Essential Things You Must Know on trademark search
Essential Things You Must Know on trademark search
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 registered or pending trademarks in the central database hosted by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This process helps identify whether your desired trademark is free to use or if it conflicts with any existing mark.
Doing a trademark search at the beginning of the branding process reduces the risk of legal violation and ensures your brand identity remains unique and legally protected.
Why Checking Trade Marks Before Filing Matters
Doing a trade mark search before registering is not just smart—it’s essential for ensuring success. A careful search lets you:
- Avoid choosing already-used marks
- Save money from rejected applications
- Avoid legal fights
- 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
- Browse the list
This platform gives you visibility into both approved marks and pending applications, so you know where your brand stands.
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 tech products often go under Class 9. Knowing your class is key to getting relevant results.
Phonetic and Wordmark Searches
When checking for trademark availability, run 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 in a different way.
This helps you catch trademarks that could lead to confusion, giving you better security before applying.
Where to Do Trademark Searches
The CGPDTM provides a free, official search tool. There are also external platforms that offer extra features like:
- Search filters
- Legal guidance
- Detailed reports
These tools make the process easier for startups and give confidence that your trademark is clear to register.
Trademark Search for Logo and Device 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 government system supports image-based filters and keyword tagging.
This ensures your design or icon doesn’t match another registered design, keeping your brand safe.
Professional Assistance for Trademark Search
While individuals check trade mark can check trademarks, a trademark attorney brings clarity to the process. Professionals:
- Understand classification systems
- Identify hidden risks
- Recommend changes
- Support filing and follow-up
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
- 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
An early trademark search in India is the most important step in protecting your brand. It ensures your brand assets are free to use, legally safe, and fit for filing.
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