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 is about examining existing applied or approved trademarks in the central database run by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This process helps verify whether your desired trademark is available or if it conflicts with any existing mark.
Performing 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 protected.
Why is Trade Mark Search Important?
Doing a trade mark search before registering is not just wise—it’s critical for ensuring success. A comprehensive search lets you:
- Avoid choosing already-used marks
- Save money from rejected applications
- Reduce opposition risks
- Preserve distinctiveness
- Speed up the registration process
Without careful 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 website where anyone can run 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 tool gives you visibility into both approved marks and filed requests, so you can check availability.
Understanding Trademark Classes
Each trademark falls under 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 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 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 pose legal issues, giving you better peace of mind before applying.
Resources and Platforms for Trade Mark Checks
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.
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 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 anyone can search, a legal expert brings experience to the process. Professionals:
- Understand classification systems
- Spot potential conflicts
- Suggest alternatives
- Support filing and follow-up
For serious businesses, professional support adds accuracy and peace of mind.
From Search to Registration: Next Steps
Once your search confirms trademark in india search the mark is available, you can file your trademark. This includes:
- Preparing documents
- Choosing categories
- Submitting payments
The process then enters examination, journal listing, and if no objections arise, your mark is granted.
Final Thoughts on Trademark Search
A thorough trademark search in India is the most important step in protecting your brand. It ensures your brand assets are free to use, protected by law, and fit for filing.
With easy-to-use tools and expert help, the process is now accessible. Begin with clarity—because a strong brand starts with a strong foundation. Report this page