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
What is a Trademark Search?
A trademark search is about examining existing registered or pending trademarks in the central database run by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This procedure helps verify whether your desired trademark is free to use or if it overlaps with any existing mark.
Doing a trademark search early in the branding process minimises the risk of infringement and ensures your brand identity remains unique and legally protected.
Importance of Doing a Trade Mark Search
Doing a trade mark search in advance of application is not just wise—it’s essential for ensuring success. A comprehensive search lets you:
- Prevent selecting already-used marks
- Save money from rejected applications
- Avoid legal fights
- Ensure your brand is unique
- Simplify the registration process
Without adequate checking, your trademark application might be denied, wasting time and resources.
How to Check a Trade Mark in India?
The Trade Marks Registry maintains an official platform where anyone can perform a trademark search. To search:
- Access the Trade Marks Registry website
- Open the public search section
- Type your brand name or logo text
- Select the correct class
- View results
This tool gives you visibility into both approved marks and pending applications, so you can check availability.
What Are Trademark Classes?
Each trademark belongs to 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, a clothing label usually fall under Class 25, while software tools often go under Class 9. Understanding this system is key to getting precise results.
Different Types of Trademark Checks
When checking for trademark availability, do both wordmark and phonetic searches. A wordmark search looks for same or close spellings. A sound-based check finds names that sound alike, even if spelled differently.
This ensures you spot trademarks that could cause conflicts, giving you better peace of mind before applying.
Tools for Trademark Search in India
The Indian IP Office provides a free, government search tool. There are also third-party platforms that offer advanced features like:
- Smart 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 brand identity uses a logo, you must perform a visual mark check. 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 infringe on another registered design, avoiding legal issues.
Why Hire a Trademark Consultant?
While anyone can search, a legal expert brings depth to the process. Professionals:
- Know trademark law deeply
- Spot potential conflicts
- Suggest alternatives
- Handle the registration process
For serious businesses, professional support adds accuracy and peace of mind.
Post-Search Steps: Filing Your Trademark
Once trademark search your search confirms the mark is clear, 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
An early trademark search in India is the first step in securing your identity. It ensures your name, logo or slogan are unique, 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