How Much Do You Know About trademark search?
How Much Do You Know About trademark search?
Blog Article
Trademark Search in India: How to Check and Find Trade Marks Easily and Effectively
Trademark Search Basics – What You Need to Know
A trademark search means reviewing existing applied or approved trademarks in the official database run by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This procedure helps determine whether your proposed trademark is available or if it interferes with any existing mark.
Performing a trademark search early in the branding process minimises the risk of infringement and ensures your trademark identity remains distinctive and legally secured.
Why is Trade Mark Search Important?
Doing a trade mark search prior to filing is not just wise—it’s crucial for ensuring success. A thorough search lets you:
- Avoid choosing already-used marks
- Save money from rejected applications
- Prevent future disputes
- Maintain exclusivity
- Streamline the registration process
Without careful checking, your trademark application might be opposed, wasting time and resources.
Where and How to Search for Trade Marks in India
The Trade Marks Registry maintains an official platform where anyone can run a trademark search. To search:
- Access 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 is grouped into 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, a clothing label usually search under Class 25, while tech products often go under Class 9. Knowing your class 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 identical or similar spellings. A phonetic search finds names that are pronounced similarly, even if spelled in a different way.
This ensures 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 private platforms that offer extra features like:
- Search filters
- Expert analysis
- Detailed reports
These tools make the process easier for startups and give confidence that your trademark is clear to register.
How to Check Logo Trademarks
If your trademark includes a logo, you must perform a device mark search. 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 conflict with another registered design, keeping your trademark in india search brand safe.
Professional Assistance for Trademark Search
While individuals can check trademarks, a trademark attorney brings clarity to the process. Professionals:
- Understand classification systems
- Identify hidden risks
- Recommend changes
- 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
- Choosing categories
- Paying government fees
The process then enters review, journal listing, and if no objections arise, your mark is granted.
Conclusion
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 ready for registration.
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