Essential Things You Must Know on public search of trade marks
Essential Things You Must Know on public search of trade marks
Blog Article
Trade Mark Search in India Made Easy: A Guide to Quick and Effective Checks
What is a Trademark Search?
A trademark search is about examining existing applied or approved trademarks in the official database maintained by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This process helps identify whether your desired trademark is available or if it conflicts with any existing mark.
Doing a trademark search early in the branding process minimises the risk of infringement and ensures your brand identity remains distinctive and legally secured.
Importance of Doing a Trade Mark Search
Doing a trade mark search prior to filing is not just wise—it’s crucial for ensuring success. A careful search lets you:
- Steer clear of already-used marks
- Reduce costs from rejected applications
- Prevent future disputes
- Ensure your brand is unique
- Speed up the registration process
Without proper checking, your trademark application might be opposed, wasting time and resources.
Steps to Do a Trademark Check in India
The Trade Marks Registry offers an official platform where anyone can perform a trademark search. To search:
- Access the Trade Marks Registry website
- Open the public search section
- Type your brand name or logo text
- Choose the correct class
- View results
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. Selecting the right class ensures your search is relevant.
For example, a clothing label usually fall under Class 25, while software tools often go under Class 9. Understanding this system is key to getting precise results.
Different Types of Trademark Checks
When checking for trademark availability, run both wordmark and phonetic searches. A literal match check looks for same or close spellings. A phonetic search finds names that sound alike, even if spelled in a different way.
This ensures you spot 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 third-party platforms that offer extra features like:
- Smart filters
- Legal guidance
- Detailed reports
These tools simplify trademark checking for new brands 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 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 conflict with another registered design, keeping your brand safe.
The Value of Expert Guidance for Trade Mark Searches
While individuals can check trademarks, a trademark attorney brings clarity to the process. Professionals:
- Know trademark law deeply
- Spot potential conflicts
- check trade mark Recommend changes
- Support filing and follow-up
For serious businesses, professional support adds strategy 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
- Paying government fees
The process then enters review, publication, and if no objections arise, your mark is officially registered.
Secure Your Brand with Smart Trade Mark Checks
A proper trademark search in India is the most important step in securing your identity. It ensures your name, logo or slogan are free to use, 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