark Registry along with the agreement. |
| 4. Examination | The Registrar reviews your documents and agreement carefully. |
| 5. Publication | In some cases, details are published in the Trademark Journal for transparency. |
| 6. Approval | Once approved, the buyer officially becomes the new trademark owner. |
Types of Trademark Assignment
While learning how to sell, it is important to know the types of assignment:
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Complete Assignment – You transfer all rights, titles, and interests to the buyer.
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Partial Assignment – You transfer rights only for certain goods or services.
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Assignment with Goodwill – The buyer acquires the mark along with its reputation.
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Assignment without Goodwill – The buyer gets rights but cannot use your existing reputation.
Why Sell a Trademark?
Selling a trademark can be beneficial in many situations:
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✅ You are no longer using the trademark.
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✅ You want to monetize your intellectual property.
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✅ You are selling your entire business or brand division.
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✅ You want to transfer rights to a partner or franchise.
Thus, selling a trademark is not just about transferring ownership—it is also about generating value from a legal asset.
Documents Required to Sell a Trademark
When preparing to sell your trademark, you will need:
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Trademark Registration Certificate
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Trademark Assignment Agreement
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Form TM-P (application for assignment)
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Proof of consideration (payment details)
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ID and address proof of both assignor and assignee
Conclusion
Knowing how to sell a trademark helps you secure maximum value for your brand while ensuring legal compliance. Whether you choose a complete or partial assignment, always register the Trademark Assignment Agreement with the registry.
👉 Want expert assistance? Contact us for professional support in selling or transferring your trademark.