Once you have successfully navigated the process of trademark registration, you are granted exclusive rights to your brand name or logo. This ownership is officially sealed with a unique identifier known as the trademark registration number. This number is more than just a random sequence of digits; it's the master key to managing, protecting, and leveraging your brand's intellectual property.
Whether you've misplaced your registration certificate, need to verify a competitor's trademark, or are preparing legal documents, knowing how to find this crucial number is essential. Many business owners are unsure where to look or how to retrieve it if lost.
This guide provides a clear, step-by-step process for locating a trademark registration number in India, using the official government portal.
What is Trademark Registration Number?
A trademark registration number is a unique numerical identifier assigned by the Indian Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) once a trademark is officially registered. It is distinct from the application number, which is assigned when you first file your trademark application. The application number tracks the mark during the examination phase, while the registration number signifies that the mark has passed all stages and is now legally protected property.
Why is This Number So Important?
Think of your trademark registration number as your brand's official ID. You will need it for several critical actions:
· Proof of Ownership: It is the ultimate proof that you are the legal owner of the trademark.
· Legal Proceedings: If you need to send a cease-and-desist letter or file a suit for infringement, you must cite your registration number.
· Trademark Renewal: Trademarks require renewal every 10 years. The renewal process is initiated using your registration number.
· Licensing and Assignment: If you plan to license your brand to a third party or sell (assign) it, the registration number is required for the legal agreements.
· Official Communications: All correspondence with the Trademark Registry regarding your registered mark will reference this number.
Method 1: The Trademark Registration Certificate
The most direct way to find your number is by looking at your official trademark registration certificate. The certificate is issued by the Trademark Registry upon successful registration.
Typically, the trademark registration number is prominently displayed near the top of the certificate, often labeled clearly as "Trademark No." or "Registration No.". Alongside it, you will find other key details like the mark itself, the date of registration, the relevant class, and the owner's details. Keep a digital and physical copy of this certificate in a safe place.
Method 2: Finding a Trademark Registration Number Online
If you cannot find your certificate or need to look up the number for another registered trademark, the IP India public search portal is your go-to resource. The process is straightforward and accessible to everyone.
Here’s how to do it, step-by-step:
Step 1: Navigate to the IP India Public Search Portal
The first step is to visit the official online search database provided by the Indian Trademark Office.
Step 2: Select the Search Type
The portal will present you with three search options: Wordmark, Phonetic, and Vienna Code. For finding a specific registered brand name, "Wordmark" is the most effective choice.
Step 3: Enter the Brand Name and Class
This is the most crucial part of the search.
· Wordmark: In the field labeled "Wordmark," type the brand name you are searching for.
· Class: You must enter the correct trademark class. Trademarks are categorized into 45 classes based on the goods or services they represent. For example, Class 9 is for computer software, and Class 42 is for IT services. If you are searching for a specific mark, you likely already know its class. If not, a quick search for the "Nice Classification of Goods and Services" will help you determine it. Enter the class number (e.g., '9' or '42') into the "Class" field.
For the search itself, you have three options: "Start With," "Contains," and "Match With." The "Contains" option is generally the most comprehensive, as it will find the mark even if it's part of a larger brand name.
Step 4: Analyze the Search Results
After clicking the "Search" button, the portal will display a list of trademarks that match your query. The table provides several columns of information.
Look for the brand you are interested in and check the "Status" column. To have a registration number, the status must be "Registered". If the status is "Objected," "Abandoned," or "Pending," it does not yet have a registration number.
Step 5: Identify the Trademark Registration Number
Once you have located the correct brand with a "Registered" status, look across that row in the results table. You will see two important columns:
· Application No.: This is the number assigned when the application was first filed.
· Reg. No. / Well-Known: This column contains the official trademark registration number.
This number is the unique identifier you are looking for. You can now use it for renewals, legal notices, or any other official purpose. This online method ensures that even without the physical certificate, you can always access your brand's most important identifier with just a few clicks.
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