Why You Need to Know About public search of trade marks?
Why You Need to Know About public search of trade marks?
Blog Article
Trade Mark Search in India Made Easy: A Guide to Quick and Effective Checks
Understanding Trademark Search in India
A trademark search involves checking existing applied or approved trademarks in the central database maintained by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This procedure helps identify whether your chosen trademark is available or if it overlaps with any existing mark.
Conducting a trademark search early in the branding process reduces the risk of infringement and ensures your trademark identity remains distinctive and legally protected.
Why is Trade Mark Search Important?
Doing a trade mark search before registering is not just wise—it’s essential for ensuring success. A comprehensive search lets you:
- Avoid choosing already-used marks
- Reduce costs from rejected applications
- Reduce opposition risks
- Ensure your brand is unique
- Streamline the registration process
Without proper checking, your trademark application might be denied, wasting time and resources.
How to Check a Trade Mark in India?
The Trade Marks Registry provides an official website 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
- Browse the list
This tool gives you visibility into both registered trademarks and filed requests, so you know where your brand stands.
What Are 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, 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.
Phonetic and Wordmark Searches
When checking for trademark availability, perform both wordmark and phonetic searches. A literal match check looks for same or close spellings. A sound-based check finds names that are pronounced similarly, even if spelled in a different way.
This ensures you catch trademarks that could lead to confusion, giving you better security before applying.
Tools for Trademark Search in India
The Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks provides a free, official search tool. There are also private platforms that offer advanced features like:
- Search filters
- Expert analysis
- 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 trademark includes a logo, you’ll need to perform a device mark search. Searching logos is more complex than wordmark searches, but the government system supports visual 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 individuals can check trademarks, a trademark attorney 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 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
- Choosing categories
- Paying government fees
The process then enters review, publication, trademark search 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 first step in securing your identity. 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, anyone can conduct a trademark search. Begin with clarity—because a strong brand needs a strong foundation. Report this page