Planning to start a new business, brand, or product line? Before you spend money on logos, packaging, or advertising, one important step is to check if your brand name is already taken. This is a key part of the trademark registration process in India.
In this article, we’ll guide you on how to check a trademark name online to avoid legal issues and protect your brand identity.
Why Checking Trademark Name is Important
Before applying for trademark registration, it is crucial to ensure that your brand name, logo, or slogan is not already registered or too similar to an existing one. If you skip this step, your application may get rejected, or worse—you might receive a legal notice from someone who owns that mark.
Doing a proper trademark name search can save you time, money, and legal hassle.
How to Check Trademark Name Online – Step-by-Step
You can easily check if your desired name is available using the official website of the Intellectual Property India (IPI) under the Government of India.
Step 1: Visit the Official Trademark Search Portal
Go to https://ipindiaonline.gov.in/tmrpublicsearch
This is the official website for trademark registration and public search.
Step 2: Choose the Search Type
You’ll see options like:
Wordmark
Phonetic
Vienna Code (for logos/symbols)
For brand names, select “Wordmark”.
Step 3: Enter the Brand Name
Type the name you want to register in the search box. Keep the search “Starts With” or “Contains” depending on how broad or narrow you want the results to be.
Step 4: Select the Correct Class
Trademarks are categorized under 45 classes. For example:
Class 25 – Clothing
Class 35 – Advertising & Business Services
Class 30 – Food Items
Selecting the correct class is crucial for a valid trademark registration. If you’re unsure, consult a professional or check the complete class list available on the portal.
Step 5: Click Search and Review Results
Click the “Search” button to see existing trademarks with similar names. If your name is not found or appears unique enough, you may proceed with the trademark registration process.
If similar names are already listed, consider modifying your brand name slightly to make it unique.
Pro Tips for a Successful Trademark Search
Avoid common words or generic terms
Check for similar-sounding names (not just spelling)
Look into logos and designs too, if you are registering a symbol
Conduct the search in multiple relevant classes
Conclusion
Checking your brand name online before applying for trademark registration is a smart move that protects your identity and saves time. The process is simple, free, and can be done in just a few minutes on the official government website. If you’re unsure about the class or search method, consider taking help from a professional to avoid rejection.
