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
What is a Trademark Search?
A trademark search means reviewing existing registered or pending trademarks in the official database hosted by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This process helps verify whether your proposed trademark is free to use or if it interferes with any existing mark.
Performing a trademark search early in the branding process reduces 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 critical for protecting your brand. A careful search lets you:
- Prevent selecting already-used marks
- Save money from rejected applications
- Avoid legal fights
- Preserve distinctiveness
- Simplify the registration process
Without proper checking, your trademark application might be opposed, wasting time and resources.
Steps to Do a Trademark Check in India
The Trade Marks Registry offers 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
- View results
This tool gives you visibility into both approved marks and filed requests, so you can check availability.
Understanding Trademark Classes
Each trademark falls under 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 relevant.
For example, apparel brands usually fall under Class 25, while tech products often go under Class 9. Understanding this system is key to getting relevant results.
Different Types of Trademark Checks
When checking for trademark availability, run both wordmark and phonetic searches. A literal match check looks for identical or similar spellings. A phonetic search finds names that sound alike, even if spelled in a different way.
This ensures you catch public search tm trademarks that could cause conflicts, giving you better peace of mind before applying.
Resources and Platforms for Trade Mark Checks
The Indian IP Office provides a free, government search tool. There are also external platforms that offer extra features like:
- Smart filters
- Legal guidance
- Detailed reports
These tools simplify trademark checking for new brands and give confidence that your trademark is ready to file.
Searching for Non-Text Trade Marks
If your brand identity uses a logo, you must perform a visual mark check. Searching logos is more complex than wordmark searches, but the government system supports image-based filters and keyword tagging.
This ensures your design or icon doesn’t infringe on another registered design, keeping your brand safe.
Professional Assistance for Trademark Search
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 peace of mind.
From Search to Registration: Next Steps
Once your search confirms the mark is available, you can start the application process. This includes:
- Filling forms
- Choosing categories
- Paying government fees
The process then enters review, publication, and if no objections arise, your mark is officially registered.
Conclusion
A thorough trademark search in India is the first step in protecting your brand. It ensures your brand assets are unique, legally safe, and fit for filing.
With simple search platforms and expert help, anyone can conduct a trademark search. Begin with clarity—because a strong brand needs a strong foundation. Report this page