How to Conduct a Trademark Search in India: Simple and Effective Steps

What is a Trademark Search?

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 wise—it’s crucial for protecting your brand. A thorough search lets you:

- Prevent selecting already-used marks

- Reduce costs from rejected applications

- Reduce opposition risks

- Preserve distinctiveness

- Streamline the registration process

Without careful checking, your trademark application might be opposed, 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.

 

 

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 search under Class 25, while software tools often go under Class 9. Understanding this system is key to getting relevant results.

 

 

Different Types of Trademark Checks

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 spot trademarks that could cause conflicts, 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, government search tool. There are also third-party platforms that offer advanced 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 must perform a visual mark check. Searching logos is more complex than wordmark searches, but the Registry portal supports visual filters and keyword tagging.

This ensures your design or icon doesn’t infringe on another registered design, avoiding legal public search tm issues.

 

 

Why Hire a Trademark Consultant?

While anyone can search, a legal expert brings depth to the process. Professionals:

- Know trademark law deeply

- Spot potential conflicts

- Suggest alternatives

- 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 examination, journal listing, and if no objections arise, your mark is granted.

 

 

Secure Your Brand with Smart Trade Mark Checks

A proper trademark search in India is the most important step in protecting your brand. It ensures your name, logo or slogan are free to use, legally safe, and ready for registration.

With simple search platforms and expert help, anyone can conduct a trademark search. Begin with clarity—because a strong brand needs a strong foundation.