Trending Update Blog on public search of trade marks
Trending Update Blog on 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 is about examining existing registered or pending trademarks in the official database maintained by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This process helps determine whether your proposed trademark is available or if it overlaps with any existing mark.
Conducting a trademark search at the beginning of the branding process minimises the risk of infringement and ensures your brand identity remains distinctive and legally secured.
Why is Trade Mark Search Important?
Doing a trade mark search before registering is not just smart—it’s critical for protecting your brand. A thorough search lets you:
- Avoid choosing already-used marks
- Reduce costs from rejected applications
- Reduce opposition risks
- Preserve distinctiveness
- Streamline the registration process
Without adequate checking, your trademark application might be rejected, wasting time and resources.
Steps to Do a Trademark Check in India
The Trade Marks Registry offers an official portal where anyone can run a trademark search. To search:
- Go to the Trade Marks Registry website
- Open the public search section
- Type your brand name or logo text
- Select the correct class
- View results
This platform gives you visibility into both approved marks and pending applications, 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. Selecting the right class ensures your search is accurate.
For example, apparel brands usually fall 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, 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 in a different way.
This ensures you spot trademarks that could lead to confusion, giving you better peace of mind before applying.
Where to Do Trademark Searches
The CGPDTM provides a free, government search tool. check trade mark There are also third-party platforms that offer extra features like:
- Search filters
- Expert analysis
- Trademark risk reports
These tools make the process easier for new brands and give confidence that your trademark is ready to file.
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 Registry portal supports image-based filters and keyword tagging.
This ensures your design or icon doesn’t match another registered design, keeping your brand safe.
Why Hire a Trademark Consultant?
While anyone can search, a trademark attorney brings clarity to the process. Professionals:
- Know trademark law deeply
- Identify hidden risks
- Suggest alternatives
- Handle the registration process
For serious businesses, professional support adds strategy and peace of mind.
Post-Search Steps: Filing Your Trademark
Once your search confirms the mark is clear, you can start the application process. This includes:
- Filling forms
- Choosing categories
- Submitting payments
The process then enters examination, journal listing, and if no objections arise, your mark is granted.
Conclusion
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, legally safe, and fit for filing.
With simple search platforms and expert help, anyone can conduct a trademark search. Begin with clarity—because a strong brand starts with a strong foundation. Report this page