Trademark search helps determine whether a brand name or logo is legally available before registration, reducing rejection risk and preventing future legal conflicts.
Trademark search is a legal verification process conducted before filing a trademark application.It involves checking the government trademark database to identify identical or similar existing trademarks. This process helps businesses avoid objections, infringement claims, and unnecessary rebranding costs.
Why is Trademark Search Important for Eligible Applicants?
Conducting a trademark search helps eligible applicants avoid legal risks and registration failure.
Prevents filing under an already registered or similar trademark
Reduces chances of trademark objections or opposition
Protects investment in branding and marketing
Helps choose a stronger, legally compliant brand name
Types of Trademark Search
There are different methods of trademark search (TM search) to help ensure that your brand name, logo, or design is unique and available for registration. Here are the main types:
Trademark search protects your brand and improves registration success.
Minimises risk of objection or rejection
Prevents trademark infringement disputes
Saves cost of re-filing or rebranding
Helps select a legally strong trademark
Improves approval chances
Provides clarity before filing
Trademark Search by Class
To search for a trademark by class, start by identifying the right category for your product or service using the international Nice Classification system. Once you know the correct class, use your country’s official trademark database, for example, the USPTO database in the U.S. to check for existing trademarks in that category.
A trademark class search is essential because trademarks are registered under specific classes defined by the Nice Classification (NCL) system. This system categorises goods and services into 45 trademark classes Classes 1–34 for goods and Classes 35–45 for services. Conducting a proper trademark classification search ensures that your brand name or logo is registered in the right category, avoiding conflicts with similar marks in the same class.
Check Your Trademark Before You File
Avoid objections, protect your brand, and file with confidence.
Documents Required for Trademark Search
Trademark search requires limited inputs but accurate details ensure reliable results.
Proposed Trademark Details
Used to conduct the search analysis.
Brand name or wordmark
Logo image (if applicable)
Tagline or slogan (optional)
Business & Industry Information
Helps identify correct trademark class.
Nature of goods or services
Industry category
Intended use of trademark
Applicant Information
Supports future filing guidance.
Individual or business entity type
Country of operation
Expansion plans (optional)
