How Much Do You Know About public search of trade marks?
How Much Do You Know About public search of trade marks?
Blog Article
Trade Mark Search in India Made Easy: A Guide to Quick and Effective Checks
Trademark Search Basics – What You Need to Know
A trademark search is about examining existing applied or approved trademarks in the central database maintained by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This procedure helps identify whether your proposed trademark is free to use or if it conflicts with any existing mark.
Performing 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 critical for avoiding problems. 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 adequate checking, your trademark application might be rejected, wasting time and resources.
How to Check a Trade Mark in India?
The Trade Marks Registry provides an official website where anyone can run a trademark search. To search:
- Visit the Trade Marks Registry website
- Open the public search section
- Type your brand name or logo text
- Select the correct class
- Browse the list
This platform gives you visibility into both approved marks and pending applications, so you can check availability.
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 relevant.
For example, apparel brands usually search under Class 25, while tech products often go under Class 9. Knowing your class is key to getting precise results.
Different Types of Trademark Checks
When checking for trademark availability, perform both wordmark and phonetic searches. A wordmark search 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 spot trademarks that check trade mark could lead to confusion, 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, government search tool. There are also external platforms that offer extra features like:
- Search filters
- Legal guidance
- Detailed reports
These tools make the process easier for startups and give confidence that your trademark is ready to file.
How to Check Logo Trademarks
If your trademark includes a logo, you must 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 design or icon doesn’t conflict with another registered design, keeping your brand safe.
Professional Assistance for Trademark Search
While individuals can check trademarks, a trademark attorney brings clarity to the process. Professionals:
- Understand classification systems
- Identify hidden risks
- Recommend changes
- Handle the registration process
For serious businesses, professional support adds strategy and legal confidence.
Post-Search Steps: Filing Your Trademark
Once your search confirms the mark is clear, you can file your trademark. This includes:
- Preparing documents
- 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
An early trademark search in India is the most important step in protecting your brand. It ensures your name, logo or slogan are unique, legally safe, and fit for filing.
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