When starting a business, we often sit with our family members to discuss and decide on a brand name. We might think about names starting with A, C, D, F, or K, and finally settle on a good name. We then decide to register that brand name, but a big problem can arise in the future.
The issue is whether the brand name we selected is already registered in the category we plan to operate in. If someone else has already registered that brand, you won’t be able to register it. In the online business world, if your brand is not registered as a trademark, you won’t be able to sell your product under that name online. You would need to register a different brand name, which is a time-consuming process.
Brand registration involves submitting an application, and then the government checks if the name is already taken. After that, there is an advertisement phase. If another brand owner feels the name is similar to theirs, they can object. You would then need to appeal the objection, making the process even longer.
I will demonstrate how to search and verify that the brand name you wish to register is not already taken in your category. Categories, or classes, divide products into different groups, such as textiles, furniture, jewellery, and bags. For example, clothing and footwear fall under Class 25. Today, I will demonstrate how to check this online.
Checking Trademark Classes
First, search for “trademark class list” on Google. The first result will be the official Indian government website. It provides all the class details. For instance,
| Product Type | Class Number |
| Pants | Class 2 |
| Industrial Oils | Class 4 |
| Common Metals & Alloys | Class 6 |
….and so on. You need to decide which class your product falls into.
When you go for trademark registration, inform your lawyer about your product, and they will help you determine the correct class.
Searching for Existing Trademarks
Let’s search to see if a trademark is already registered or not. Suppose you are launching a footwear brand named “Osaka.” Go to the official trademark search website and enter “Osaka” in Class 25. Click search, and you will see if “Osaka” is already registered by someone else.
For example, “Osaka Jeans Label” and “Osaka Label” are already registered under Class 25. If these are taken, you need to choose another name.
Let’s try another example: “Killer Jeans.” Enter “Killer Jeans” in Class 25. You’ll see that it’s already registered by “Kiran Clothing Private Limited.” This means you can’t use “Killer Jeans” for your brand.
Conclusion
Before finalizing your brand name, always check if it’s already registered. This method will save you from potential legal issues and help you secure your brand identity. For those in Kolkata, consider seeking professional assistance for trademark registration in kolkata to ensure a smooth process.
