Trademark Search in India: How to Check and Find Trade Marks Easily and Effectively
What is a Trademark Search?
A trademark search means reviewing existing applied or approved trademarks in the government-maintained database hosted by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This procedure helps identify whether your chosen trademark is free to use or if it overlaps with any existing mark.
Performing a trademark search before the branding process minimises the risk of infringement and ensures your brand identity remains distinctive and legally protected.
Importance of Doing a Trade Mark Search
Doing a trade mark search prior to filing is not just smart—it’s critical for protecting your brand. A thorough search lets you:
- Avoid choosing already-used marks
- Save money from rejected applications
- Reduce opposition risks
- Preserve distinctiveness
- Simplify the registration process
Without adequate checking, your trademark application might be denied, wasting time and resources.
How to Check a Trade Mark in India?
The Trade Marks Registry maintains an official website where anyone can do a trademark search. To search:
- Access the Trade Marks Registry website
- Navigate to the public search section
- Enter your keyword
- Choose the correct class
- Browse the list
This tool gives you visibility into both approved marks and filed requests, so you can check availability.
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 search under Class 25, while software tools often go under Class 9. Understanding this system is key to getting precise results.
Phonetic and Wordmark Searches
When checking for trademark availability, perform both wordmark and phonetic searches. A trademark search literal match check looks for identical or similar spellings. A sound-based check finds names that are pronounced similarly, even if spelled differently.
This helps you spot trademarks that could lead to confusion, giving you better peace of mind before applying.
Tools for Trademark Search in India
The Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks provides a free, official search tool. There are also external platforms that offer extra features like:
- Search filters
- Expert analysis
- Detailed reports
These tools simplify trademark checking for new brands 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 Registry portal supports image-based filters and keyword tagging.
This ensures your design or icon doesn’t infringe on another registered design, avoiding legal issues.
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 accuracy and peace of mind.
Post-Search Steps: Filing Your Trademark
Once your search confirms the mark is available, you can start the application process. This includes:
- Preparing documents
- Selecting classes
- 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, legally safe, and ready for registration.
With simple search platforms and expert help, the process is now accessible. Begin with clarity—because a strong brand needs a strong foundation.