The Blog on public search of trade marks
The Blog on public search of trade marks
Blog Article
How to Conduct a Trademark Search in India: Simple and Effective Steps
What is a Trademark Search?
A trademark search is about examining existing registered or pending trademarks in the central database hosted by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This process helps determine 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 minimises the risk of legal violation and ensures your trademark identity remains distinctive and legally secured.
Importance of Doing a Trade Mark Search
Doing a trade mark search prior to filing is not just wise—it’s crucial for ensuring success. A thorough search lets you:
- Avoid choosing already-used marks
- Save money from rejected applications
- Prevent future disputes
- Maintain exclusivity
- Simplify the registration process
Without adequate checking, your trademark application might be rejected, 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
- Check for matches
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 relevant.
For example, a clothing label usually search under Class 25, while software tools often go under Class 9. Understanding this system is key to getting relevant results.
Different Types of Trademark Checks
When checking for trademark availability, perform 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 spot trademarks that could cause conflicts, 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 advanced features like:
- Smart filters
- Legal guidance
- Trademark risk reports
These tools simplify trademark checking for new brands and help ensure your trademark is ready to file.
Searching for Non-Text Trade Marks
If your trademark includes a logo, you must perform a visual mark check. Searching logos is more complex than wordmark searches, but the Registry portal supports visual filters and keyword tagging.
This ensures your design or icon doesn’t infringe on another registered design, avoiding legal issues.
Why Hire a Trademark Consultant?
While anyone find trademark can search, a legal expert brings depth 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 examination, journal listing, 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 most important step in protecting your brand. It ensures your name, logo or slogan are free to use, legally safe, and fit for filing.
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