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 verify 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 brand identity remains distinctive and legally secured.

 

 

Why is Trade Mark Search Important?

Doing a trade mark search prior to filing is not just smart—it’s essential for ensuring success. A careful search lets you:

- Avoid choosing already-used marks

- Save money from rejected applications

- Avoid legal fights

- Maintain exclusivity

- Simplify the registration process

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

 

 

Steps to Do a Trademark Check in India

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

- Go to 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 relevant.

For example, a clothing label usually fall under Class 25, while software tools often go under Class 9. Understanding this system is key to getting precise 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 sound alike, even if spelled differently.

This find trademark helps you spot 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

- Detailed reports

These tools simplify trademark checking for new brands and help ensure your trademark is ready to file.

 

 

How to Check Logo Trademarks

If your trademark includes a logo, you must 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 design or icon doesn’t conflict with 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 changes

- Support filing and follow-up

For serious businesses, professional support adds accuracy 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:

- Preparing documents

- Selecting classes

- Submitting payments

The process then enters examination, journal listing, and if no objections arise, your mark is granted.

 

 

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 unique, protected by law, and ready for registration.

With simple search platforms and expert help, the process is now accessible. Begin with clarity—because a strong brand starts with a strong foundation.