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.

Conducting a trademark search before the branding process reduces the risk of infringement and ensures your brand identity remains unique and legally protected.

 

 

Why Checking Trade Marks Before Filing Matters

Doing a trade mark search before registering is not just smart—it’s essential for avoiding problems. A comprehensive search lets you:

- Steer clear of already-used marks

- Reduce costs from rejected applications

- Reduce opposition risks

- Ensure your brand is unique

- Speed up the registration process

Without proper checking, your trademark application might be denied, wasting time and resources.

 

 

How to Check a Trade Mark in India?

The Trade Marks Registry offers an official portal where anyone can do a trademark search. To search:

- Visit the Trade Marks Registry website

- Open the public search section

- Enter your keyword

- Choose the correct class

- View results

This tool gives you visibility into both approved marks and filed requests, 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. Identifying the proper class ensures your search is focused.

For example, apparel brands usually fall under Class 25, while tech products 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, run both wordmark and phonetic searches. A literal match check looks for identical or similar spellings. A phonetic search finds names that sound alike, even if spelled in a different way.

This ensures you catch trademarks that could pose legal issues, trademark search giving you better security before applying.

 

 

Resources and Platforms for Trade Mark Checks

The CGPDTM provides a free, official search tool. There are also external platforms that offer extra features like:

- Search filters

- Legal guidance

- Detailed reports

These tools make the process easier for startups and give confidence that your trademark is clear to register.

 

 

Trademark Search for Logo and Device Marks

If your brand identity uses 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.

 

 

Professional Assistance for Trademark Search

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.

 

 

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 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.