Brand & Trademark Pre-Check
Pre-screen your name
and find your TM class
Catch obvious name red flags before a RUN/SPICe+ application, and see the trademark classes your business is likely to file in — before you pay for a TM-A filing.
Part A — Name pre-screen
Part B — Trademark class guidance
Trademarks in India are filed under the NICE classification. Pick your business category to see the classes you would most likely file in.
Search IP India's official trademark database ↗Class mappings are the standard NICE classes for these business types. They are guidance, not a filing opinion — always confirm the exact class and specification with the Trade Marks Registry.
Important
This is a pre-screen to catch obvious problems before you pay for a RUN/SPICe+ name application or a TM-A trademark filing. It does not check real MCA name availability or real trademark registrability.
Final name availability is decided only by the MCA, and registrability of a mark is decided only by the Trade Marks Registry. Nothing here confirms that a name is "available" or that a mark is "registrable".
Last updated 2026-07-24.
Common questions
Trademark law, statute-cited.
Can I use a brand name before trademark registration?+
Yes — registration is not mandatory to use a mark. Prior use of a mark confers common-law rights, and an earlier user can oppose a later application under s.34 of the Trade Marks Act 1999. But registration under s.28 gives the exclusive right to use the mark nationwide, which is what lets you stop others. This tool pre-screens your name for obvious MCA and trademark red flags before you spend on filing.
What names cannot be registered as trademarks?+
A mark that is not distinctive, that is descriptive of the goods or services, or that is likely to deceive or cause confusion is refused under s.9(1) of the Trade Marks Act 1999. Marks conflicting with earlier marks or earlier rights in India are refused under s.11. Generic words and laudatory terms (best, super, generic category words) usually fail the distinctiveness test.
How many trademark classes do I need?+
Trademarks are classified into 45 classes under the Nice Classification. A single application covers one class under s.18(1) of the Trade Marks Act 1999 — if your business spans software and consulting services, you typically need two or more applications. This tool suggests the likely classes for your business based on your description.
How long does trademark registration take?+
From filing to registration, expect roughly 12–18 months. After filing, the Registry examines the application, advertises it, and allows a 4-month opposition window under s.21(1) of the Trade Marks Act 1999 (examination timelines vary with the registry’s workload). An unopposed application is the fastest path; oppositions can add a year or more.
What happens if I use a mark identical to a registered trademark?+
The registered proprietor can sue for infringement under s.29 of the Trade Marks Act 1999 and obtain an injunction, damages or an account of profits under s.135. Passing off is also available to unregistered prior users under the common law. The cheapest protection is the pre-screen this tool runs before you commit to a name.