Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), a Tata Group company operating hospitality brands such as Taj, Vivanta, Ginger and SeleQtions, has secured trademark registration for the “Taj” sonic sound, marking the first instance of a sound mark being registered in the hospitality sector in India.
According to the registration certificate, the sound mark was registered by the Trade Marks Registry on January 7, 2026, with a registration date of April 17, 2025 and is valid for a period of ten years. The registration grants IHCL exclusive statutory rights over the sound mark and protection against unauthorized use or commercial exploitation.
The sound mark has been registered across multiple classes, including Class 9 in relation to computer software and mobile applications connected with hospitality services, Class 35 for advertising and business-related services and Class 43 covering temporary accommodation and food and beverage services.
Earlier, the Taj brand had also secured trademark registration for the three-dimensional shape of the Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Mumbai, reflecting the use of non-conventional trademarks within the hospitality sector.
IHCL was represented in the trademark registration proceedings by a team from Fidus Law Chambers comprising Shwetasree Majumder, Astha Negi and Umang Gola.