Why Search Before You File?

A trademark search is the cheapest insurance you can buy before investing in brand identity and filing fees.

01

Avoid Objections Upfront

The most common reason for objection is similarity to an existing mark (Section 11). A search identifies these conflicts before you file — not after paying ₹4,500+ in fees.

02

Choose a Stronger Brand Name

A search tells you which brands are already taken and helps you pick a name that is more distinctive and registrable — stronger protection for the long term.

03

Identify the Right Class

Trademarks are registered in specific Nice Classification classes. We identify the correct class for your goods/services so you file in the right category from day one.

04

Same-Day Report

Standard search reports delivered within 24 hours. Quick turnaround so your brand launch plans don't get delayed.

Legal Framework

Understanding relative grounds helps you see why a search is essential before any trademark application.

Trade Marks Act 1999, Section 11 (Relative Grounds for Refusal): A trademark shall not be registered if it is identical with or deceptively similar to an earlier trademark in respect of the same or similar goods or services, and the use is likely to cause confusion on the part of the public.

What "deceptively similar" means: The Trademark Registry considers phonetic similarity (how names sound), visual similarity (how logos look), and conceptual similarity (what the words mean) — not just identical spelling. A search covers all three dimensions.

Nice Classification (45 classes): International system categorising all goods and services into 45 classes. Trademark protection applies only within registered classes. Choosing the correct class is essential — filing in the wrong class provides no protection for your actual business.

Our Process

You share your brand details — we deliver a comprehensive search report with risk assessment.

1

You Provide Brand Details

Share your brand name (text and/or logo), description of goods/services, and target class if known. We help identify the right class if you're unsure.

2

IP India Database Search

We search the IP India trademark database for identical matches, phonetically similar marks, and visually similar logos in the same class and related classes.

3

Similarity Analysis

Each conflicting mark is analysed for phonetic, visual, and conceptual similarity. We assess the likelihood of confusion and how the Registry would likely view the marks.

4

Search Report with Risk Assessment

Comprehensive report delivered showing conflicting marks (if any), risk level (low/medium/high), and recommendations — including suggested modifications if needed.

5

Filing Class Recommendation

We confirm the correct Nice Classification class(es) for your business and advise on whether to proceed with filing or consider a different brand name.

Documents Required

Minimal information needed to get started immediately.

Brand name (text form)
Logo or device mark (if applicable)
Description of your goods or services
Target Nice Classification class (if known — we help identify)
Industry or business category

Timeline

Standard search reports delivered same day to within 24 hours of receiving your brand details.

Hour 1

Details Received

Hour 2–6

Database Search

Hour 6–12

Analysis & Drafting

Same Day

Report Delivered

Benefits & Risks

Benefits of Searching First

Avoid ₹4,500+ government fee loss from objection or rejection
Make an informed decision before investing in logo and packaging
Identify the correct filing class from the start
Discover potential conflicts before brand launch — not after
Choose a stronger, more distinctive brand name that registers easily

Risks of Filing Without a Search

Relative grounds objection from a prior similar mark
Rejection after paying non-refundable government fees
Post-registration challenge by prior mark holder — cancellation proceedings
Brand identity investment (logo, packaging, marketing) wasted if mark is refused
Filing in wrong class provides no protection for your actual goods/services

Trademark Search Report