Latest News on public search of trade marks
Latest News on public search of trade marks
Blog Article
Trademark Search in India: How to Check and Find Trade Marks Easily and Effectively
What is a Trademark Search?
A trademark search is about examining existing applied or approved trademarks in the central database run by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This process helps verify whether your chosen trademark is available or if it overlaps with any existing mark.
Performing a trademark search at the beginning of the branding process minimises the risk of infringement and ensures your trademark identity remains unique and legally protected.
Why Checking Trade Marks Before Filing Matters
Doing a trade mark search before registering is not just wise—it’s crucial for protecting your brand. A comprehensive search lets you:
- Avoid choosing already-used marks
- Reduce costs from rejected applications
- Prevent future disputes
- Preserve distinctiveness
- Simplify the registration process
Without careful 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 provides an official platform where anyone can do a trademark search. To search:
- Go to the Trade Marks Registry website
- Navigate to the public search section
- Enter your keyword
- Select the correct class
- View results
This tool gives you visibility into both approved marks and pending applications, so you can check availability.
Understanding Trademark Classes
Each trademark falls under 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, 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, run both wordmark and phonetic searches. A wordmark search looks for identical or similar spellings. A phonetic search finds names that sound alike, even if spelled in a different way.
This helps you catch trademarks that could pose legal issues, giving you better security before applying.
Resources and Platforms for Trade Mark Checks
The Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks provides a free, government search tool. There are also external platforms that offer extra features like:
- Smart filters
- Legal guidance
- Trademark risk reports
These tools make the process easier for startups and help ensure your trademark is clear to register.
Trademark Search for Logo and Device Marks
If your brand identity uses a logo, you must check trade mark 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 match another registered design, keeping your brand safe.
Why Hire a Trademark Consultant?
While anyone 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 legal confidence.
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 examination, journal listing, and if no objections arise, your mark is officially registered.
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, protected by law, 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