Taj Hotels Secures India's First Hospitality Sound Mark

Tata Group-owned Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has secured trademark registration for the iconic ‘Taj’ sonic sound. This marks the first sound mark registration for a hospitality brand in India. The development places sound alongside logos and names as a legally protected brand asset in the sector.

The registration grants statutory protection to the audio identifier used by Taj Hotels across its services. It recognises sound as a distinct element of brand identity under the Trade Marks Act. While sound marks remain rare in India, recent years show a gradual rise in such filings, especially among consumer-facing brands.

Trademark records show that the registered sound mark consists of musical notes D E E G A E in D Major. The composition follows a 4/4 time signature with a tempo of 130 beats per minute. The application was filed as a sound mark and received registration with effect from April 17, 2025, which is the application date.

The mark stands registered across multiple classes. These include Class 9 for software and mobile applications related to hotel booking and accommodation management. Class 35 covers advertising, promotion of hotel services, and administration of customer loyalty programmes. Class 43 includes temporary accommodation and services for providing food and drink. This broad coverage ensures protection across both physical hospitality services and digital touchpoints.

The registration remains valid for ten years from the date of application. It is renewable for further ten-year periods under the Trade Marks Act. Registry records also show that IHCL sought expedited processing of the application. The company filed Form TM-M and paid the prescribed fee, citing business requirements for early registration.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Rajendra Misra, Executive Vice President & General Counsel, IHCL, said, “Being recognised as the world’s strongest hotel brand carries with it the responsibility to lead all facets including how brand equity is protected. This sound mark registration reinforces our position as a pioneer in brand protection, reflecting a forward-looking approach to intellectual property that aligns with the evolving ways in which guests engage with and connect with our brands.”