# Trademark Search & Clearance

> A trademark search checks the Trade Marks Registry for identical and similar marks — including phonetic and visual similarity and logos — in the classes that cover your goods or services, before you file or spend on branding. A clean search doesn't guarantee registration, but it is the cheapest way to avoid an objection, an opposition or an infringement claim later.

Practice: Trademark, Copyright & Patents — https://www.industax.com/services/trademark-ip/

India uses the 45-class Nice classification. Searching only the exact name in one class misses most conflicts: examiners object to marks that sound alike, share a dominant word, or cover related goods in a neighbouring class. Logos are searched by their figurative elements.

We search the IP India database and common-law use (domain names, marketplaces, company names), and give a written opinion: file as is, file with changes, or choose another name.

## Key facts

| Item | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| Classification | 45 classes (Nice); goods 1–34, services 35–45 |
| Search types | Word, phonetic, device (logo) and common-law use |
| Database | IP India public search |
| Output | Written availability and risk opinion |

## Who needs this

- Founders choosing a company or product name
- Brands expanding into new product categories
- Businesses renaming or rebranding
- Anyone filing a trademark application

## What's included

- Class identification for your goods and services
- Word, phonetic and device-mark search
- Company name, domain and marketplace check
- Risk opinion with alternatives

## Documents

- Proposed name and/or logo
- Description of goods and services
- Countries or markets of interest

## Process

1. **Classes** — We map your goods and services to classes.
2. **Search** — Registry and common-law searches run.
3. **Opinion** — Written risk assessment and next steps.

## FAQs

### Is a trademark search mandatory before filing?

No, but filing without one is the main reason applications face objections or oppositions.

### Can two companies use the same name in different classes?

Often yes, unless one mark is well known or the goods and services are related enough to cause confusion.

### Does company name approval mean the trademark is available?

No. MCA name approval and trademark availability are separate checks.

## Official sources

- IP India public trademark search: https://tmrsearch.ipindia.gov.in/
- IP India — Trade Marks Registry & e-filing: https://ipindia.gov.in/

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Canonical page: https://www.industax.com/services/trademark-ip/trademark-search
Publisher: Indus Tax — CA-led tax and compliance firm (https://www.industax.com). Contact: info@industax.com, 9059139258.
This is general information, not advice for your specific facts.