Latest News on public search of trade marks
Latest News on public search of trade marks
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 is about examining existing applied or approved trademarks in the official database hosted by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This process helps verify whether your desired trademark is free to use or if it interferes with any existing mark.
Doing a trademark search at the beginning of the branding process minimises the risk of legal violation and ensures your brand identity remains unique and legally secured.
Why Checking Trade Marks Before Filing Matters
Doing a trade mark search before registering is not just wise—it’s critical for avoiding problems. A careful search lets you:
- Avoid choosing already-used marks
- Reduce costs from rejected applications
- Avoid legal fights
- Maintain exclusivity
- Streamline the registration process
Without proper checking, your trademark application might be denied, wasting time and resources.
Where and How to Search for Trade Marks in India
The Trade Marks Registry maintains an official portal where anyone can do a trademark search. To search:
- Go to the Trade Marks Registry website
- Navigate to the public search section
- Type your brand name or logo text
- Choose the correct class
- View results
This tool gives you visibility into both registered trademarks and filed requests, 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. Choosing the correct class ensures your search is relevant.
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 precise results.
Phonetic and Wordmark Searches
When checking for trademark availability, do 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 catch trademarks that could cause conflicts, giving you better security before applying.
Resources and Platforms for Trade Mark Checks
The Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks provides a free, official search tool. There are also third-party platforms that offer advanced features like:
- Search filters
- Expert analysis
- Detailed reports
These tools simplify trademark checking for new brands and help ensure your trademark is clear to register.
Searching for Non-Text Trade Marks
If your brand identity uses a logo, you’ll need to 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 match another registered design, keeping your brand safe.
The Value of Expert Guidance for Trade Mark Searches
While anyone can search, a legal expert brings depth to the process. Professionals:
- Know trademark law deeply
- Identify hidden risks
- Recommend trademark search changes
- Support filing and follow-up
For serious businesses, professional support adds accuracy and legal confidence.
Post-Search Steps: Filing Your Trademark
Once your search confirms the mark is available, you can start the application process. This includes:
- Preparing documents
- Choosing categories
- Paying government fees
The process then enters examination, publication, and if no objections arise, your mark is granted.
Secure Your Brand with Smart Trade Mark Checks
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, anyone can conduct a trademark search. Begin with clarity—because a strong brand starts with a strong foundation. Report this page