Why You Need to Know About public search tm?
Why You Need to Know About public search tm?
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 registered or pending trademarks in the government-maintained database run by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This process helps verify whether your desired trademark is available or if it overlaps with any existing mark.
Conducting a trademark search before the branding process minimises 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 prior to filing is not just wise—it’s critical for ensuring success. A thorough search lets you:
- Steer clear of already-used marks
- Save money from rejected applications
- Prevent future disputes
- Ensure your brand is unique
- Speed up the registration process
Without adequate checking, your trademark application might be opposed, wasting time and resources.
Steps to Do a Trademark Check in India
The Trade Marks Registry maintains an official portal where anyone can perform a trademark search. To search:
- Visit the Trade Marks Registry website
- Open the public search section
- Type your brand name or logo text
- Choose the correct class
- Check for matches
This platform gives you visibility into both approved marks and pending applications, so you know where your brand stands.
Understanding 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 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 relevant 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 sound alike, even if spelled differently.
This helps you spot trademarks that could lead to confusion, 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 external platforms that offer extra 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.
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 visual filters and keyword tagging.
This ensures your design or icon doesn’t conflict with another registered design, avoiding legal issues.
Why Hire a Trademark Consultant?
While anyone can search, a legal expert brings experience to the process. Professionals:
- Understand classification systems
- Identify hidden risks
- Recommend changes
- Handle the registration process
For serious businesses, professional support adds strategy and legal confidence.
After You Search: What’s Next?
Once your search confirms the mark is clear, you can file your trademark. This includes:
- Preparing documents
- Selecting classes
- Submitting payments
The process then enters review, publication, and if no objections arise, your mark is officially registered.
Final Thoughts on Trademark Search
A proper trademark search in India is the first step in securing your identity. It ensures your name, logo or slogan are free to use, legally safe, and ready for registration.
With simple search platforms and expert check trade mark help, anyone can conduct a trademark search. Begin with clarity—because a strong brand starts with a strong foundation. Report this page