Essential Things You Must Know on public search tm
Essential Things You Must Know 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 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 chosen trademark is free to use or if it overlaps with any existing mark.
Performing a trademark search early in the branding process reduces the risk of infringement and ensures your brand identity remains unique and legally secured.
Why is Trade Mark Search Important?
Doing a trade mark search before registering is not just wise—it’s crucial for ensuring success. A comprehensive search lets you:
- Prevent selecting already-used marks
- Save money from rejected applications
- Prevent future disputes
- Maintain exclusivity
- Speed up the registration process
Without proper checking, your trademark application might be opposed, 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:
- 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 platform gives you visibility into both registered trademarks 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, a clothing label usually fall under Class 25, while tech products often go under Class 9. Understanding this system 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 literal match check looks for same or close spellings. A phonetic search finds names that are pronounced similarly, even if spelled in a different way.
This helps you catch trademarks that could lead to confusion, 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 private platforms that offer advanced features like:
- Search filters
- Expert analysis
- Trademark risk reports
These tools trademark search make the process easier for startups and help ensure your trademark is ready to file.
Searching for Non-Text Trade Marks
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 Registry portal supports image-based filters and keyword tagging.
This ensures your design or icon doesn’t infringe on another registered design, keeping your brand safe.
Why Hire a Trademark Consultant?
While anyone can search, a trademark attorney brings depth to the process. Professionals:
- Understand classification systems
- Spot potential conflicts
- Suggest alternatives
- Handle the registration process
For serious businesses, professional support adds strategy and peace of mind.
Post-Search Steps: Filing Your Trademark
Once your search confirms the mark is clear, you can file your trademark. This includes:
- Filling forms
- Choosing categories
- Paying government fees
The process then enters review, journal listing, 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 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 needs a strong foundation. Report this page