Essential Things You Must Know on trade mark search india
Essential Things You Must Know on trade mark search india
Blog Article
How to Conduct a Trademark Search in India: Simple and Effective Steps
What is a Trademark Search?
A trademark search is about examining existing applied or approved trademarks in the government-maintained database maintained by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This procedure helps identify whether your proposed trademark is free to use or if it interferes with any existing mark.
Performing a trademark search at the beginning of the branding process reduces the risk of infringement and ensures your brand identity remains unique and legally protected.
Why Checking Trade Marks Before Filing Matters
Doing a trade mark search prior to filing is not just smart—it’s essential for protecting your brand. A careful search lets you:
- Prevent selecting already-used marks
- Reduce costs from rejected applications
- Avoid legal fights
- Preserve distinctiveness
- Speed up the registration process
Without careful checking, your trademark application might be denied, wasting time and resources.
Steps to Do a Trademark Check in India
The Trade Marks Registry maintains an official portal where anyone can perform a trademark search. To search:
- Visit the Trade Marks Registry website
- Navigate to the public search section
- Enter your keyword
- Choose 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.
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. Choosing the correct class ensures your search is accurate.
For example, apparel brands usually search under Class 25, while tech products often go under Class 9. Understanding this system is key to getting relevant results.
Why You Should Do Both Phonetic and Wordmark Searches
When checking for trademark availability, do both wordmark and phonetic searches. A wordmark search looks for identical or similar spellings. A phonetic search finds names that sound alike, even if spelled differently.
This helps you spot trademarks that could pose legal issues, giving you better peace of mind 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 third-party platforms that offer advanced features like:
- Smart filters
- Legal guidance
- Detailed reports
These tools simplify trademark checking for small businesses and give confidence that your trademark is ready to file.
How to Check Logo Trademarks
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 Registry portal supports visual filters and keyword tagging.
This ensures your symbol or logo doesn’t match another registered design, avoiding legal issues.
The Value of Expert Guidance for Trade Mark Searches
While individuals can check trademarks, a legal expert brings experience to the process. Professionals:
- Understand classification systems
- Identify hidden risks
- Suggest alternatives
- Support filing and follow-up
For serious businesses, professional support adds accuracy and legal confidence.
After You Search: What’s Next?
Once your search confirms the mark is available, you can start the application process. This includes:
- Filling forms
- Selecting classes
- Submitting payments
The process then enters review, publication, and if no objections arise, your mark is officially registered.
Final Thoughts on Trademark Search
A check trade mark thorough trademark search in India is the first step in securing your identity. It ensures your brand assets are unique, protected by law, and ready for registration.
With simple search platforms and expert help, the process is now accessible. Begin with clarity—because a strong brand starts with a strong foundation. Report this page