Trending Useful Information on public search of trade marks You Should Know
Trending Useful Information on public search of trade marks You Should Know
Blog Article
How to Conduct a Trademark Search in India: Simple and Effective Steps
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 identify whether your desired trademark is available or if it interferes 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 is Trade Mark Search Important?
Doing a trade mark search before registering is not just wise—it’s essential for protecting your brand. A thorough search lets you:
- Steer clear of already-used marks
- Reduce costs from rejected applications
- Prevent future disputes
- 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 website where anyone can do a trademark search. To search:
- Go to the Trade Marks Registry website
- Open the public search section
- Type your brand name or logo text
- Choose the correct class
- Browse the list
This tool gives you visibility into both registered trademarks and filed requests, so you know where your brand stands.
Understanding Trademark Classes
Each trademark is grouped into 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, a clothing label usually search under Class 25, while software tools often go under Class 9. Knowing your class is key to getting precise results.
Why You Should Do Both Phonetic and Wordmark Searches
When checking for trademark availability, do both wordmark and phonetic searches. A wordmark search looks for same or close spellings. A sound-based check finds names that sound alike, even if spelled differently.
This helps you spot trademarks that could lead to confusion, giving you better peace of mind before applying.
Where to Do Trademark Searches
The CGPDTM 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 small businesses and give confidence that your trademark is ready to file.
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 government system supports visual 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 legal expert brings experience find trademark to the process. Professionals:
- Understand classification systems
- Spot potential conflicts
- Suggest alternatives
- Handle the registration process
For serious businesses, professional support adds strategy and peace of mind.
From Search to Registration: Next Steps
Once your search confirms the mark is available, you can file your trademark. This includes:
- Preparing documents
- Selecting classes
- Submitting payments
The process then enters examination, journal listing, and if no objections arise, your mark is granted.
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 starts with a strong foundation. Report this page