Typically 7–12 working days from document submission to Certificate of Incorporation, assuming no name or document resubmission is needed.

Yes — NRIs and foreign nationals can be directors and shareholders, though at least one director must be a resident of India (present in India for 182+ days in the previous financial year).

Only above ₹20 lakh turnover in most states (₹10 lakh in special-category states) for services — unless you're selling through e-commerce or making inter-state supplies, which trigger mandatory registration regardless of turnover.

A late fee accrues per day of delay (capped by category), plus interest at 18% per annum on any tax paid late. Consistently missed returns can also lead to registration suspension.

Not mandatorily, but it's required if you meet certain other conditions (foreign travel above ₹2 lakh, deposits above ₹1 crore in a current account, etc.), and it's generally good practice for loan and visa applications.

Up to ₹5,000 under Section 234F if filed after the due date but before December 31, and ₹1,000 if total income is below ₹5 lakh — plus interest on any unpaid tax.

12–18 months on average if unopposed. Opposed applications can take significantly longer depending on how contested the proceeding is.

Yes — ™ signals a claimed (not yet registered) mark and can be used from the moment you file. ® is reserved for marks that have completed registration.

Typically 3 years, with annual surveillance audits required to maintain it.

Yes — ISO standards scale to business size. A 5-person company can be certified as long as its documented processes genuinely reflect how it operates.

Registration is for small food businesses under ₹12 lakh turnover; a license (State or Central) is required above that threshold. Both use the same FoSCoS portal.

No — it's a one-time registration, though you're expected to update your turnover and investment figures periodically as they're auto-checked against ITR/GST data.

Yes, in principle, under the Indian Contract Act — but proving its terms is far harder without something in writing, which is why written contracts matter for anything of real value.

Rarely, post-employment — Section 27 of the Indian Contract Act generally voids restraints on trade after employment ends. Non-solicitation and confidentiality clauses are treated differently and are usually enforceable.

DPIIT recognition is what most people mean by 'registered startup' — it's separate from and in addition to your entity's actual incorporation (Pvt Ltd, LLP, etc.).

No — it's not a prerequisite for fundraising, but it unlocks tax exemptions, faster patent examination, and easier compliance that make it worth applying for regardless.

20 employees, counting all employees regardless of salary — though voluntary registration is available earlier if you want to offer PF as a benefit.

Not universally mandated by a single central law, but several state Shops & Establishments Acts require one, and it's standard practice regardless for evidencing terms in a dispute.