How to Conduct a Trademark Search in India: Simple and Effective Steps
What is a Trademark Search?
A trademark search is about examining existing registered or pending trademarks in the government-maintained database maintained by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This procedure helps determine whether your proposed trademark is free to use or if it overlaps with any existing mark.
Performing a trademark search at the beginning of the branding process minimises the risk of infringement and ensures your trademark identity remains distinctive and legally protected.
Why is Trade Mark Search Important?
Doing a trade mark search prior to filing is not just smart—it’s essential for protecting your brand. A comprehensive search lets you:
- Avoid choosing already-used marks
- Reduce costs from rejected applications
- Avoid legal fights
- Maintain exclusivity
- Speed up 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 maintains an official portal where anyone can do a trademark search. To search:
- Visit the Trade Marks Registry website
- Open the public search section
- Type your brand name or logo text
- Select the correct class
- Check for matches
This platform gives you visibility into both approved marks and filed requests, so you know where your brand stands.
Understanding Trademark Classes
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 accurate.
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, run both wordmark and phonetic searches. A literal match check looks for identical or similar spellings. A phonetic search finds names that sound alike, even if spelled in a different check trade mark way.
This ensures you spot 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:
- Smart filters
- Legal guidance
- Trademark risk reports
These tools make the process easier for startups and give confidence that your trademark is clear to register.
How to Check Logo Trademarks
If your trademark includes a logo, you must perform a visual mark check. Searching logos is more complex than wordmark searches, but the government system supports visual filters and keyword tagging.
This ensures your design or icon doesn’t infringe on another registered design, keeping your brand safe.
Professional Assistance for Trademark Search
While anyone can search, a legal expert brings experience to the process. Professionals:
- Understand classification systems
- Spot potential conflicts
- Suggest alternatives
- Handle the registration process
For serious businesses, professional support adds strategy and legal confidence.
After You Search: What’s Next?
Once your search confirms the mark is available, you can start the application process. This includes:
- Filling forms
- Choosing categories
- Submitting payments
The process then enters examination, journal listing, and if no objections arise, your mark is granted.
Secure Your Brand with Smart Trade Mark Checks
An early trademark search in India is the most important step in protecting your brand. It ensures your brand assets are unique, protected by law, and ready for registration.
With easy-to-use tools and expert help, the process is now accessible. Begin with clarity—because a strong brand starts with a strong foundation.