The Growing Craze About the trademark search
The Growing Craze About the trademark search
Blog Article
Trade Mark Search in India Made Easy: A Guide to Quick and Effective Checks
Trademark Search Basics – What You Need to Know
A trademark search involves checking existing registered or pending trademarks in the central database run by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This procedure helps identify whether your proposed trademark is available or if it overlaps with any existing mark.
Performing 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.
Importance of Doing a Trade Mark Search
Doing a trade mark search prior to filing is not just smart—it’s crucial for ensuring success. A comprehensive search lets you:
- Avoid choosing already-used marks
- Reduce costs from rejected applications
- Reduce opposition risks
- Maintain exclusivity
- Speed up the registration process
Without careful checking, your trademark application might be rejected, wasting time and resources.
How to Check a Trade Mark in India?
The Trade Marks Registry maintains an official portal where anyone can run a trademark search. To search:
- Go to the Trade Marks Registry website
- Navigate to the public search section
- Enter your keyword
- Select the correct class
- View results
This tool gives you visibility into both approved marks and pending applications, 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. Choosing the correct class ensures your search is accurate.
For example, apparel brands usually search under Class 25, while tech products often go under Class 9. Understanding this system is key to getting precise results.
Why You Should Do Both Phonetic and Wordmark Searches
When checking for trademark availability, run 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 ensures you spot trademarks that could cause conflicts, giving you better security before applying.
Tools for Trademark Search in India
The CGPDTM provides a free, official search tool. There are also private platforms that offer advanced features like:
- Search 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 trademark includes 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 find trademark keyword tagging.
This ensures your design or icon doesn’t infringe on another registered design, avoiding legal issues.
The Value of Expert Guidance for Trade Mark Searches
While anyone can search, a trademark attorney brings clarity to the process. Professionals:
- Understand classification systems
- Spot potential conflicts
- Recommend changes
- Handle the registration process
For serious businesses, professional support adds accuracy and peace of mind.
After You Search: What’s Next?
Once your search confirms the mark is available, you can start the application process. This includes:
- Preparing documents
- Selecting classes
- Submitting payments
The process then enters examination, journal listing, and if no objections arise, your mark is granted.
Final Thoughts on Trademark Search
A thorough trademark search in India is the most important step in securing your identity. It ensures your name, logo or slogan are unique, legally safe, and ready for registration.
With easy-to-use tools and expert help, the process is now accessible. Begin with clarity—because a strong brand needs a strong foundation. Report this page