Readers Views Point on check trade mark and Why it is Trending on Social Media
Readers Views Point on check trade mark and Why it is Trending on Social Media
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How to Conduct a Trademark Search in India: Simple and Effective Steps
Understanding Trademark Search in India
A trademark search means reviewing existing applied or approved trademarks in the central database maintained by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This process helps verify whether your desired trademark is available or if it overlaps with any existing mark.
Conducting a trademark search early in the branding process reduces the risk of legal violation and ensures your brand identity remains unique and legally secured.
Why Checking Trade Marks Before Filing Matters
Doing a trade mark search prior to filing is not just wise—it’s essential for protecting your brand. A careful search lets you:
- Prevent selecting already-used marks
- Reduce costs from rejected applications
- Prevent future disputes
- Ensure your brand is unique
- Simplify the registration process
Without proper checking, your trademark application might be rejected, wasting time and resources.
How to Check a Trade Mark in India?
The Trade Marks Registry maintains an official portal where anyone can perform a trademark search. To search:
- Go to the Trade Marks Registry website
- Navigate to the public search section
- Enter your keyword
- Select the correct class
- Browse the list
This platform gives you visibility into both registered trademarks and filed requests, so you know where your brand stands.
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. Choosing the correct class ensures your search is relevant.
For example, a clothing label usually fall under Class 25, while software tools often go under Class 9. Understanding this system is key to getting relevant results.
Phonetic and Wordmark Searches
When checking for trademark availability, perform both wordmark and phonetic searches. A wordmark search looks for identical or similar spellings. A phonetic search 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 Indian IP Office provides a free, government search tool. There are also third-party platforms that offer advanced features like:
- Search filters
- Legal guidance
- Detailed reports
These tools simplify trademark checking for new brands and help ensure your trademark is clear to register.
Trademark Search for Logo and Device Marks
If your trademark includes a logo, you must perform a visual mark check. Searching logos is more complex than wordmark searches, but the Registry portal supports visual filters and 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 trademark attorney brings clarity to the process. Professionals:
- Understand classification systems
- 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
- Selecting classes
- Submitting payments
The process then enters examination, journal listing, and if no objections arise, your mark is officially registered.
Final Thoughts on Trademark Search
A thorough trademark search in India is the first step in securing your identity. It ensures your brand assets are unique, legally safe, and fit for check trade mark 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