Don't Fall to public search tm Blindly, Read This Article
Don't Fall to public search tm Blindly, Read This Article
Blog Article
How to Conduct a Trademark Search in India: Simple and Effective Steps
What is a Trademark Search?
A trademark search means reviewing existing applied or approved trademarks in the central database run by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This process helps identify whether your desired trademark is available or if it conflicts with any existing mark.
Performing a trademark search before the branding process minimises the risk of infringement and ensures your trademark identity remains unique and legally secured.
Why Checking Trade Marks Before Filing Matters
Doing a trade mark search in advance of application is not just wise—it’s essential for protecting your brand. A careful search lets you:
- Prevent selecting already-used marks
- Save money from rejected applications
- Reduce opposition risks
- Maintain exclusivity
- Speed up the registration process
Without careful checking, your trademark application might be rejected, wasting time and resources.
Steps to Do a Trademark Check in India
The Trade Marks Registry maintains an official portal where anyone can run a trademark search. To search:
- Visit the Trade Marks Registry website
- Open the public search section
- Type your brand name or logo text
- Choose the correct class
- Browse the list
This tool gives you visibility into both approved marks and pending applications, so you know where your brand stands.
What Are Trademark Classes?
Each trademark belongs to a specific class. In India, there are 45 trademark classes—34 for goods and 11 for services. Selecting the right class ensures your search is focused.
For example, apparel brands usually search under Class 25, while tech products often go under Class 9. Understanding this system is key to getting relevant results.
Phonetic and Wordmark Searches
When checking for trademark availability, perform both wordmark and phonetic searches. A literal match check looks for identical or similar spellings. A phonetic search finds names that sound alike, even if spelled differently.
This helps you catch trademarks that could cause conflicts, giving you better peace of mind before applying.
Resources and Platforms for Trade Mark Checks
The Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks provides a free, official search tool. There are also private platforms that offer advanced features like:
- Search filters
- Expert analysis
- Trademark risk reports
These tools make the process easier for new brands and help ensure your trademark is clear to register.
Trademark Search for Logo and Device Marks
If your trademark includes a logo, you must perform a visual mark check. Searching logos is more complex than wordmark searches, but the government system supports image-based filters and keyword tagging.
This ensures your symbol or logo doesn’t match another registered design, avoiding legal issues.
Why Hire a Trademark Consultant?
While anyone can search, a legal expert brings experience to the process. Professionals:
- Understand classification systems
- Spot potential conflicts
- Suggest alternatives
- Support filing and follow-up
For serious businesses, professional trademark in india search support adds accuracy and legal confidence.
From Search to Registration: Next Steps
Once your search confirms the mark is available, you can start the application process. This includes:
- Filling forms
- Choosing categories
- Submitting payments
The process then enters examination, journal listing, and if no objections arise, your mark is granted.
Secure Your Brand with Smart Trade Mark Checks
An early trademark search in India is the most important step in protecting your brand. It ensures your brand assets are unique, legally safe, and fit for filing.
With easy-to-use tools and expert help, the process is now accessible. Begin with clarity—because a strong brand starts with a strong foundation. Report this page