Latest News on public search of trade marks
Latest News on public search of trade marks
Blog Article
How to Conduct a Trademark Search in India: Simple and Effective Steps
Trademark Search Basics – What You Need to Know
A trademark search is about examining existing applied or approved trademarks in the central database hosted by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This process helps determine whether your desired trademark is free to use or if it interferes with any existing mark.
Doing a trademark search at the beginning of the branding process minimises the risk of infringement and ensures your trademark identity remains unique and legally secured.
Why is Trade Mark Search Important?
Doing a trade mark search in advance of application is not just smart—it’s essential for ensuring success. A thorough search lets you:
- Prevent selecting already-used marks
- Reduce costs from rejected applications
- Avoid legal fights
- Maintain exclusivity
- Streamline the registration process
Without proper 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 maintains an official portal where anyone can do 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 filed requests, so you know where your brand stands.
Why Trademark Classification Matters
Each trademark is grouped into a specific class. In India, there are 45 trademark classes—34 for goods and 11 for services. Identifying the proper class ensures your search is focused.
For example, apparel brands usually search 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, do both wordmark and phonetic searches. A wordmark search looks for identical or similar spellings. A phonetic search finds names that are pronounced similarly, even if spelled in a different way.
This helps you catch trademarks that could pose legal issues, giving you better security before applying.
Resources and Platforms for Trade Mark Checks
The CGPDTM provides a free, official 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 clear to register.
Trademark Search for Logo and Device Marks
If your brand identity uses a logo, you’ll need to 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 conflict with another registered design, keeping your brand safe.
Professional Assistance for Trademark Search
While individuals can check trademarks, a legal expert brings experience 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.
After You Search: What’s Next?
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 examination, journal listing, and if no objections public search of trade marks arise, your mark is granted.
Final Thoughts on Trademark Search
A thorough trademark search in India is the first 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, anyone can conduct a trademark search. Begin with clarity—because a strong brand starts with a strong foundation. Report this page