The Blog on public search tm
The Blog on 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 involves checking existing registered or pending trademarks in the central database run by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This procedure helps verify whether your proposed trademark is free to use or if it conflicts with any existing mark.
Doing a trademark search early in the branding process minimises the risk of infringement and ensures your brand identity remains unique and legally secured.
Why Checking Trade Marks Before Filing Matters
Doing a trade mark search prior to filing is not just smart—it’s crucial for avoiding problems. A thorough search lets you:
- Prevent selecting already-used marks
- Reduce costs from rejected applications
- Prevent future disputes
- Ensure your brand is unique
- Streamline the registration process
Without adequate checking, your trademark application might be rejected, 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:
- Go to the Trade Marks Registry website
- Navigate to the public search section
- Enter your keyword
- Choose the correct class
- Browse the list
This tool gives you visibility into both registered trademarks and pending applications, so you can check availability.
What Are 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 focused.
For example, a clothing label usually fall under Class 25, while software tools often go under Class 9. Knowing your class is key to getting relevant results.
Different Types of Trademark Checks
When checking for trademark availability, perform both wordmark and phonetic searches. A wordmark search looks for identical or similar spellings. A phonetic search finds names that sound alike, even if spelled in a different way.
This helps you catch trademarks that could pose legal issues, giving you better peace of mind before applying.
Where to Do Trademark Searches
The CGPDTM provides a free, official search tool. There are also private platforms that offer advanced features like:
- Smart filters
- Legal guidance
- Detailed 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 public search of trade marks 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 keyword tagging.
This ensures your design or icon doesn’t conflict with another registered design, avoiding legal issues.
Professional Assistance for Trademark Search
While anyone can search, a trademark attorney brings depth 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 legal confidence.
After You Search: What’s Next?
Once your search confirms the mark is available, you can file your trademark. This includes:
- Filling forms
- Choosing categories
- Submitting payments
The process then enters examination, journal listing, and if no objections arise, your mark is officially registered.
Conclusion
An early trademark search in India is the most important step in protecting your brand. 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