Trademark Search and Clearance
Most trademark refusals are predictable. A proper search finds the conflict before you spend on filing, packaging and advertising — and tells you clearly whether to proceed, adjust, or pick a different name.
- Identical, phonetic and visual similarity checks
- Cross-class and adjacent-class conflict analysis
- Written risk opinion, not just a database dump
- Domain and marketplace availability included
- Government fee from
- Free
- Our fee from
- Free
- Typical timeline
- 1–2 days
Why a search is the cheapest step you will take
The free search tool on the IP India website checks for exact matches in a single class. That is not what refuses applications. Marks are refused because they sound like something already registered, look like it, mean the same thing, or cover goods a consumer would assume come from the same source.
A proper clearance search looks at phonetic equivalents, transliterations across scripts, prefixes and suffixes, device and logo similarity, marks in neighbouring classes, and the commercial impression the mark creates. It also checks whether the mark is inherently descriptive or generic for your sector, which is a Section 9 problem no amount of argument fully fixes.
The economics are simple. A search costs a few thousand rupees. Discovering the conflict after you have filed, printed packaging, bought a domain, built a website and run ads costs vastly more — and the government fee is never refunded.
What trademark search gives you
The practical advantages, not the marketing version.
Avoid a refused application
Government fees are non-refundable. A search tells you whether the money is worth spending.
Avoid a forced rebrand
Finding a conflict before launch is inconvenient. Finding it after signage, packaging and ad spend is expensive.
Compare shortlisted names
We can clear three or four candidate names together so you choose the one with the cleanest path.
Strengthen the filing
Knowing the cited marks in advance lets us draft a specification that steers around them.
Support investor diligence
A written clearance opinion is exactly what acquirers and investors ask for during brand diligence.
Plan the objection strategy
Where risk exists, we tell you what the likely objection is and how we would answer it.
The process, step by step
Every stage, with realistic timelines — including the ones that depend on the registry rather than on us.
- 15 minutes
Share your brand
Send us the proposed name or logo, your business activity, and any alternative names you are considering.
- 21 day
Database search
We search the Trade Marks Registry across identical marks, phonetic variants, transliterations, device codes and adjacent classes.
- 31 day
Common-law and market check
We check company names on MCA, domain availability, marketplace listings and social handles for unregistered prior use.
- 41–2 days
Written risk opinion
You receive a report listing conflicting marks with owner, class and status, an overall risk rating, and a clear recommendation on whether to proceed.
What you need to provide
Have these ready and the filing moves quickly. We tell you if anything is missing before we start.
What we need from you
- The proposed brand name, or the logo file if it is a device mark
- A description of what you sell or the service you provide
- Any alternative names you would like checked at the same time
- Evidence of existing use, if you are already trading under the name
What you receive
- List of identical and similar marks with class, owner and status
- Phonetic and visual similarity assessment
- Section 9 descriptiveness assessment
- Overall risk rating with a proceed / adjust / avoid recommendation
- Recommended classes and specification wording
Official fees
These are statutory fees payable to the government, separate from our professional fee. We never mark them up.
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Public search on the IP India portal | Free | Exact-match search in a single class. |
| Registry search certificate (Form TM-C) | ₹10,000 | Formal certificate from the Registrar, required for logo copyright applications. |
A commercial clearance search carries no government fee. The TM-C search certificate is only needed when registering an artistic work used in relation to goods or services under the Copyright Act.
Transparent professional fees
Fixed fees, quoted upfront. Government fees are charged at cost and shown separately on every invoice.
Quick Check
A same-day yes / no / maybe on a single name.
- Exact-match search in one class
- Availability signal within 24 hours
- Recommended class
- No written opinion
Clearance Report
The search you should run before filing.
- Identical, phonetic and visual search
- Cross-class and adjacent-class analysis
- Section 9 descriptiveness assessment
- Domain, MCA and marketplace check
- Written risk opinion with recommendation
- 30-minute call to walk through findings
Brand Naming Review
For teams choosing between shortlisted brand names.
- Clearance report for up to five candidate names
- Comparative risk ranking
- Class strategy for the winning name
- Domain and social handle availability
- Naming workshop call with the team
Questions we get asked
If your question is not here, send it over — we answer directly rather than routing you to a form.
Is the free search on the IP India website enough?
How long does a trademark search take?
Does a clean search guarantee registration?
Can I search a logo, not just a name?
What if my search shows a conflict?
Still unsure? Book a free consultation and we will tell you honestly whether this is the right service for you.
Ready to start your trademark search?
Talk to an IP professional first. No obligation, no sales script — just a clear view of where you stand and what it will cost.