Step 3: Look out for copycats and a trademark attorney
The next step, is to carry a search in the Trademark Registry (http://ipindiaonline.gov.in/tmrpublicsearch2/frmmain.aspx), this is to ascertain whether someone else has already registered your cherished “trademark”. Note that application requires provision of various details, including the period of prior “usage” of your trademark. While the search may be carried out free of cost on the above link, it is advisable to utilize the services of a qualified trade mark attorney to carry out this search. The Attorney will assist you in filing for a formal search request at the Trademark Registry, and you would thus have a formal report, showing other’s marks which bear similarity to yours, which would help you modify your trademark or go for another one!
For the cost conscious amongst us, note that the Fees for Trade-Mark search are Rs. 500, and an Attorney’s Fees may range from Rs. 5000- Rs. 15,000. Well before this makes you re-think about your decision, let me tell you that there online trademark legal service providers such as http://trademarkregistrationbangalore.com/
Good luck with the search!!
2 Comments
Deepa Govind
27 February , 10:34 pmWell documented Rachana. A must have and must do even if it is one-woman-show. Afterall, lack of trademark registration should not be an obstacle at growth on a later date/
Rachna Monga
12 March , 1:02 amglad that you found it useful. thanks