public search of trade marks, the Unique Services/Solutions You Must Know
public search of trade marks, the Unique Services/Solutions You Must Know
Blog Article
Trademark Search in India: How to Check and Find Trade Marks Easily and Effectively
Trademark Search Basics – What You Need to Know
A trademark search involves checking existing registered or pending trademarks in the government-maintained database run by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This process helps identify whether your desired trademark is available or if it overlaps with any existing mark.
Doing a trademark search before the branding process minimises the risk of infringement and ensures your trademark identity remains unique and legally protected.
Importance of Doing a Trade Mark Search
Doing a trade mark search before registering is not just wise—it’s crucial for avoiding problems. A thorough search lets you:
- Steer clear of already-used marks
- Save money from rejected applications
- Reduce opposition risks
- Ensure your brand is unique
- Simplify the registration process
Without careful checking, your trademark application might be denied, wasting time and resources.
Where and How to Search for Trade Marks in India
The Trade Marks Registry offers an official website where anyone can perform a trademark search. To search:
- Access the Trade Marks Registry website
- Open the public search section
- Enter your keyword
- Select the correct class
- Browse the list
This tool gives you visibility into both registered trademarks and pending applications, so you know where your brand stands.
Understanding Trademark Classes
Each trademark falls under 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 focused.
For example, apparel brands usually fall under Class 25, while software tools 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 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 helps you catch trademarks that could cause conflicts, giving you better peace of mind before applying.
Where to Do Trademark Searches
The CGPDTM provides a free, official search tool. There are also external platforms that offer extra features like:
- Smart filters
- Legal guidance
- Trademark risk reports
These tools simplify trademark checking for new brands and help ensure your trademark is clear to register.
Trademark Search for Logo and Device Marks
If your brand identity uses 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, avoiding legal issues.
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 legal confidence.
After You Search: What’s Next?
Once your search confirms the mark is clear, you can file your trademark. This trademark in india search includes:
- Preparing documents
- Selecting classes
- Submitting payments
The process then enters examination, publication, and if no objections arise, your mark is officially registered.
Conclusion
An early trademark search in India is the most important 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, the process is now accessible. Begin with clarity—because a strong brand needs a strong foundation. Report this page