The Must Know Details and Updates on public search of trade marks
The Must Know Details and Updates 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 is about examining existing applied or approved trademarks in the government-maintained database run by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This process helps verify whether your desired trademark is free to use or if it interferes with any existing mark.
Performing a trademark search early in the branding process minimises the risk of legal violation and ensures your trademark identity remains unique and legally secured.
Importance of Doing a Trade Mark Search
Doing a trade mark search before registering is not just wise—it’s crucial for protecting your brand. A thorough search lets you:
- Prevent selecting already-used marks
- Reduce costs from rejected applications
- Reduce opposition risks
- Ensure your brand is unique
- Speed up the registration process
Without proper checking, your trademark application might be denied, wasting time and resources.
Steps to Do a Trademark Check in India
The Trade Marks Registry provides an official website 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 pending applications, so you can check availability.
Why Trademark Classification Matters
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 software tools often go under Class 9. Understanding this system is key to getting relevant results.
Why You Should Do Both Phonetic and Wordmark Searches
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 sound alike, even if spelled differently.
This ensures you catch trademarks that could lead to confusion, giving you better security before applying.
Where to Do Trademark Searches
The Controller General trade mark search india 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 file.
How to Check Logo Trademarks
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 visual filters and keyword tagging.
This ensures your design or icon doesn’t conflict with another registered design, keeping your brand safe.
Professional Assistance for Trademark Search
While individuals can check trademarks, a legal expert brings depth to the process. Professionals:
- Know trademark law deeply
- Identify hidden risks
- Recommend changes
- 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 clear, you can file your trademark. This includes:
- Filling forms
- Choosing categories
- Submitting payments
The process then enters review, publication, and if no objections arise, your mark is granted.
Final Thoughts on Trademark Search
A thorough trademark search in India is the most important step in protecting your brand. It ensures your name, logo or slogan are unique, legally safe, and ready for registration.
With simple search platforms and expert help, the process is now accessible. Begin with clarity—because a strong brand needs a strong foundation. Report this page