How Much Do You Know About public search tm?
How Much Do You Know About public search tm?
Blog Article
How to Conduct a Trademark Search in India: Simple and Effective Steps
Understanding Trademark Search in India
A trademark search means reviewing existing applied or approved trademarks in the central database maintained by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This procedure helps identify whether your proposed trademark is free to use or if it interferes with any existing mark.
Doing a trademark search at the beginning of the branding process minimises the risk of legal violation and ensures your brand identity remains distinctive and legally secured.
Why Checking Trade Marks Before Filing Matters
Doing a trade mark search in advance of application is not just wise—it’s essential for protecting your brand. A careful search lets you:
- Avoid choosing already-used marks
- Reduce costs from rejected applications
- Prevent future disputes
- 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 offers an official website where anyone can do a trademark search. To search:
- Go to the Trade Marks Registry website
- Open the public search section
- Enter your keyword
- Select the correct class
- Browse the list
This tool gives you visibility into both registered trademarks and filed requests, so you can check availability.
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. Selecting the right class ensures your search is focused.
For example, apparel brands usually search under Class 25, while software tools often go under Class 9. Knowing your class is key to getting relevant results.
Phonetic and Wordmark Searches
When checking for trademark availability, do both wordmark and phonetic searches. A wordmark search looks for identical or similar spellings. A sound-based check finds names that sound alike, even if spelled differently.
This ensures you catch trademarks that could pose legal issues, giving you better peace of mind before applying.
Where to Do Trademark Searches
The Indian IP Office provides a free, government 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 startups and help ensure your trademark is ready to file.
Trademark Search for Logo and Device 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 government system 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 trademark attorney brings experience to the process. Professionals:
- Understand classification systems
- Spot potential conflicts
- 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 public search tm trademark. This includes:
- Preparing documents
- Selecting classes
- Paying government fees
The process then enters review, publication, and if no objections arise, your mark is officially registered.
Final Thoughts on Trademark Search
A proper trademark search in India is the most important step in securing your identity. It ensures your brand assets are unique, legally safe, and fit for filing.
With simple search platforms and expert help, the process is now accessible. Begin with clarity—because a strong brand starts with a strong foundation. Report this page