Article to Know on public search tm and Why it is Trending?
Article to Know on public search tm and Why it is Trending?
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How to Conduct a Trademark Search in India: Simple and Effective Steps
What is a Trademark Search?
A trademark search is about examining existing applied or approved trademarks in the official database hosted by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This procedure helps determine whether your chosen trademark is free to use or if it interferes with any existing mark.
Doing a trademark search before the branding process minimises the risk of infringement and ensures your trademark identity remains distinctive and legally secured.
Why Checking Trade Marks Before Filing Matters
Doing a trade mark search in advance of application is not just wise—it’s essential for ensuring success. A comprehensive search lets you:
- Avoid choosing already-used marks
- Reduce costs from rejected applications
- Prevent future disputes
- Preserve distinctiveness
- Simplify the registration process
Without proper 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 offers an official website where anyone can run a trademark search. To search:
- Access the Trade Marks Registry website
- Open the public search section
- Enter your keyword
- Select the correct class
- Browse the list
This tool gives you visibility into both approved marks and pending applications, so you can check availability.
What Are Trademark Classes?
Each trademark is grouped into 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, apparel brands usually fall under Class 25, while software tools often go under Class 9. Knowing your class is key to getting precise results.
Different Types of Trademark Checks
When checking for trademark availability, run both wordmark and phonetic searches. A literal match check looks for same or close spellings. A sound-based check finds names that sound alike, even if spelled in a different way.
This ensures you spot trademarks that could cause conflicts, giving you better peace of mind 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 external platforms that offer extra features like:
- Search filters
- Legal guidance
- Detailed reports
These tools make the process easier for new brands and give confidence trademark in india search that your trademark is clear to register.
Searching for Non-Text Trade Marks
If your trademark includes a logo, you’ll need to perform a visual mark check. Searching logos is more complex than wordmark searches, but the government system supports image-based filters and keyword tagging.
This ensures your design or icon doesn’t conflict with another registered design, avoiding legal issues.
Why Hire a Trademark Consultant?
While individuals can check trademarks, a legal expert brings depth to the process. Professionals:
- Understand classification systems
- Identify hidden risks
- Suggest alternatives
- Handle the registration process
For serious businesses, professional support adds strategy and legal confidence.
Post-Search Steps: Filing Your Trademark
Once your search confirms the mark is available, you can file your trademark. This includes:
- Filling forms
- Selecting classes
- Submitting payments
The process then enters review, journal listing, and if no objections arise, your mark is officially registered.
Final Thoughts on Trademark Search
A proper trademark search in India is the first step in protecting your brand. It ensures your brand assets are free to use, protected by law, and ready for registration.
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