If you’re planning to start a business in Ludhiana or launch a new brand, protecting your identity through trademark registration is crucial. But before you move forward, it’s essential to check whether your desired trademark name is available. This guide walks you through the step-by-step process of checking trademark names in Ludhiana, ensuring you’re legally safe and market-ready.
What Is a Trademark?
A trademark is a unique symbol, word, phrase, logo, or combination that distinguishes your goods or services from others in the market. It gives your brand a distinct identity and helps in building customer trust.
Why Checking a Trademark Name Is Important
Checking your trademark name is the first step before registration. It helps you:
- Avoid legal disputes
- Ensure uniqueness
- Prevent rejection of your application
- Build a strong, protected brand
Step-by-Step Process to Check Trademark Names in Ludhiana
Whether you’re registering through Corpmate or doing it independently, here’s how you can check trademark names in India:
Step 1: Visit the Official Trademark Search Website
Go to the official trademark search portal provided by the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trademarks:
https://ipindiaonline.gov.in/tmrpublicsearch/frmmain.aspx
This website is used across India, including for Ludhiana-based trademarks.
Step 2: Choose the Search Type
You will see three search criteria:
- Wordmark
- Vienna Code
- Phonetic
For most users, especially businesses checking names, Wordmark is the relevant option.
Step 3: Enter the Trademark Name
Type your desired name in the “Wordmark” field. Use different search strategies:
- Exact Match: Check if the name exists as-is
- Starts With: Check all names that begin with your keyword
- Contains: Search for names containing your keyword anywhere
Step 4: Choose the Class of Goods or Services
Trademarks are categorized under Classes (1 to 45). For example:
- Class 3: Cosmetics and beauty products
- Class 41: Education and training (for academies like Corpmate or salon courses)
Choose the class relevant to your business or consult an expert.
Step 5: Analyze the Results
The portal will show all existing or applied trademarks under your search. Look for:
- Similarity in names or pronunciation
- Status (Registered, Objected, Abandoned, etc.)
- Applicant details
If your desired name is already registered or closely resembles another, it may lead to rejection or opposition.
Step 6: Do a Phonetic Search
Sometimes, different spellings sound the same (e.g., “Xpress” and “Express”). To be safe, perform a Phonetic Search using the same name. This checks for sound-alike trademarks that may block your registration.
Did You Know?
- More than 30,000 trademarks are filed every month in India.
- A trademark similar in pronunciation can be rejected—even if spelled differently.
- Ludhiana is among the top cities in Punjab for new trademark filings, especially in the textile and education industries.
What If Your Name Already Exists?
If the name or a similar one already exists:
- You may receive an objection or opposition during the registration process.
- Choose a more unique variation or consult a legal expert like Corpmate to help you find alternatives and reduce risk.
Tips for Choosing a Unique Trademark
- Avoid generic words (e.g., “Best”, “India”, “Global”)
- Combine unique syllables or invented words (e.g., Zomato, Nykaa)
- Check domain name and social media availability
- Avoid infringing on famous brand names or similar logos
How Corpmate Can Help You?
At Corpmate, we offer end-to-end trademark support for businesses in Ludhiana and across India, including:
- Trademark search and analysis
- Legal advice on class selection
- Filing and documentation
- Responding to objections or oppositions
Our experienced team ensures that your trademark is not only available but also protected legally and strategically.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not checking similar-sounding names
- Choosing a name already in use in another class
- Ignoring logos and device marks while searching
- Filing without legal advice
These mistakes can delay your registration or result in complete rejection.
Conclusion:
Trademark name checking is a critical first step in launching a successful brand in Ludhiana. It saves you from legal trouble, helps you maintain brand identity, and ensures a smooth registration process. Don’t take shortcuts—perform a proper trademark search or let experts like Corpmate handle it for you. Contact us.