Why You Need to Know About public search of trade marks?
Why You Need to Know About public search of trade marks?
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 identify whether your chosen trademark is free to use or if it conflicts with any existing mark.
Conducting a trademark search at the beginning of the branding process reduces the risk of legal violation and ensures your trademark identity remains distinctive and legally secured.
Why Checking Trade Marks Before Filing Matters
Doing a trade mark search before registering is not just smart—it’s critical for ensuring success. A comprehensive search lets you:
- Prevent selecting already-used marks
- Save money from rejected applications
- Avoid legal fights
- Ensure your brand is unique
- Speed up the registration process
Without careful checking, your trademark application might be rejected, wasting time and resources.
Steps to Do a Trademark Check in India
The Trade Marks Registry offers an official platform where anyone can perform a trademark search. To search:
- Go to the Trade Marks Registry website
- Open the public search section
- Type your brand name or logo text
- Select the correct class
- View results
This platform gives you visibility into both registered trademarks and pending applications, so you know where your brand stands.
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. Identifying the proper class ensures your search is relevant.
For example, apparel brands usually search under Class 25, while software tools often go under Class 9. Knowing your class is key to getting precise results.
Phonetic and Wordmark Searches
When checking for trademark availability, perform both wordmark and phonetic searches. A wordmark search looks for identical or similar spellings. A sound-based check finds names that sound alike, even if spelled differently.
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 external platforms that offer extra features like:
- Smart filters
- Expert analysis
- Detailed reports
These tools simplify trademark checking for small businesses and give confidence that your trademark is clear to register.
How to Check Logo Trademarks
If your brand identity uses a logo, you’ll need to perform a device mark search. Searching logos is more complex than wordmark searches, but the Registry portal public search of trade marks supports image-based filters and keyword tagging.
This ensures your design or icon doesn’t infringe on another registered design, keeping your brand safe.
Why Hire a Trademark Consultant?
While anyone can search, a trademark attorney brings depth to the process. Professionals:
- Know trademark law deeply
- Identify hidden risks
- Suggest alternatives
- Support filing and follow-up
For serious businesses, professional support adds strategy and legal confidence.
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
An early trademark search in India is the first step in securing your identity. It ensures your name, logo or slogan are unique, protected by law, and ready for registration.
With simple search platforms and expert help, the process is now accessible. Begin with clarity—because a strong brand starts with a strong foundation. Report this page