The Benefits of Knowing public search tm
The Benefits of Knowing public search tm
Blog Article
Trademark Search in India: How to Check and Find Trade Marks Easily and Effectively
Understanding Trademark Search in India
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 desired trademark is available or if it interferes with any existing mark.
Conducting a trademark search at the beginning of the branding process minimises the risk of infringement and ensures your trademark identity remains distinctive and legally protected.
Why Checking Trade Marks Before Filing Matters
Doing a trade mark search prior to filing is not just smart—it’s essential for protecting your brand. A thorough search lets you:
- Avoid choosing already-used marks
- Reduce costs from rejected applications
- Prevent future disputes
- Ensure your brand is unique
- Simplify the registration process
Without adequate checking, your trademark application might be opposed, wasting time and resources.
How to Check a Trade Mark in India?
The Trade Marks Registry provides an official platform where anyone can do a trademark search. To search:
- Visit the Trade Marks Registry website
- Navigate to 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 can check availability.
Why Trademark Classification Matters
Each trademark belongs to 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 accurate.
For example, apparel brands usually fall under Class 25, while software tools often go under Class 9. Understanding this system is key to getting relevant results.
Why You Should Do Both Phonetic and Wordmark Searches
When checking for trademark availability, run 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 ensures you catch trademarks that could cause conflicts, giving you better peace of mind before applying.
Where to Do Trademark Searches
The Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks provides a free, official search tool. There are also external platforms that offer extra features like:
- Smart filters
- Expert analysis
- Trademark risk reports
These tools make the process easier for startups and give confidence that your trademark is ready to file.
Searching for Non-Text Trade Marks
If your trademark includes a logo, you must perform a visual mark check. Searching logos is more complex than wordmark searches, but the Registry portal supports trademark search 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 experience to the process. Professionals:
- Know trademark law deeply
- 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 the mark is clear, you can file your trademark. This includes:
- Preparing documents
- Selecting classes
- Paying government fees
The process then enters review, publication, and if no objections arise, your mark is officially registered.
Final Thoughts on Trademark Search
A thorough trademark search in India is the first step in securing your identity. It ensures your brand assets are unique, protected by law, and fit for filing.
With easy-to-use tools and expert help, anyone can conduct a trademark search. Begin with clarity—because a strong brand needs a strong foundation. Report this page