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 conflicts with any existing mark.

Performing a trademark search before the branding process minimises the risk of infringement and ensures your brand identity remains unique and legally secured.

 

 

Why is Trade Mark Search Important?

Doing a trade mark search before registering 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.

 

 

Where and How to Search for Trade Marks 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 belongs to a specific class. In India, there are 45 trademark classes—34 for goods and 11 for services. Choosing the correct class ensures your search is relevant.

For example, apparel brands 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 check trade mark for trademark availability, do both wordmark and phonetic searches. A literal match check looks for same or close spellings. A sound-based check finds names that sound alike, even if spelled differently.

This ensures 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 startups and give confidence that 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 image-based filters and keyword tagging.

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

 

 

The Value of Expert Guidance for Trade Mark Searches

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

- Understand classification systems

- Identify hidden risks

- Recommend changes

- Handle the registration process

For serious businesses, professional support adds strategy and legal confidence.

 

 

Post-Search Steps: Filing Your Trademark

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 review, publication, and if no objections arise, your mark is officially registered.

 

 

Conclusion

A thorough 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.