Trending Update Blog on public search of trade marks
Trending Update Blog on public search of trade marks
Blog Article
How to Conduct a Trademark Search in India: Simple and Effective Steps
Understanding Trademark Search in India
A trademark search means reviewing existing registered or pending trademarks in the government-maintained database run by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This process helps verify whether your chosen trademark is available or if it conflicts with any existing mark.
Conducting a trademark search early in the branding process reduces the risk of infringement and ensures your trademark identity remains unique and legally secured.
Why is Trade Mark Search Important?
Doing a trade mark search in advance of application is not just smart—it’s critical for ensuring success. A comprehensive search lets you:
- Avoid choosing already-used marks
- Reduce costs from rejected applications
- Avoid legal fights
- Maintain exclusivity
- Speed up the registration process
Without adequate checking, your trademark application might be denied, wasting time and resources.
Where and How to Search for Trade Marks in India
The Trade Marks Registry maintains an official platform where anyone can run a trademark search. To search:
- Access the Trade Marks Registry website
- Open the public search section
- Type your brand name or logo text
- Select the correct class
- Browse the list
This platform gives you visibility into both registered trademarks and pending applications, so you can check availability.
What Are Trademark Classes?
Each trademark falls under 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 accurate.
For example, a clothing label usually search under Class 25, while tech products often go under Class 9. Knowing your class is key to getting relevant results.
Why You Should Do Both Phonetic and Wordmark Searches
When checking for trademark availability, run both wordmark and phonetic searches. A literal match check looks for same or close spellings. A sound-based check finds names that sound alike, even if spelled differently.
This helps you catch trademarks that could pose legal issues, giving you better trademark in india search security before applying.
Tools for Trademark Search in India
The Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks provides a free, government search tool. There are also third-party platforms that offer advanced features like:
- Search filters
- Legal guidance
- Detailed reports
These tools make the process easier for startups and give confidence that your trademark is clear to register.
Trademark Search for Logo and Device Marks
If your brand identity uses a logo, you’ll need to 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 design or icon doesn’t infringe on another registered design, avoiding legal issues.
Professional Assistance for Trademark Search
While anyone can search, a trademark attorney brings clarity to the process. Professionals:
- Understand classification systems
- Identify hidden risks
- Suggest alternatives
- Support filing and follow-up
For serious businesses, professional support adds accuracy and peace of mind.
After You Search: What’s Next?
Once your search confirms the mark is clear, you can file your trademark. This includes:
- Filling forms
- Choosing categories
- Submitting payments
The process then enters examination, publication, and if no objections arise, your mark is granted.
Secure Your Brand with Smart Trade Mark Checks
A proper trademark search in India is the first step in protecting your brand. It ensures your brand assets are free to use, protected by law, and fit for filing.
With easy-to-use tools and expert help, anyone can conduct a trademark search. Begin with clarity—because a strong brand starts with a strong foundation. Report this page