The Most Spoken Article on public search of trade marks
The Most Spoken Article on public search of trade marks
Blog Article
How to Conduct a Trademark Search in India: Simple and Effective Steps
Trademark Search Basics – What You Need to Know
A trademark search involves checking existing applied or approved trademarks in the official database hosted 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 at the beginning of the branding process minimises the risk of legal violation and ensures your brand identity remains unique and legally secured.
Why Checking Trade Marks Before Filing Matters
Doing a trade mark search in advance of application is not just wise—it’s critical for avoiding problems. A careful search lets you:
- Avoid choosing already-used marks
- Reduce costs from rejected applications
- Avoid legal fights
- Preserve distinctiveness
- Speed up the registration process
Without adequate checking, your trademark application might be opposed, wasting time and resources.
How to Check a Trade Mark in India?
The Trade Marks Registry provides an official website where anyone can run a trademark search. To search:
- Visit the Trade Marks Registry website
- Navigate to the public search section
- Type your brand name or logo text
- Choose the correct class
- Browse the list
This platform gives you visibility into both registered trademarks and pending applications, so you can check availability.
Why Trademark Classification Matters
Each trademark belongs to a specific class. In India, there are 45 trademark classes—34 for goods and 11 for services. Choosing the correct class ensures your search is relevant.
For example, a clothing label usually search under Class 25, while tech products often go under Class 9. Knowing your class is key to getting precise results.
Different Types of Trademark Checks
When checking for trademark availability, perform both wordmark and phonetic searches. A literal match check looks for identical or similar spellings. A phonetic search finds names that sound alike, even if spelled differently.
This helps you spot trademarks that could lead to confusion, giving you better security before applying.
Resources and Platforms for Trade Mark Checks
The Indian IP Office provides a free, government search tool. There are also third-party platforms that offer advanced features like:
- Search filters
- Legal guidance
- Trademark risk reports
These tools make the process easier for new brands and help ensure your trademark is clear to register.
Searching for Non-Text Trade Marks
If your brand identity uses a logo, you must perform a device mark search. Searching logos is more complex than wordmark searches, but the Registry portal supports visual filters and keyword tagging.
This check trade mark ensures your symbol or logo doesn’t conflict with 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
- Identify hidden risks
- Recommend changes
- Support filing and follow-up
For serious businesses, professional support adds accuracy and legal confidence.
From Search to Registration: Next Steps
Once your search confirms the mark is available, you can file your trademark. This includes:
- Preparing documents
- Selecting classes
- Submitting payments
The process then enters examination, publication, 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, protected by law, and ready for registration.
With simple search platforms and expert help, the process is now accessible. Begin with clarity—because a strong brand starts with a strong foundation. Report this page