public search tm, the Unique Services/Solutions You Must Know
public search tm, the Unique Services/Solutions You Must Know
Blog Article
Trade Mark Search in India Made Easy: A Guide to Quick and Effective Checks
Trademark Search Basics – What You Need to Know
A trademark search means reviewing existing applied or approved trademarks in the official database run by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This procedure helps verify whether your proposed trademark is available or if it interferes with any existing mark.
Performing a trademark search before 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 prior to filing is not just wise—it’s critical for protecting your brand. A comprehensive search lets you:
- Prevent selecting already-used marks
- Reduce costs from rejected applications
- Reduce opposition risks
- Preserve distinctiveness
- Speed up the registration process
Without proper checking, your trademark application might be denied, wasting time and resources.
How to Check a Trade Mark in India?
The Trade Marks Registry offers an official portal where anyone can do a trademark search. To search:
- Visit the Trade Marks Registry website
- Open 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.
Why Trademark Classification Matters
Each trademark belongs to 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 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 same or close 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 peace of mind before applying.
Where to Do Trademark Searches
The Indian IP Office provides a free, government search tool. There are also external platforms that offer extra features like:
- Smart filters
- Expert analysis
- Trademark risk reports
These tools make the process easier for startups and help ensure your trademark is ready to file.
Trademark Search for Logo and Device Marks
If your trademark includes a public search tm logo, you must perform a visual mark check. 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, avoiding legal issues.
Professional Assistance for Trademark Search
While individuals can check trademarks, a trademark attorney brings depth to the process. Professionals:
- Know trademark law deeply
- Spot potential conflicts
- Suggest alternatives
- 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
- Submitting payments
The process then enters review, journal listing, and if no objections arise, your mark is granted.
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