How to Conduct a Trademark Search in India: Simple and Effective Steps
Trademark Search Basics – What You Need to Know
A trademark search involves checking existing applied or approved trademarks in the government-maintained database run by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This process helps determine whether your chosen trademark is free to use or if it interferes with any existing mark.
Doing a trademark search early in the branding process reduces the risk of infringement and ensures your trademark 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 critical for ensuring success. A thorough search lets you:
- Prevent selecting already-used marks
- Save money from rejected applications
- Reduce opposition risks
- Ensure your brand is unique
- Streamline the registration process
Without adequate checking, your trademark application might be opposed, wasting time and resources.
Steps to Do a Trademark Check in India
The Trade Marks Registry maintains an official website where anyone can run a trademark search. To search:
- Visit the Trade Marks Registry website
- Navigate to the public search section
- Enter your keyword
- Choose the correct class
- Browse the list
This tool gives you visibility into both approved marks and pending applications, 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. Choosing the correct class ensures your search is focused.
For example, apparel brands usually search under Class 25, while tech products often go under Class 9. Understanding this system is key to getting relevant results.
Different Types of Trademark Checks
When checking for trademark availability, perform both wordmark and phonetic searches. A literal match check looks for same or close spellings. A sound-based check 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.
Tools for Trademark Search in India
The Indian IP Office provides a free, official search tool. There are also private platforms that offer extra features like:
- Search filters
- Expert analysis
- Detailed reports
These tools simplify trademark checking for new brands and help ensure your trademark is clear to register.
Searching for Non-Text Trade Marks
If your brand identity uses a logo, you must 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 infringe on another registered design, avoiding legal issues.
Why Hire a Trademark Consultant?
While anyone can search, a legal expert brings depth to the process. Professionals:
- Know trademark law deeply
- Identify hidden risks
- Recommend changes
- Handle the registration process
For serious businesses, professional support adds accuracy and peace of mind.
After You Search: What’s Next?
Once your search confirms the mark is clear, 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 granted.
Secure Your Brand with Smart Trade Mark Checks
A proper trademark search in India is the first check trade mark step in securing your identity. It ensures your name, logo or slogan are unique, protected by law, and ready for registration.
With easy-to-use tools and expert help, anyone can conduct a trademark search. Begin with clarity—because a strong brand starts with a strong foundation.