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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Trademark Search in India: How to Check and Find Trade Marks Easily and Effectively
What is a Trademark Search?
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 verify whether your proposed trademark is free to use or if it conflicts with any existing mark.
Performing a trademark search early in the branding process minimises the risk of legal violation and ensures your brand identity remains distinctive and legally secured.
Importance of Doing a Trade Mark Search
Doing a trade mark search before registering is not just wise—it’s critical for avoiding problems. A careful search lets you:
- Avoid choosing already-used marks
- Reduce costs from rejected applications
- Prevent future disputes
- Ensure your brand is unique
- Simplify the registration process
Without careful checking, your trademark application might be denied, wasting time and resources.
Where and How to Search for Trade Marks in India
The Trade Marks Registry maintains an official portal where anyone can do a trademark search. To search:
- Go to the Trade Marks Registry website
- Navigate to the public search section
- Enter your keyword
- Choose the correct class
- Check for matches
This platform gives you visibility into both registered trademarks and pending applications, so you know where your brand stands.
Why Trademark Classification Matters
Each trademark belongs to 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 accurate.
For example, apparel brands usually fall under Class 25, while software tools often go under Class 9. Understanding this system is key to getting relevant results.
Different Types of Trademark Checks
When checking for trademark availability, do 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 differently.
This ensures you catch trademarks that could pose legal issues, giving you better security before applying.
Resources and Platforms for Trade Mark Checks
The Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks provides a free, government search tool. There are also external platforms that offer extra find trademark 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.
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 image-based filters and keyword tagging.
This ensures your design or icon doesn’t conflict with another registered design, avoiding legal issues.
Why Hire a Trademark Consultant?
While anyone can search, a legal expert brings experience 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.
From Search to Registration: Next Steps
Once your search confirms the mark is available, you can start the application process. This includes:
- Filling forms
- Choosing categories
- Paying government fees
The process then enters review, publication, and if no objections arise, your mark is officially registered.
Conclusion
A thorough trademark search in India is the first step in protecting your brand. It ensures your brand assets are unique, legally safe, and fit for filing.
With easy-to-use tools and expert help, the process is now accessible. Begin with clarity—because a strong brand needs a strong foundation. Report this page