IP India Trademark Public Search: A Step-by-Step Guide
Use the free official portal the right way. Wordmark, phonetic and logo search, class choice, and how to read what you find.
Quick answer
The free official search is at tmrsearch.ipindia.gov.in. Complete the captcha, pick wordmark, phonetic or Vienna code, choose your class, enter the name, and read every result in your class and nearby classes. Run both wordmark and phonetic. A clean search lowers risk but does not guarantee registration.
The official free search
The Trade Marks Registry runs a free public search at tmrsearch.ipindia.gov.in. Anyone can use it, and a basic search needs no login. You only pay the government fee when you file an application. The search itself lives on IP India's own site, which is why this guide shows you how to use it rather than copying its results.
Step by step
- Open the public search page and complete the captcha.
- Choose the search type: wordmark, phonetic or Vienna code.
- Choose the class. The portal needs a class before it runs the search.
- Enter the name and pick the match setting, such as starts with, contains or exact match. Start broad with contains.
- Read every result in your class and in the neighbouring classes.
- Open any similar mark to see its owner, goods and status.
| Search type | Use it for |
|---|---|
| Wordmark | Plain text names. Start here for any brand name. |
| Phonetic | Names that sound alike but are spelt differently, such as Kwik and Quick. |
| Vienna code | Logos and device marks, searched by the shapes and elements in the design. |
How to judge a similar mark
- Sound: would a buyer on the phone mix the two up
- Look: spelling, letters, and logo design
- Meaning: the same idea in another word or language
- Goods: the same or related goods or services, not only the same class
- Status: a live registration blocks you; an abandoned or removed mark usually does not. See what each status means
Run the search in more than one class. A conflict in a neighbouring class can still bring an examination objection. See objection reply.
Common search mistakes
- Running only a wordmark search and skipping phonetic.
- Searching one class when your business spans several.
- Ignoring logo elements when you plan a logo mark.
- Reading "no result" as "safe". A new filing that is not yet visible can still exist.
A search tells you what is on the register today. A professional search adds judgement on risk. For a free first opinion, use our trademark search page. To be told when a similar mark is filed later, see free trademark watch.
Trademark Wale is an independent private firm and is not affiliated with IP India or the Government of India. We link to the official portal and do not copy its data. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Trademark public search questions
Is the IP India trademark search free?
Yes. The public search is free and a basic search needs no login. Filing an application carries the government fee.
What is the difference between wordmark and phonetic search?
Wordmark matches the letters you type. Phonetic finds names that sound alike even when spelt differently. Run both.
When should I use the Vienna code search?
When your brand includes a logo or device. It searches by the design elements, not the text.
Is a clean search a guarantee the mark will register?
No. The Registry examiner can still object, and a third party can oppose after advertisement. A search lowers risk but cannot remove it.
Which class should I search in?
The class that covers your goods or services, plus the closely related classes. See our classes guide.
Ready to protect your brand?
Share your brand name and what you sell, and we will tell you where you stand before you spend on filing.
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