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 maintained by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This process helps identify whether your desired trademark is free to use or if it interferes with any existing mark.
Conducting 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.
Importance of Doing a Trade Mark Search
Doing a trade mark search before registering is not just wise—it’s crucial for avoiding problems. A comprehensive search lets you:
- Avoid choosing already-used marks
- Reduce costs from rejected applications
- Reduce opposition risks
- Maintain exclusivity
- Speed up the registration process
Without careful checking, your trademark application might be denied, wasting time and resources.
Where and How to Search for Trade Marks in India
The Trade Marks Registry provides an official portal where anyone can run a trademark search. To search:
- Visit 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 pending applications, so you know where your brand stands.
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 focused.
For example, a clothing label usually fall under Class 25, while software tools often go under Class 9. Knowing your class is key to getting precise 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 same or close spellings. A sound-based check finds names that are pronounced similarly, even if spelled differently.
This helps you catch trademarks that could cause conflicts, giving you better security 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 third-party platforms that offer extra features like:
- Smart filters
- Expert analysis
- Trademark risk reports
These tools make the process easier for startups and help ensure your trademark is clear to register.
How to Check Logo Trademarks
If your brand identity uses a logo, you must perform a device mark search. Searching logos is more complex than wordmark searches, but the Registry portal supports visual filters and keyword tagging.
This ensures your public search of trade marks symbol or logo doesn’t match another registered design, keeping your brand safe.
Why Hire a Trademark Consultant?
While anyone can search, a legal expert brings clarity to the process. Professionals:
- Know trademark law deeply
- Spot potential conflicts
- Suggest alternatives
- Handle the registration process
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:
- Preparing documents
- Selecting classes
- Submitting payments
The process then enters review, publication, 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 first 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.