public search tm - Knowing The Best For You
public search tm - Knowing The Best For You
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 is about examining existing applied or approved trademarks in the official database run by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This process helps verify whether your proposed trademark is free to use or if it overlaps with any existing mark.
Performing a trademark search at the beginning of the branding process minimises the risk of infringement and ensures your trademark identity remains distinctive and legally secured.
Importance of Doing a Trade Mark Search
Doing a trade mark search prior to filing is not just smart—it’s essential for protecting your brand. A careful search lets you:
- Prevent selecting already-used marks
- Save money from rejected applications
- Avoid legal fights
- Preserve distinctiveness
- Simplify the registration process
Without careful checking, your trademark application might be rejected, wasting time and resources.
Steps to Do a Trademark Check in India
The Trade Marks Registry offers an official platform where anyone can perform a trademark search. To search:
- Visit the Trade Marks Registry website
- Open the public search section
- Enter your keyword
- Select the correct class
- View results
This tool gives you visibility into both approved marks and filed requests, so you can check availability.
Understanding Trademark Classes
Each trademark is grouped into 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 tech products often go under Class 9. Knowing your class is key to getting precise results.
Why You Should Do Both Phonetic and Wordmark Searches
When checking for trademark availability, run 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 in a different way.
This ensures you spot trademarks that could lead to find trademark confusion, giving you better peace of mind before applying.
Where to Do Trademark Searches
The CGPDTM provides a free, official search tool. There are also third-party platforms that offer advanced features like:
- Search filters
- Expert analysis
- Trademark risk reports
These tools make the process easier for small businesses and give confidence that your trademark is ready to file.
Searching for Non-Text Trade Marks
If your brand identity uses a logo, you’ll need to perform a device mark search. 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 anyone can search, a legal expert brings depth to the process. Professionals:
- Understand classification systems
- Identify hidden risks
- Recommend changes
- Support filing and follow-up
For serious businesses, professional support adds accuracy 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:
- 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 fit for filing.
With easy-to-use tools and expert help, the process is now accessible. Begin with clarity—because a strong brand starts with a strong foundation. Report this page