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Trademark Status Search — Complete Guide 2026
Trademark Status Search India: Check Your TM Application Status Online
Everything you need to know about trademark status search on IP India — what each status means, how to check it, and what action to take next.
Understanding the Basics
What is Trademark Status Search?
Trademark Status Search is the process of checking the current stage and condition of a trademark application filed with the Trade Marks Registry of India, using the official IP India portal (ipindia.gov.in). It tells you exactly where your application stands — from initial filing to final registration or rejection.
When you file a trademark application in India, the application passes through several stages — formality check, examination, advertisement in the Trade Marks Journal, opposition period, and finally registration. At each stage, the registry assigns a specific trademark status code that applicants can monitor online.
Understanding your trademark application status is critical because certain statuses require urgent action within strict legal deadlines. Missing a deadline — such as replying to an objection or filing a counter-statement to an opposition — can result in your trademark being abandoned.
Who Needs Trademark Status Search?
- Business owners who have filed trademark applications
- Lawyers and trademark agents tracking client TMs
- Companies conducting due diligence before acquisition
- Entrepreneurs checking if a brand name is available
- Investors verifying IP ownership of a business
Benefits of Checking TM Status Regularly
- Never miss a legal deadline for objection reply
- Know when your trademark journal advertisement is live
- Track opposition proceedings in real time
- Confirm registration and download TM certificate
- Identify abandoned marks for potential new filing
Step-by-Step Guide
How to Do Trademark Status Search Online — IP India Portal
The official trademark status search in India is done on the IP India website maintained by the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM). Follow these steps:
1
Visit the Official IP India Trademark Portal
Open your browser and go to ipindia.gov.in. On the homepage, click on "Trade Marks" in the top navigation bar. From the dropdown, select "TM Application/Registered Mark". This will take you to the public trademark search page managed by the Trade Marks Registry, Mumbai.
2
Select Your Search Method
The portal offers multiple search methods: Wordmark (search by trademark text), Application Number (if you know your TM filing number), Vienna Code (for logo/device marks), and Phonetic (sounds-like search). If you filed recently, use Application Number for the fastest, most accurate result.
3
Enter the Application Number or Brand Name
Type your trademark application number (a 8-digit number issued at filing) or your brand name in the search box. Select the correct Trademark Class (Class 1 to 45) from the dropdown. If you are doing a general search to check if your brand is available, you can leave the class as "All" and search by name.
4
Review the Search Results and Current Status
The results page will display your trademark's current status along with details including the applicant name, filing date, class, and trademark image (if a device mark). The status field is the most important column — it tells you the exact stage of your application. Note down the status and cross-reference it with the status meanings explained below.
5
Take the Required Action Based on Status
Different statuses require different actions. "Objected" requires a reply within 30 days. "Accepted and Advertised" means you must monitor for oppositions during the 4-month window. "Registered" means you can now download your Registration Certificate and use the ® symbol legally. If action is needed, contact a trademark expert immediately.
Complete Status Reference
All Trademark Status Types in India — Meaning and Action Required
The IP India portal uses specific status labels that have precise legal meanings. Below is a complete reference of every trademark status you may see when doing a trademark status search in India:
| Trademark Status | Meaning | Stage | Action Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Application | Application received and being processed | Filing | Wait for formality check result |
| Formalities Chk Fail | Formality check failed due to document deficiency | Filing | Respond to deficiency notice immediately |
| Formalities Chk Pass | Basic documents verified; queued for examination | Formality | Wait for Examination Report |
| Marked for Exam | Assigned to a Trademark Examiner for review | Examination | Wait; Examination Report will follow |
| Objected | Examiner has raised objections in Examination Report | Examination | File Objection Reply within 30 days — urgent |
| Exam Report Issued | Examination report with objections has been issued | Examination | Review report; prepare objection reply |
| Hearing | Scheduled for a hearing before the Trademark Registrar | Examination | Attend hearing or send authorised representative |
| Send Back to Exam | Returned for additional examination after hearing | Examination | Wait for fresh Examination Report |
| Accepted | Examiner has accepted the mark; pending advertisement | Acceptance | Wait for advertisement in TM Journal |
| Accepted and Advertised | Published in Trade Marks Journal; 4-month opposition window open | Advertisement | Monitor for oppositions for 4 months |
| Opposed | Third party has filed a Notice of Opposition | Opposition | File Counter-Statement within 2 months — urgent |
| Opposition Decided Against Applicant | Registrar decided in favour of the opponent | Opposition | File appeal before IPAB/High Court if applicable |
| Registered | Trademark is officially registered; ® symbol can be used | Registration | Download certificate; set 10-year renewal reminder |
| Renewal | Registration up for renewal (valid for 10 years) | Renewal | File trademark renewal before expiry |
| Abandoned | Application abandoned due to non-response | Closed | File fresh trademark application if needed |
| Withdrawn | Applicant voluntarily withdrew the application | Closed | File new application if brand protection needed |
| Removed | Trademark removed from registry due to non-use or court order | Removed | The mark can now be re-applied by others |
Search Methods
Types of Trademark Searches Available on IP India
The IP India portal offers multiple search options. Each Type of Trademark search serves a specific purpose — knowing which one to use will give you more accurate results:
Wordmark Search
- Searches by the exact text of the trademark
- Best for checking if a brand name already exists
- Supports partial word search
- Use before filing a new application
Application Number Search
- Search using the 8-digit TM application number
- Fastest way to check status of your own application
- Shows exact current status and all filing details
- Best for post-filing trademark status tracking
Vienna Code Search
- Used for searching logo and device trademarks
- Vienna codes classify figurative elements of marks
- Useful to check if a similar logo already exists
- Used by professionals for clearance searches
Phonetic Search
- Finds marks that sound similar to your brand name
- Critical for avoiding sound-alike conflicts
- Looks beyond spelling to phonetic similarity
- Essential for comprehensive pre-filing search
Pro Tip: Always Do All Four Search Types Before Filing
Many applicants only search by Wordmark and miss conflicts identified by Phonetic or Vienna Code searches. The Trade Marks Registry will object to your application if a similar mark exists — regardless of spelling differences. A professional trademark registration service conducts a comprehensive search across all four search types before advising you to file.
Trademark Classes
Understanding Trademark Classes in Status Search
All trademark searches on the IP India portal require you to select a trademark class. India follows the Nice Classification system, which divides goods and services into 45 classes (Class 1–34 for goods, Class 35–45 for services). The class significantly affects your search results.
| Class Range | Category | Common Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1–5 | Chemicals, Paints, Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals | Cleaning products, medicines, beauty products |
| Class 6–14 | Metals, Tools, Machinery, Jewellery, Clocks | Hardware, electronics, watches, jewellery |
| Class 16–22 | Paper, Rubber, Leather, Furniture, Textiles | Stationery, furniture, clothing materials |
| Class 25 | Clothing, Footwear, Headgear | Apparel brands, fashion labels |
| Class 29–34 | Food, Beverages, Tobacco | Food brands, restaurants, tobacco products |
| Class 35 | Advertising and Business Services | Marketing agencies, retail services |
| Class 36 | Financial and Insurance Services | Banks, insurance companies, fintech |
| Class 41 | Education and Entertainment | Schools, online learning, coaching |
| Class 42 | Technology and IT Services | Software, SaaS, web development, IT |
| Class 45 | Legal and Security Services | Law firms, security agencies |
Important: A trademark is only protected in the class(es) it is registered under. You should always conduct a trademark status search within your specific class to find relevant conflicts. If you are uncertain about which class applies to your business, our experts can guide you — WhatsApp us here.
GEO — City-Wise Trademark Services
Trademark Status Search Help Across India
setupfiling.in provides trademark filing, status tracking, objection reply, and hearing representation services across all major cities in India. Our trademark experts are accessible via WhatsApp and email — no physical visit required.
| City / State | Services Available | TM Registry Jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi / NCR | TM Filing, Status Check, Objection Reply, Hearing | Trade Marks Registry, Delhi |
| Mumbai, Maharashtra | TM Filing, Status Check, Objection Reply, Hearing | Trade Marks Registry, Mumbai (Head Office) |
| Bangalore, Karnataka | TM Filing, Status Check, Objection Reply, Hearing | Trade Marks Registry, Chennai |
| Chennai, Tamil Nadu | TM Filing, Status Check, Objection Reply, Hearing | Trade Marks Registry, Chennai |
| Kolkata, West Bengal | TM Filing, Status Check, Objection Reply, Hearing | Trade Marks Registry, Kolkata |
| Hyderabad, Telangana | TM Filing, Status Check, Objection Reply, Hearing | Trade Marks Registry, Mumbai |
| Ahmedabad, Gujarat | TM Filing, Status Check, Objection Reply, Hearing | Trade Marks Registry, Mumbai |
| Pune, Maharashtra | TM Filing, Status Check, Objection Reply, Hearing | Trade Marks Registry, Mumbai |
| Jaipur, Rajasthan | TM Filing, Status Check, Objection Reply, Hearing | Trade Marks Registry, Delhi |
| Lucknow, UP | TM Filing, Status Check, Objection Reply, Hearing | Trade Marks Registry, Delhi |
Trademark applications filed from anywhere in India are processed at one of the five Trade Marks Registry offices located in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad. Jurisdiction is determined by the principal place of business of the applicant.
Next Steps
What to Do After Checking Your Trademark Status
Once you know your trademark status, here is what you should do based on the result:
If Status is "Objected"
- Read the Examination Report carefully
- File a Trademark Objection Reply within 30 days
- Address every ground of objection raised
- Include evidence of prior use if available
- Request a hearing if reply is rejected
If Status is "Opposed"
- File Counter-Statement within 2 months
- Engage a trademark attorney immediately
- Collect evidence of your brand's prior use
- Attend the Trademark Hearing via representative
- Submit evidence affidavit in time
If Status is "Registered"
- Download your Registration Certificate
- Start using the ® symbol on your brand
- Set reminder for 10-year renewal date
- File Trademark Renewal before expiry
- Consider multi-class protection if needed
If Status is "Abandoned"
- Check if restoration is possible within 1 year
- File a fresh trademark application if outside window
- Conduct full clearance search before re-filing
- Ensure all deadlines are tracked going forward
- Use a professional service to avoid repeat abandonment
Timeline
Trademark Registration Timeline in India — What to Expect at Each Stage
Understanding the typical timeline helps you set accurate expectations when tracking your trademark status:
| Stage | Typical Time from Filing | Portal Status During This Stage |
|---|---|---|
| Application Filing | Day 0 | New Application |
| Formality Check | 1–4 weeks | Formalities Chk Pass / Fail |
| Examination | 3–9 months | Marked for Exam → Objected / Accepted |
| Objection Reply (if needed) | 30 days from report | Objected → Hearing / Accepted |
| Advertisement in TM Journal | 12–18 months | Accepted and Advertised |
| Opposition Window | 4 months from advertisement | Accepted and Advertised / Opposed |
| Registration (if no opposition) | 18–24 months | Registered |
| Registration (with opposition) | 3–5 years | Registered (after proceedings) |
Important Note:
Even before your trademark is officially "Registered", you are legally entitled to use the ™ symbol from the date of filing. The ® symbol can only be used after the trademark is officially registered by the Registry.
Related Services
Trademark Services by SetupFiling.in
Whether you need to file a new trademark, respond to an objection, or handle a hearing — our experts are available across India. Explore our trademark services:
Other Business Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Trademark Status Search — FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about trademark status search in India, written for business owners, startups, and brand managers across the country.
To check trademark status in India, visit the official IP India portal at ipindia.gov.in, go to the Trade Marks section, select TM Application/Registered Mark, enter your application number or trademark name, choose the relevant class, and click Search. The portal will display the current status of your trademark application instantly and completely free of charge.
"Formalities Chk Pass" means that the Trade Marks Registry has verified your application documents and all basic formality requirements are fulfilled. Your application has passed the initial administrative check and is now queued for examination by a Trademark Examiner. This is a positive early-stage status — no action is required from you at this point.
"Accepted and Advertised" trademark status means the Trademark Examiner has accepted your mark and it has been published in the official Trade Marks Journal. From this publication date, a 4-month opposition window opens during which any third party can oppose your trademark. If no opposition is filed within 4 months, your trademark proceeds automatically to registration.
Trademark registration in India typically takes 18 to 24 months from the date of filing if no objection or opposition is raised. If a Trademark Objection Reply or opposition proceeding is involved, the process can take 3 to 5 years. Importantly, the applicant receives trademark protection (™ symbol right) from the date of filing, even before final registration is granted.
If your trademark status shows "Objected", you must File a Trademark objection reply within 30 days of receiving the Examination Report. The reply must address all grounds of objection raised by the Trademark Examiner — including Section 9 (absolute grounds) and Section 11 (relative grounds) objections. Failing to respond within the deadline may result in abandonment of your application. Contact our trademark experts immediately for professional assistance.
Yes, you can check trademark status without an application number. The IP India trademark search portal allows searching by Wordmark (trademark name), Vienna Code (for device marks), or Phonetic similarity. Simply select the appropriate search type, enter the trademark name or description, choose the class, and click search. All matching trademarks along with their current status will be displayed.
A trademark search is conducted before filing to check if a similar or identical mark already exists in the registry — this helps you avoid conflicts and objections. A trademark status search is conducted after filing to track the progress of your own trademark application through stages like examination, objection, advertisement, and registration. Both searches are done on the IP India portal but serve completely different purposes.
Yes, trademark status search on the official IP India portal is completely free of charge. Anyone can access the Trade Marks Registry database at ipindia.gov.in and search for trademark application status, registered marks, and trademark journal publications without paying any fee. No login or registration is required to perform a basic trademark status search.
"Send Back to Exam" trademark status means the application was returned to the Examination stage after a hearing or review. This typically happens when additional examination is required following an objection reply or a hearing before the Trademark Registrar. It is not a rejection — the application continues in the examination process and may still proceed to acceptance and registration.
A trademark status showing "Opposed" means a third party has filed an opposition against your trademark application within the 4-month advertisement window. You will receive an opposition notice and must file a counter-statement within 2 months. Opposition proceedings involve filing evidence affidavits, cross-examination, and a final hearing before the Trademark Registrar. Legal assistance from a trademark professional is strongly advised at this stage.
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