The Blog on public search of trade marks
The Blog on public search of trade marks
Blog Article
Trademark Search in India: How to Check and Find Trade Marks Easily and Effectively
Understanding Trademark Search in India
A trademark search means reviewing existing applied or approved trademarks in the central database hosted by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This process helps verify whether your proposed trademark is available or if it overlaps with any existing mark.
Performing a trademark search at the beginning of the branding process reduces the risk of infringement and ensures your brand identity remains distinctive and legally secured.
Importance of Doing a Trade Mark Search
Doing a trade mark search in advance of application is not just smart—it’s essential for ensuring success. A careful search lets you:
- Avoid choosing already-used marks
- Save money from rejected applications
- Reduce opposition risks
- Preserve distinctiveness
- Speed up the registration process
Without proper 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
- Navigate to 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 approved marks and filed requests, so you know where your brand stands.
Why Trademark Classification Matters
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 focused.
For example, apparel brands usually search under Class 25, while tech products often go under Class 9. Knowing your class is key to getting precise results.
Phonetic and Wordmark Searches
When checking for trademark availability, run both wordmark and phonetic searches. A literal match check looks for identical or similar spellings. A phonetic search finds names that are pronounced similarly, even if spelled in a different way.
This helps you spot trademarks that could lead to confusion, giving you better peace of mind 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 extra features like:
- Smart filters
- Expert analysis
- Detailed reports
These tools make the process easier for small businesses and help ensure your trademark is ready to public search of trade marks file.
Searching for Non-Text Trade Marks
If your trademark includes a logo, you must perform a device mark search. 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 infringe on another registered design, avoiding legal issues.
Why Hire a Trademark Consultant?
While individuals can check trademarks, a trademark attorney brings experience to the process. Professionals:
- Know trademark law deeply
- Spot potential conflicts
- Suggest alternatives
- Support filing and follow-up
For serious businesses, professional support adds accuracy and peace of mind.
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
- Paying government fees
The process then enters review, publication, and if no objections arise, your mark is granted.
Conclusion
An early trademark search in India is the most important step in protecting your brand. It ensures your brand assets are unique, protected by law, and fit for filing.
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