The Must Know Details and Updates on trade mark search india
The Must Know Details and Updates on trade mark search india
Blog Article
Trademark Search in India: How to Check and Find Trade Marks Easily and Effectively
Understanding Trademark Search in India
A trademark search is about examining existing registered or pending trademarks in the official database maintained by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This process helps determine whether your chosen trademark is free to use or if it overlaps with any existing mark.
Performing a trademark search at the beginning of the branding process minimises the risk of infringement and ensures your brand identity remains distinctive and legally secured.
Why is Trade Mark Search Important?
Doing a trade mark search before registering is not just wise—it’s essential for protecting your brand. A careful search lets you:
- Steer clear of already-used marks
- Reduce costs from rejected applications
- Avoid legal fights
- Ensure your brand is unique
- Streamline the registration process
Without adequate 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 provides an official portal where anyone can run a trademark search. To search:
- Visit the Trade Marks Registry website
- Navigate to the public search section
- Enter your keyword
- Choose the correct class
- Check for matches
This tool gives you visibility into both approved marks and filed requests, 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. Choosing the correct class ensures your search is accurate.
For example, apparel brands usually fall 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, perform both wordmark and phonetic searches. A literal match check looks for identical or similar spellings. A phonetic search finds names that sound alike, even if spelled in a different way.
This ensures you catch trademarks that could pose legal issues, 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
- Trademark risk reports
These tools make the process easier for new brands and help ensure your trademark is clear to register.
How to Check Logo Trademarks
If your trademark includes a logo, you’ll need to perform a device mark search. Searching logos is more complex than wordmark searches, but the government system supports visual filters and public search tm keyword tagging.
This ensures your symbol or logo doesn’t match another registered design, keeping your brand safe.
Professional Assistance for Trademark Search
While individuals can check trademarks, a legal expert brings experience to the process. Professionals:
- Understand classification systems
- Identify hidden risks
- Suggest alternatives
- Support filing and follow-up
For serious businesses, professional support adds accuracy and peace of mind.
Post-Search Steps: Filing Your Trademark
Once your search confirms the mark is clear, you can start the application process. This includes:
- Filling forms
- Choosing categories
- Submitting payments
The process then enters examination, journal listing, and if no objections arise, your mark is granted.
Conclusion
A thorough trademark search in India is the most important step in protecting your brand. It ensures your brand assets are unique, protected by law, and ready for registration.
With simple search platforms and expert help, anyone can conduct a trademark search. Begin with clarity—because a strong brand starts with a strong foundation. Report this page