How to Conduct a Trademark Search in India: Simple and Effective Steps
Trademark Search Basics – What You Need to Know
A trademark search is about examining existing registered or pending trademarks in the central database hosted by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This process helps identify whether your desired trademark is free to use or if it conflicts with any existing mark.
Conducting a trademark search before the branding process minimises the risk of infringement 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
- Maintain exclusivity
- Simplify the registration process
Without adequate checking, your trademark application might be denied, wasting time and resources.
Steps to Do a Trademark Check in India
The Trade Marks Registry offers an official portal where anyone can run a trademark search. To search:
- Access 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 pending applications, so you know where your brand stands.
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, apparel brands usually fall under Class 25, while tech products often go under Class 9. Understanding this system is key to getting precise results.
Why You Should Do Both Phonetic and Wordmark Searches
When checking for trademark availability, perform both wordmark and phonetic searches. A wordmark search looks for same or close spellings. A phonetic search finds names that are pronounced similarly, even if spelled differently.
This ensures you catch trademarks that could lead to confusion, giving you better peace of mind before applying.
Resources and Platforms for Trade Mark Checks
The CGPDTM provides a free, government search tool. There are also private public search tm platforms that offer advanced features like:
- Smart filters
- Expert analysis
- Trademark risk reports
These tools simplify trademark checking for startups and give confidence that your trademark is ready to file.
Trademark Search for Logo and Device Marks
If your brand identity uses a logo, you must perform a visual mark check. Searching logos is more complex than wordmark searches, but the Registry portal supports image-based filters and keyword tagging.
This ensures your symbol or logo doesn’t match another registered design, avoiding legal issues.
Professional Assistance for Trademark Search
While anyone can search, a trademark attorney brings depth to the process. Professionals:
- Understand classification systems
- Spot potential conflicts
- Recommend changes
- Support filing and follow-up
For serious businesses, professional support adds strategy and peace of mind.
After You Search: What’s Next?
Once your search confirms the mark is available, you can file your trademark. This includes:
- Filling forms
- Choosing categories
- Submitting payments
The process then enters review, publication, and if no objections arise, your mark is granted.
Secure Your Brand with Smart Trade Mark Checks
A thorough trademark search in India is the most important step in protecting your brand. It ensures your brand assets are free to use, legally safe, and ready for registration.
With simple search platforms and expert help, anyone can conduct a trademark search. Begin with clarity—because a strong brand needs a strong foundation.