public search of trade marks - Knowing The Best For You
public search of trade marks - Knowing The Best For You
Blog Article
Trade Mark Search in India Made Easy: A Guide to Quick and Effective Checks
What is a Trademark Search?
A trademark search is about examining existing registered or pending trademarks in the official database maintained by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This process helps determine whether your desired trademark is free to use or if it overlaps with any existing mark.
Performing a trademark search early in the branding process reduces the risk of legal violation and ensures your trademark identity remains distinctive and legally secured.
Why is Trade Mark Search Important?
Doing a trade mark search in advance of application is not just smart—it’s crucial for avoiding problems. A careful search lets you:
- Prevent selecting already-used marks
- Reduce costs from rejected applications
- Reduce opposition risks
- Preserve distinctiveness
- Simplify the registration process
Without proper 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 offers an official platform where anyone can do 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 platform gives you visibility into both registered trademarks and filed requests, so you know where your brand stands.
What Are 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 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, do both wordmark and phonetic searches. A wordmark search looks for same or close spellings. A sound-based check finds names that are pronounced similarly, even if spelled differently.
This helps you catch trademarks that could cause conflicts, 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, official search tool. There are also third-party platforms that offer extra features like:
- Smart filters
- Expert analysis
- Trademark risk reports
These tools simplify trademark checking for small businesses and give confidence that your trademark is ready to file.
Trademark Search for Logo and Device Marks
If your trademark includes a logo, you’ll need to perform a device mark search. Searching logos is more complex than wordmark searches, but the government system supports visual filters and keyword tagging.
This ensures your symbol or logo doesn’t infringe on another registered design, avoiding legal issues.
Professional Assistance for Trademark Search
While individuals can check trademarks, a trademark attorney brings depth to the process. Professionals:
- Understand classification systems
- Identify hidden risks
- Suggest alternatives
- 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:
- Filling forms
- Choosing categories
- Submitting payments
The process then enters examination, journal listing, and if no objections arise, your mark is officially registered.
Conclusion
A thorough trademark search in India is the first step in securing your identity. It ensures your name, logo or slogan are free to use, protected by law, and ready for registration.
With simple search platforms and expert help, anyone can conduct public search tm a trademark search. Begin with clarity—because a strong brand needs a strong foundation. Report this page