Learning Centre
From the Vakilkaro blog
Practical guides on registration, trademark, tax, NGO and compliance — written and reviewed by our legal team.
Who Can Apply for a Trademark in India?
Trademark registration in India is essential for businesses and individuals seeking to protect their brand identity. It grants exclusive rights to the owner and prevents unauthorized use. Individuals, sole proprietors, partnership firms, LLPs, companies, trusts, NGOs, and foreign entities can regist
Can a Microfinance Company Take Loans from Banks?
Microfinance companies provide financial services to underserved communities, offering small loans to individuals and businesses without collateral. They can secure funding from various sources, including equity investments, grants, and bank loans. Banks lend to microfinance companies, including Sec
NBFC & FinanceCan a Microfinance Company Accept Deposits from the Public?
Microfinance companies help underserved communities access credit, but they generally cannot accept public deposits unless registered as an NBFC-D under RBI regulations. Section 8 companies, NGOs, and NBFC-MFIs are not permitted to take deposits, while cooperative societies can accept deposits only
What is the Classification of Trademarks in India?
A trademark is a crucial asset for businesses seeking brand protection. In India, trademarks are classified based on their function and distinctiveness. Product, service, certification, collective, series, and well-known trademarks fall under functionality-based classification. Distinctiveness-based
NBFC & FinanceHow to Raise Funds for a Microfinance Company?
Microfinance companies provide financial services to underserved communities, empowering entrepreneurs and fostering economic growth. However, raising funds can be challenging due to regulatory requirements and investor concerns. Effective funding options include bootstrapping, bank loans, governmen
How to Apply for a Trademark Internationally?
In today’s interconnected world, businesses must protect their brand identity across multiple countries. Securing an international trademark ensures legal rights, prevents infringement, and strengthens brand recognition. Since there is no universal trademark system, businesses must navigate internat
Intellectual PropertiesCan I Register a Trademark Online in India?
Trademark registration is essential for brand protection in India, allowing businesses to secure their unique identity. A trademark can be a name, logo, slogan, or symbol that distinguishes a brand from competitors. The process to register a trademark online in India is straightforward, beginning wi
Intellectual PropertiesHow to Check Trademark Availability in India?
Before registering a trademark in India, conducting a comprehensive availability check is essential to avoid legal disputes and ensure a smooth registration process. A trademark serves as a unique identifier for businesses, offering exclusive rights to use a brand name, logo, or slogan. By checking
Penalty for Running an Unregistered Microfinance Company
Operating a microfinance company without proper registration can result in severe legal and financial consequences. In India, microfinance institutions (MFIs) fall under the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) regulatory framework, ensuring compliance with strict financial guidelines. Running an unregiste
Intellectual PropertiesStep-by-Step Process of Trademark Registration
In today’s competitive market, protecting brand identity is essential. Trademark registration grants exclusive rights over a brand name, logo, or symbol, preventing unauthorized use. Whether registering a logo trademark or conducting a trademark search online, understanding the process is crucial. A
NBFC & FinanceCompliance with RBI Regulations for Microfinance Company
Maintaining compliance with RBI regulations is vital for microfinance companies to ensure financial stability, protect borrowers, and uphold industry integrity. Microfinance institutions, including microfinance section 8 companies and NBFC-MFIs, must adhere to specific guidelines set by the Reserve
RBI Compliance for Microfinance Companies: A Guide
Microfinance companies play a vital role in financial inclusion by providing small loans to underserved individuals and businesses. Since they operate in the financial sector, they must comply with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulations to ensure stability and consumer protection. Compliance involv
Intellectual PropertiesWhat Documents Are Required for Trademark Registration?
Protecting your brand through trademark registration is crucial in today’s competitive market. Whether you want to register a logo, register a trademark online, or secure a business name, the right documentation is essential. Trademark registration grants legal protection, exclusive rights, and bran
How to Register a Trademark in India?
A trademark is a unique identifier like a logo, word, or phrase that sets a business apart. Registering a trademark ensures legal protection, exclusive rights, and brand recognition. In India, businesses can register a logo trademark, register a trade name, or register for a trademark to safeguard i
Business RegistrationsCan a Microfinance Company Be Registered as a Private Limited Company?
Microfinance plays a vital role in financial inclusion by providing small loans and financial services to individuals and businesses lacking access to traditional banking. Entrepreneurs often ask whether a microfinance company can be registered as a private limited company. While a private limited c
Intellectual PropertiesHow Long Does It Take to Register a Trademark in India?
Registering a trademark in India is essential for brand protection, but the process involves multiple steps that can take anywhere from 12 to 36 months. It starts with a trademark search (1-2 days), followed by filing a trademark application (1 day). The Trademark Office examines the application wit
Is GST Applicable to Section 8 Microfinance Companies?
Microfinance companies provide essential financial services to small businesses, low-income groups, and rural entrepreneurs lacking traditional banking access. These entities offer microloans and credit facilities, playing a crucial role in financial inclusion. With the implementation of GST in Indi
Intellectual PropertiesTrademark Registration Certificate: A Comprehensive Guide
A trademark registration certificate is a crucial document that legally establishes ownership of a brand’s name, logo, or symbol. It grants exclusive rights, prevents unauthorized use, and enhances brand recognition. The process includes filing a trademark name, examination, and approval, with costs
NBFC & FinanceRBI Guidelines for Microfinance Companies in India
Microfinance companies help promote financial inclusion by offering small loans to individuals and businesses that lack access to traditional banking. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has established guidelines to regulate these institutions, ensuring transparency, consumer protection, and financial
NBFC & FinanceWhat Documents Are Required to Start a Microfinance Company?
Microfinance companies provide financial aid to small businesses and individuals lacking banking access. In India, these can be registered as NBFCs or Section 8 microfinance companies. Section 8 microfinance company registration requires no RBI approval, making it a preferred choice for non-profits.
NBFC & FinanceDo I Need RBI Approval to Start a Microfinance Company?
Microfinance companies provide essential financial services to underserved individuals and small businesses lacking access to traditional banks. If you plan to start a microfinance company in India, you might wonder whether RBI approval is necessary. The answer depends on the type of company—NBFC mi
Can I Register a Trademark Myself? A Comprehensive Guide
A trademark is a distinctive symbol, word, or design that sets a brand apart and grants exclusive rights to its owner. Trademark registration safeguards businesses from unauthorized use and potential legal disputes. While individuals can register a trademark themselves, the process requires careful
Intellectual PropertiesWhat is the Validity of a Trademark in India?
A trademark is a valuable asset that safeguards a brand's identity, logo, and slogans from unauthorized use. In India, trademarks are governed by the Trade Marks Act, 1999, with an initial validity of 10 years, renewable indefinitely. The renewal process involves filing Form TM-R before expiration o
NBFC & FinanceWhat is the Role of the RBI in Regulating Microfinance Companies?
Microfinance is essential for providing financial services to low-income individuals and small businesses lacking access to traditional banking. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulates microfinance companies to ensure financial stability, transparency, and borrower protection. The microfinance com