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

What is a Trademark Search?

A trademark search means reviewing existing registered or pending trademarks in the central database run by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This procedure helps determine 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 unique and legally secured.

 

 

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

- Select the correct class

- Browse the list

This platform gives you visibility into both approved marks and filed requests, so you know where your brand stands.

 

 

Why Trademark Classification Matters

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 accurate.

For example, a clothing label usually search under Class 25, while tech products often go under Class 9. Knowing your class is key to getting relevant 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 identical or similar spellings. A sound-based check finds names that are pronounced similarly, even if spelled in a different way.

This helps you catch trademarks that could lead to confusion, giving you better security before applying.

 

 

Where to Do Trademark Searches

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:

- Search filters

- Legal guidance

- Trademark risk reports

These tools make the process easier for small businesses and help ensure your trademark is clear to register.

 

 

Searching for Non-Text Trade Marks

If your brand identity uses a logo, you’ll need to perform a visual mark check. Searching logos is more complex than wordmark searches, but the Registry portal supports image-based filters and keyword tagging.

This ensures your symbol or logo doesn’t infringe on another registered design, avoiding legal issues.

 

 

The Value of Expert Guidance for Trade Mark Searches

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

- Know trademark law deeply

- 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

- Paying government fees

The process then enters review, publication, and if no objections arise, your mark is officially registered.

 

 

Conclusion

An early trademark search in India is the first step in protecting your brand. It ensures your brand assets are unique, protected by law, and fit for filing.

With easy-to-use tools and expert help, the process is now public search of trade marks accessible. Begin with clarity—because a strong brand starts with a strong foundation.