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Latest News on public search tm
Blog Article
How to Conduct a Trademark Search in India: Simple and Effective Steps
Trademark Search Basics – What You Need to Know
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 free to use or if it conflicts with any existing mark.
Conducting a trademark search before the branding process reduces the risk of infringement and ensures your trademark identity remains distinctive and legally secured.
Importance of Doing a Trade Mark Search
Doing a trade mark search before registering is not just wise—it’s critical for ensuring success. A thorough search lets you:
- Steer clear of already-used marks
- Reduce costs from rejected applications
- Avoid legal fights
- Preserve distinctiveness
- Speed up the registration process
Without adequate checking, your trademark application might be denied, wasting time and resources.
Steps to Do a Trademark Check 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
- Select the correct class
- View results
This tool gives you visibility into both registered trademarks and filed requests, 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 focused.
For example, apparel brands usually fall under Class 25, while software tools often go under Class 9. Understanding this system is key to getting precise results.
Different Types of Trademark Checks
When checking for trademark availability, do both wordmark and phonetic searches. A literal match check looks for identical or similar spellings. A sound-based check finds names that are pronounced similarly, even if spelled in a different way.
This helps 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, check trade mark and Trade Marks provides a free, official search tool. There are also private platforms that offer advanced features like:
- Smart filters
- Legal guidance
- Detailed reports
These tools simplify trademark checking for new brands and help ensure your trademark is clear to register.
How to Check Logo Trademarks
If your trademark includes a logo, you must perform a device mark search. Searching logos is more complex than wordmark searches, but the Registry portal supports image-based filters and keyword tagging.
This ensures your symbol or logo doesn’t match another registered design, keeping your brand safe.
Why Hire a Trademark Consultant?
While anyone can search, a legal expert brings experience to the process. Professionals:
- Know trademark law deeply
- Identify hidden risks
- Recommend changes
- Handle the registration process
For serious businesses, professional support adds strategy and peace of mind.
After You Search: What’s Next?
Once your search confirms the mark is available, you can start the application process. This includes:
- Filling forms
- Choosing categories
- Submitting payments
The process then enters examination, publication, and if no objections arise, your mark is granted.
Conclusion
A thorough 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 fit for filing.
With simple search platforms and expert help, anyone can conduct a trademark search. Begin with clarity—because a strong brand needs a strong foundation. Report this page