Clients are frequently more interested in having a trademark registered than in determining if another business might have already used that mark. This interest is driven by a belief that registration gives superior rights in the mark to the registrant.
This is not the case; rights to the mark depend on being the first to adopt and use the mark in commerce rather than being the first to file an application to register it and even if the client has successfully registered a mark, that registration will be useless against a prior user of the mark who never bothered to registered it. Registration simply (but importantly) makes it easier to enforce those rights.
Before a company begins using a trademark, it is important to conduct a thorough trademark search. The object of a trademark search is to find out if there are any other marks that are likely to be confused with the candidate mark. Likelihood of confusion requires evaluation of a number of factors, including ofcourse the similarity of the other mark to the candidate mark and the similarities of the goods or services.
Sometimes the identical mark can be used by different businesses as long as the goods and services they use it with are different. On the other hand, if your candidate mark is the same as a famous mark or you find another mark that is used with different but objectionable goods and services, you should choose a different candidate mark.
A trademark search is conducted to determine whether there may be potential conflicts with prior users of the same or similar trademarks. Such a search should include prior registrations and applications on file at the trademark registry, trademark registrations in the various states, unregistered common-law uses such as company name listings, and Internet domain names.
A search serves to ensure the validity of the mark. It is also important to keep in mind that trademark infringement does not require intent. The innocent adoption of a mark that is confusingly similar to that of another is actionable at law.
A trademark search should also be conducted before incorporation under a corporate name. It is a common misconception that “clearing” a corporate name with a Registrar of Companies, by which a corporate name is reserved and a corporation is formed, is sufficient to avoid trademark problems. Such corporate clearance is no guarantee that the name will not be challenged by a prior trademark owner of an identical or substantially similar name.
Once a search indicates that a mark is clear of conflicts, a business ought to adopt it and use it in commerce as soon as possible so that it can acquire trademark rights as soon as it knows it has a good mark.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trademark Searches
1. Why is a Trademark Search important before adopting a new brand name?
Conducting a comprehensive Trademark Search is crucial to identify potential conflicts with prior users of the same or similar marks. Under Indian Trademark Law, even the innocent adoption of a confusingly similar mark is actionable, meaning a thorough preliminary search prevents costly legal disputes, infringement claims, and forced rebranding efforts later on.
2. Does obtaining a corporate company name guarantee trademark rights?
No, reserving a corporate name with the Registrar of Companies does not automatically clear the name for trademark purposes. You must still conduct an independent Trademark Search and file a formal Trademark Application to ensure the corporate name doesn’t infringe on an existing registered or common-law trademark.
3. Can two different businesses use the identical trademark?
Sometimes, identical marks can co-exist safely if the goods and services they represent are entirely different, meaning there is no likelihood of consumer confusion. However, if your candidate mark is identical to a “famous” or well-known mark, your Trademark Application may still face rejection or opposition due to brand dilution rules.
4. Are unregistered, common-law trademarks protected?
Yes, trademark rights generally depend on being the first to adopt and use the mark in commerce rather than just being the first to file. A prior user of a mark can successfully challenge a newer Trademark Registration, which is why a proper search must include unregistered common-law uses, company name listings, and internet domain names.
5. What should a business do once a trademark search comes back clear?
Once a search indicates that a mark is clear of conflicts, the business should immediately adopt and use it in commerce to establish priority. Promptly filing a Trademark Application is also highly recommended to formally secure those rights, obtain the benefits of a Trademark Registration, and put the public and competitors on notice of your exclusive claim.
