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The Blog on public search tm
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How to Conduct a Trademark Search in India: Simple and Effective Steps
Understanding Trademark Search in India
A trademark search involves checking existing applied or approved trademarks in the government-maintained database maintained by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This process helps identify whether your chosen trademark is available or if it conflicts with any existing mark.
Conducting a trademark search at the beginning of the branding process reduces the risk of legal violation and ensures your brand identity remains unique and legally protected.
Why Checking Trade Marks Before Filing Matters
Doing a trade mark search before registering is not just smart—it’s critical for avoiding problems. A comprehensive search lets you:
- Steer clear of already-used marks
- Reduce costs from rejected applications
- Avoid legal fights
- Ensure your brand is unique
- Speed up the registration process
Without adequate checking, your trademark application might be rejected, wasting time and resources.
Steps to Do a Trademark Check in India
The Trade Marks Registry provides an official website where anyone can perform 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
- Check for matches
This tool gives you visibility into both registered trademarks and pending applications, so you can check availability.
What Are Trademark Classes?
Each trademark falls under a specific class. In India, there are 45 trademark classes—34 for goods and 11 for services. Selecting the right 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 precise results.
Different Types of Trademark Checks
When checking for trademark availability, perform both wordmark and phonetic searches. A wordmark search looks for identical or similar spellings. A sound-based check finds names that are pronounced similarly, even if spelled differently.
This helps you spot trademarks that could lead to confusion, giving you better security 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 third-party platforms that offer advanced features like:
- Search filters
- Legal guidance
- Trademark risk reports
These tools make the process easier for small businesses and help ensure your trademark is clear to register.
Searching for Non-Text Trade Marks
If your brand identity uses 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 symbol or logo doesn’t public search tm match another registered design, keeping your brand safe.
The Value of Expert Guidance for Trade Mark Searches
While anyone can search, a trademark attorney brings experience to the process. Professionals:
- Understand classification systems
- Identify hidden risks
- Recommend changes
- Handle the registration process
For serious businesses, professional support adds strategy and legal confidence.
After You Search: What’s Next?
Once your search confirms the mark is clear, you can file your trademark. This includes:
- Preparing documents
- Selecting classes
- Submitting payments
The process then enters examination, publication, 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 name, logo or slogan 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