public search of trade marks, the Unique Services/Solutions You Must Know
public search of trade marks, the Unique Services/Solutions You Must Know
Blog Article
Trademark Search in India: How to Check and Find Trade Marks Easily and Effectively
Trademark Search Basics – What You Need to Know
A trademark search means reviewing existing registered or pending trademarks in the central database run by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This process helps determine whether your proposed trademark is available or if it conflicts with any existing mark.
Doing a trademark search at the beginning of the branding process minimises the risk of legal violation and ensures your trademark identity remains distinctive and legally secured.
Why Checking Trade Marks Before Filing Matters
Doing a trade mark search before registering is not just smart—it’s crucial for ensuring success. A careful search lets you:
- Steer clear of 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 denied, wasting time and resources.
How to Check a Trade Mark in India?
The Trade Marks Registry maintains an official website where anyone can perform a trademark search. To search:
- Visit the Trade Marks Registry website
- Navigate to the public search section
- Enter your keyword
- Select the correct class
- Check for matches
This platform gives you visibility into both registered trademarks and filed requests, so you can check availability.
Understanding Trademark Classes
Each trademark is grouped into 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 relevant.
For example, apparel brands usually fall 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 wordmark search looks for same or close spellings. A sound-based check finds names that sound alike, even if spelled differently.
This helps you catch trademarks that could cause conflicts, giving you better peace of mind before applying.
Where to Do Trademark Searches
The Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks provides a free, government search tool. There are also private platforms that offer advanced features like:
- Smart filters
- Legal guidance
- Trademark risk reports
These tools simplify trademark checking for small businesses and help ensure your trademark is clear to register.
Searching for Non-Text Trade Marks
If your brand identity uses a logo, you’ll need to 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 symbol or logo doesn’t match another registered design, keeping your brand safe.
The Value of Expert Guidance for Trade Mark Searches
While anyone can search, a legal expert brings experience to the process. Professionals:
- Understand classification systems
- Identify hidden risks
- Recommend changes
- Handle the registration process
For serious businesses, professional support adds accuracy public search tm and peace of mind.
From Search to Registration: Next Steps
Once your search confirms the mark is clear, you can file your trademark. This includes:
- Preparing documents
- 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 unique, 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