Article to Know on public search of trade marks and Why it is Trending?
Article to Know on public search of trade marks and Why it is Trending?
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 registered or pending trademarks in the government-maintained database run by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This process helps verify whether your desired trademark is available or if it overlaps with any existing mark.
Conducting a trademark search early in the branding process minimises the risk of legal violation and ensures your brand identity remains distinctive and legally protected.
Importance of Doing a Trade Mark Search
Doing a trade mark search before registering is not just smart—it’s crucial for protecting your brand. A comprehensive search lets you:
- Avoid choosing already-used marks
- Save money from rejected applications
- Reduce opposition risks
- Preserve distinctiveness
- Speed up the registration process
Without adequate checking, your trademark application might be opposed, wasting time and resources.
How to Check a Trade Mark in India?
The Trade Marks Registry offers an official website where anyone can perform a trademark search. To search:
- Access the Trade Marks Registry website
- Navigate to the public search section
- Enter your keyword
- Choose the correct class
- Check for matches
This platform gives you visibility into both approved marks and pending applications, so you can check availability.
What Are Trademark Classes?
Each trademark is grouped into a specific class. In India, there are 45 trademark classes—34 for goods and 11 for services. Identifying the proper class ensures your search is relevant.
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.
Phonetic and Wordmark Searches
When checking for trademark availability, do both wordmark and phonetic searches. A wordmark search looks for same or close spellings. A sound-based check finds names that are pronounced similarly, even if spelled differently.
This helps you catch trademarks that could pose legal issues, giving you better security before applying.
Tools for Trademark Search in India
The Indian IP Office trade mark search india 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 ready to file.
How to Check Logo Trademarks
If your trademark includes a logo, you’ll need to perform a visual mark check. Searching logos is more complex than wordmark searches, but the government system supports visual filters and keyword tagging.
This ensures your symbol or logo doesn’t match another registered design, keeping your brand safe.
Why Hire a Trademark Consultant?
While anyone can search, a legal expert brings clarity to the process. Professionals:
- Understand classification systems
- Identify hidden risks
- Recommend changes
- Handle the registration process
For serious businesses, professional support adds strategy and legal confidence.
After You Search: What’s Next?
Once your search confirms the mark is clear, you can start the application process. This includes:
- Filling forms
- Choosing categories
- Paying government fees
The process then enters review, journal listing, and if no objections arise, your mark is officially registered.
Conclusion
An early trademark search in India is the first step in securing your identity. It ensures your brand assets are free to use, legally safe, and ready for registration.
With easy-to-use tools and expert help, the process is now accessible. Begin with clarity—because a strong brand needs a strong foundation. Report this page