Readers Views Point on trademark search and Why it is Trending on Social Media
Readers Views Point on trademark search and Why it is Trending on Social Media
Blog Article
How to Conduct a Trademark Search in India: Simple and Effective Steps
Understanding Trademark Search in India
A trademark search means reviewing existing registered or pending trademarks in the government-maintained database run by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This process helps verify whether your chosen trademark is available or if it overlaps with any existing mark.
Conducting a trademark search at the beginning of the branding process reduces the risk of legal violation and ensures your brand identity remains distinctive and legally protected.
Why is Trade Mark Search Important?
Doing a trade mark search in advance of application is not just smart—it’s crucial for avoiding problems. A careful search lets you:
- Prevent selecting already-used marks
- Reduce costs from rejected applications
- Reduce opposition risks
- Maintain exclusivity
- Streamline the registration process
Without proper checking, your trademark application might be rejected, wasting time and resources.
Steps to Do a Trademark Check in India
The Trade Marks Registry provides an official website where anyone can perform 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
- Select the correct class
- Check for matches
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. 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. Understanding this system 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 sound-based check finds names that are pronounced similarly, even if spelled differently.
This helps you spot trademarks that could cause conflicts, giving you better peace of mind before applying.
Where to Do Trademark Searches
The Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks provides a free, government search tool. There are also external platforms that offer advanced features like:
- Search filters
- Legal guidance
- Detailed reports
These tools make the process easier for small businesses and give confidence that your trademark is clear to register.
Trademark Search for Logo and Device Marks
If your brand identity uses 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 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 available, you can start the application process. This includes:
- Filling forms
- Choosing categories
- Paying trademark search government fees
The process then enters review, publication, 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, legally safe, and fit for filing.
With easy-to-use tools and expert help, the process is now accessible. Begin with clarity—because a strong brand needs a strong foundation. Report this page