How to Conduct a Trademark Search in India: Simple and Effective Steps
What is a Trademark Search?
A trademark search means reviewing existing registered or pending trademarks in the central database run by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This procedure helps identify whether your proposed trademark is available or if it conflicts with any existing mark.
Performing a trademark search before the branding process reduces the risk of infringement and ensures your brand identity remains distinctive 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 comprehensive search lets you:
- Avoid choosing already-used marks
- Save money from rejected applications
- Reduce opposition risks
- Maintain exclusivity
- Streamline 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 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
- Choose the correct class
- View results
This tool gives you visibility into both registered trademarks and pending applications, so you can check availability.
Understanding 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 focused.
For example, apparel brands usually fall under Class 25, while tech products 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 identical or similar spellings. trademark in india search 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.
Where to Do Trademark Searches
The Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks provides a free, government search tool. There are also private platforms that offer extra features like:
- Search filters
- Legal guidance
- Trademark risk reports
These tools simplify trademark checking for new brands and help ensure your trademark is ready to file.
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 symbol or logo 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 experience to the process. Professionals:
- Know trademark law deeply
- Spot potential conflicts
- Recommend changes
- 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:
- Filling forms
- Choosing categories
- Submitting payments
The process then enters review, publication, and if no objections arise, your mark is granted.
Final Thoughts on Trademark Search
A thorough trademark search in India is the most important step in protecting your brand. 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.