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 central database hosted 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.

Doing a trademark search early in the branding process minimises the risk of legal violation and ensures your trademark identity remains distinctive and legally secured.

 

 

Importance of Doing a Trade Mark Search

Doing a trade mark search prior to filing is not just wise—it’s crucial for ensuring success. A thorough search lets you:

- Avoid choosing already-used marks

- Save money from rejected applications

- Prevent future disputes

- Maintain exclusivity

- Simplify the registration process

Without adequate checking, your trademark application might be rejected, wasting time and resources.

 

 

Where and How to Search for Trade Marks in India

The Trade Marks Registry maintains an official platform where anyone can run a trademark search. To search:

- Access the Trade Marks Registry website

- Navigate to the public search section

- Type your brand name or logo text

- Select the correct class

- Check for matches

This tool gives you visibility into both registered trademarks and pending applications, so you can check availability.

 

 

What Are Trademark Classes?

Each trademark falls under 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, a clothing label usually search under Class 25, while tech products often go under Class 9. Understanding this system is key to getting relevant results.

 

 

Why You Should Do Both Phonetic and Wordmark Searches

When checking for trademark availability, perform both wordmark and phonetic searches. A wordmark search looks for identical or similar spellings. A sound-based check finds names that are pronounced similarly, even if spelled in a different way.

This helps you catch trademarks that could lead to confusion, giving you better security before applying.

 

 

Where to Do Trademark Searches

The Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks provides a free, official search tool. There are also external platforms that offer advanced features like:

- Search filters

- Legal guidance

- Detailed reports

These tools make the process easier for small businesses and give confidence that your trademark is clear to register.

 

 

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 symbol or logo doesn’t match another registered design, keeping your brand safe.

 

 

Professional Assistance for Trademark Search

While individuals can check trademarks, a trademark attorney brings clarity to the process. Professionals:

- Understand classification systems

- Identify hidden risks

- Recommend trade mark search india 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, 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 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.