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 overlaps with any existing mark.

Performing a trademark search early in the branding process minimises the risk of infringement and ensures your trademark identity remains distinctive and legally secured.

 

 

Why is Trade Mark Search Important?

Doing a trade mark search prior to filing 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

- Ensure your brand is unique

- Simplify the registration process

Without adequate checking, your trademark application might be rejected, wasting time and resources.

 

 

Steps to Do a Trademark Check in India

The Trade Marks Registry provides an official website where anyone can perform a trademark search. To search:

- Go to the Trade Marks Registry website

- Open the public search section

- Enter your keyword

- Choose the correct class

- Check for matches

This tool gives you visibility into both registered trademarks and pending applications, so you know where your brand stands.

 

 

Understanding 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 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 are pronounced similarly, even if spelled in a different way.

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

 

 

Where to Do Trademark Searches

The CGPDTM provides a free, official search tool. There are also external 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

- Spot potential conflicts

- Suggest alternatives

- Support filing and follow-up

For serious businesses, professional support adds accuracy and peace of mind.

 

 

Post-Search Steps: Filing Your Trademark

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 review, journal listing, 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 most important step in protecting your brand. It ensures your brand assets are free to use, legally safe, and fit for filing.

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