Taj Hotels Secures Sound Trademark for Hospitality and Digital Services

Taj Hotels has successfully registered a sound mark for its hospitality and digital services, marking an important step in brand protection. The trademark was granted on January 7 in favour of The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), which owns and operates the Taj brand.

The sound mark has been registered with effect from April 17, 2025, which was the date of application. The registered sound consists of a specific sequence of musical notes — D, E, E, G, A, E — composed in D Major, played in a 4/4 time signature at 130 beats per minute. This unique audio pattern now enjoys legal protection under India’s trademark law.

In India, sound marks are still uncommon, but they are slowly gaining importance as brands look beyond logos and names to protect their overall identity. With this registration, Taj Hotels has secured exclusive rights over its sonic identity, recognising sound as an important part of customer experience, especially in the hospitality sector.

The sound mark has been registered under Classes 9, 35, and 43. These classes cover digital platforms such as hotel booking software and mobile applications, advertising and promotional services, customer loyalty programmes, and core hospitality services including accommodation, food, and beverages.

The registration will remain valid for 10 years from the date of application and can be renewed for additional ten-year periods. IHCL had also requested fast-track processing of the application by filing Form TM-M, citing business needs for early registration.

Commenting on the development, IHCL’s Executive Vice President and General Counsel Rajendra Misra said that being recognised as one of the world’s strongest hotel brands comes with the responsibility of protecting brand value in every form. He added that the sound mark reflects IHCL’s forward-looking approach towards intellectual property and changing consumer engagement.

The company was represented in the trademark proceedings by a legal team from Fidus Law Chambers.