IP Trademark Search Services in India

Trademark Searches and Trademark Clearance Searches in India

Before filing a trademark application in India, it is crucial to perform a trademark search to determine if similar marks have already been filed or registered. This search helps in assessing the viability and registrability of the proposed trademark. Conducting a preliminary search or trademark public search is highly recommended to identify any identical or similar trademarks filed by third parties within the same class or for similar goods and services.

Companies that provide trademark searches also provide trademark clearance searches in India.

The Indian Trademark Registry’s website, www.ipindia.gov.in, provides a platform for performing the preliminary search of trademarks. By utilizing this online tool, applicants can gain insights into existing trademarks and assess the potential for conflicts.

During the search process, it is essential to consider the following points

Identical or Similar Trademarks:

Check for trademarks that are identical or similar to the proposed mark within the relevant class or related classes. This helps in determining the uniqueness and distinctiveness of the mark.

Goods and Services Classification:

Ensure that the search is conducted for the specific class or classes relevant to the goods or services associated with the proposed mark. This ensures a more focused and accurate search result.

Expert Advice:

Seeking guidance from a trademark attorney or professional with expertise in trademark searches can provide valuable insights. They can assist in interpreting search results and determining the potential risks associated with the proposed mark.

International Trademark Searches:

If seeking protection beyond India, it is advisable to conduct international trademark searches. This helps in identifying existing trademarks in other jurisdictions that may pose conflicts or affect the global registrability of the mark.

Performing a comprehensive trademark search before filing a trademark application in India is a prudent step to protect the rights and interests associated with the proposed mark. By conducting due diligence and seeking professional advice, applicants can make informed decisions and navigate the trademark registration process more effectively.

What are the advantages of trademark search?

trademark search is an important step in the process of registering a trademark. It helps you to determine if a proposed trademark is already in use or registered by someone else. This is important because if you register a trademark that is already in use or registered by someone else, you may be liable for trademark infringement.

There are several benefits to conducting a trademark search before you file an application to register a trademark. These benefits include:

Avoiding trademark infringement:

If you file an application to register a trademark that is already in use or registered by someone else, you may be liable for trademark infringement. A trademark search can help you to identify any potential conflicts with existing trademarks, so that you can avoid infringing on someone else’s rights.

Saving time and money:

If you conduct a trademark search and find that the proposed trademark is already in use or registered by someone else, you can avoid wasting time and money on a trademark that is not registrable. A trademark search can help you to identify trademarks that are similar to your proposed trademark, so that you can choose a trademark that is more likely to be registered.

Increasing your chances of trademark registration:

If you conduct a trademark search and find that the proposed trademark is not in use or registered by anyone else, you will increase your chances of having your trademark registered. A trademark search can help you to identify trademarks that are available for registration, so that you can file your application with confidence.

How is trademark search done in India?

Trademark searches in India are essential to assess the availability and registrability of a proposed mark. This section will discuss the different categories of trademark searches and their importance.

Categories of Trademark Searches:

Trademark searches in India can be conducted for various types of marks, including word marks, device marks, and through internet search.

Word Search:

Word mark search focuses on identifying similar, deceptively similar, or phonetically similar prior marks.
This search is conducted for the desired specification of goods and services falling under classes 1 to 45, based on the international classification of goods and services under the Nice Classification.

Device Search:

Device mark search involves the examination of figurative trademarks, including stylized letters, shapes, logos, plants, celestial bodies, living creatures, etc.
This search is conducted for the desired specification of goods or services based on the International Classification of the Figurative Elements of Marks (Vienna Codification).

Internet Search:

In addition to word mark and device mark searches, an internet search of the proposed mark is conducted.
The purpose of the internet search is to identify any similar or deceptively similar unregistered marks used by third parties.

A comprehensive trademark search is an important step in the process of registering a trademark in India. It helps you to determine if a proposed trademark is already in use or registered by someone else. This is important because if you register a trademark that is already in use or registered by someone else, you may be liable for trademark infringement.

A comprehensive trademark search will typically include the following:

A search of the Indian Trademark Registry database for registered trademarks that are similar to the proposed trademark.
A search of the internet for unregistered trademarks that are similar to the proposed trademark.
An analysis of any third party use of the proposed trademark.

Based on the results of the search, a trademark attorney can advise you about the chances of successful registration of the trademark in India.

Well-Known Trademarks

It is also important to note that a well-known trademark in India is protected in all classes, i.e., also with respect to unrelated goods and services. This means that even if a well-known trademark is not registered in a particular class, it may still be protected from infringement in that class.

A comprehensive trademark search is an important part of the process of registering a trademark in India. By conducting a thorough search, you can avoid trademark infringement, save time and money, and increase your chances of having your trademark registered.

Here are some additional tips for conducting a comprehensive trademark search: