Trademark Search in India: How to Check and Find Trade Marks Easily and Effectively
Trademark Search Basics – What You Need to Know
A trademark search means reviewing existing applied or approved trademarks in the official database run by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This procedure helps determine whether your proposed trademark is available or if it interferes with any existing mark.
Performing a trademark search before the branding process minimises the risk of infringement and ensures your trademark identity remains distinctive and legally secured.
Why is Trade Mark Search Important?
Doing a trade mark search prior to filing is not just wise—it’s crucial for ensuring success. A careful 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 platform gives you visibility into both registered trademarks and pending applications, so you can check availability.
Why Trademark Classification Matters
Each trademark is grouped into a specific class. In India, there are 45 trademark classes—34 for goods and 11 for services. Identifying the proper class ensures your search is accurate.
For example, a clothing label usually search under Class 25, while tech products often go under Class 9. Knowing your class is key to getting relevant results.
Phonetic and Wordmark Searches
When checking for trademark availability, run both wordmark and phonetic searches. A literal match check looks for same or close spellings. A phonetic search finds names that sound alike, even if spelled in a different way.
This ensures you catch trademarks that could cause conflicts, giving you better peace of mind before applying.
Tools for Trademark Search in India
The Indian IP Office provides a free, government search tool. There are also private platforms that offer extra features like:
- Smart filters
- Expert analysis
- Trademark risk reports
These tools simplify trademark checking for new brands and help ensure your trademark is ready to file.
Searching for Non-Text Trade Marks
If your trademark includes a logo, you’ll need to perform a visual mark check. Searching logos is more complex than wordmark searches, but the Registry portal supports image-based filters and keyword tagging.
This ensures your symbol or logo doesn’t infringe on another registered design, avoiding legal issues.
The Value of Expert Guidance for Trade Mark Searches
While anyone can search, a legal expert brings experience to the process. Professionals:
- Understand classification systems
- Identify hidden risks
- Recommend changes
- Handle the registration process
For public search tm serious businesses, professional support adds strategy and legal confidence.
After You Search: What’s Next?
Once your search confirms the mark is clear, you can file your trademark. This includes:
- Preparing documents
- Selecting classes
- Submitting payments
The process then enters examination, journal listing, and if no objections arise, your mark is officially registered.
Final Thoughts on Trademark Search
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 a trademark search. Begin with clarity—because a strong brand starts with a strong foundation.