public search of trade marks, the Unique Services/Solutions You Must Know
public search of trade marks, the Unique Services/Solutions You Must Know
Blog Article
Trademark Search in India: How to Check and Find Trade Marks Easily and Effectively
Trademark Search Basics – What You Need to Know
A trademark search means reviewing existing registered or pending trademarks in the government-maintained database hosted by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This process helps identify whether your desired trademark is free to use or if it overlaps with any existing mark.
Doing a trademark search early in the branding process reduces the risk of legal violation and ensures your trademark identity remains distinctive and legally secured.
Why is Trade Mark Search Important?
Doing a trade mark search prior to filing is not just smart—it’s essential for avoiding problems. A comprehensive search lets you:
- Prevent selecting already-used marks
- Save money from rejected applications
- Avoid legal fights
- Ensure your brand is unique
- 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 offers an official website where anyone can perform a trademark search. To search:
- Visit the Trade Marks Registry website
- Navigate to the public search section
- Type your brand name or logo text
- Select the correct class
- Check for matches
This platform gives you visibility into both registered trademarks 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. Selecting the right class ensures your search is relevant.
For example, apparel brands usually search under Class 25, while software tools often go under Class 9. Knowing your class is key to getting relevant results.
Different Types of Trademark Checks
When checking for trademark availability, do both wordmark and phonetic searches. A wordmark search looks for same or close spellings. A phonetic search finds names that are pronounced similarly, even if spelled in a different way.
This helps you spot trademarks that could pose legal issues, giving you better peace of mind before applying.
Tools for Trademark Search in India
The CGPDTM provides a free, government search tool. There are also external platforms that offer extra features like:
- Search filters
- Expert analysis
- Trademark risk reports
These tools simplify trademark checking for small businesses and give confidence that your trademark is clear to register.
Searching for Non-Text Trade Marks
If your brand identity uses a logo, you must perform a visual mark check. Searching logos is more complex than wordmark searches, but the Registry portal supports image-based filters and keyword tagging.
This ensures your symbol or logo doesn’t infringe on another registered design, keeping your brand safe.
Why Hire a Trademark Consultant?
While anyone can search, a trademark attorney brings depth to the process. Professionals:
- Understand trademark search classification systems
- Identify hidden risks
- Suggest alternatives
- Handle the registration process
For serious businesses, professional support adds accuracy and peace of mind.
After You Search: What’s Next?
Once your search confirms the mark is available, you can start the application process. This includes:
- Filling forms
- Selecting classes
- Submitting payments
The process then enters review, publication, and if no objections arise, your mark is officially registered.
Secure Your Brand with Smart Trade Mark Checks
An early trademark search in India is the first step in securing your identity. It ensures your name, logo or slogan are free to use, protected by law, and ready for registration.
With simple search platforms and expert help, anyone can conduct a trademark search. Begin with clarity—because a strong brand needs a strong foundation. Report this page