6May, 2025
Step-by-Step: How to Do a Class 11 Trademark Search in India

Launching a new product in the lighting, heating, or sanitaryware industry? Planning to register your brand under Trademark Class 11?

Before you rush into trademark filing, there’s a critical first step you should never skip — conducting a trademark search. Why? Because registering a name that’s already taken or deceptively similar can lead to legal issues, rejections, or even rebranding.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to search for Class 11 trademarks online, the tools you need, step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and mistakes to avoid.

Let’s ensure your brand name is truly yours — before someone else tells you it’s not.

🔍 What is a Class 11 Trademark?

Trademark Class 11, as defined by the Nice Classification, includes:

“Apparatus for lighting, heating, steam generating, cooking, refrigerating, drying, ventilating, water supply and sanitary purposes.”

If your business deals in:

  • LED lights and lamps
  • Ceiling fans and air conditioners
  • Electric geysers
  • Gas stoves
  • Water purifiers
  • Plumbing fittings or bathroom fixtures

…then you must file your trademark application under Class 11.

But before you do, you need to make sure your brand name is available — and that’s where trademark search comes in.

💡 Why is a Trademark Search Important Before Filing?

Trademark search helps you:

✅ Avoid Rejections: Many applications get rejected because the brand name is already registered or too similar to an existing one.

✅ Prevent Legal Disputes: A search reveals if you’re infringing on another party’s trademark, which can save you from lawsuits and cease-and-desist notices.

✅ Build a Strong Brand: It’s easier to build brand value when your name is unique and not confused with others in the same industry.

✅ Save Time and Money: Filing fees are non-refundable. Doing a search before filing helps avoid wastage of money and effort.

🌐 Where to Search for Class 11 Trademarks?

In India, the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (CGPDTM) offers a free and official search portal:

🔗 IP India Public Search Portal:
https://ipindiaonline.gov.in/tmrpublicsearch

This tool allows you to search the trademark database by:

  • Class number (in this case, Class 11)
  • Wordmark (brand name)
  • Proprietor name
  • Phonetic similarities

You can also use private tools like:

  • QuickCompany
  • LegalWiz
  • VakilSearch
  • Trademarkia (for global search)

However, IP India’s portal is the most authentic and recommended for legal filing.

🛠 Step-by-Step Guide to Search for Class 11 Trademarks Online

Here’s a simple process you can follow to conduct your trademark search before filing:

🔹 Step 1: Visit the Trademark Search Portal

Go to:
https://ipindiaonline.gov.in/tmrpublicsearch

You’ll see a basic form with three search types:

  • Wordmark
  • Vienna Code
  • Phonetic

For most cases, you’ll use the Wordmark Search.

🔹 Step 2: Choose Your Search Criteria

  • Search Type: Select “Start With,” “Contains,” or “Match With.”
    • Start With: Best for seeing if your exact brand name or similar ones already exist.
    • Contains: Shows all trademarks containing your keyword.
    • Match With: Exact name matches only.
  • Wordmark: Enter the brand name you want to register (e.g., “AquaPure”).
  • Class: Enter 11 — this is crucial. Without class filtering, you may get irrelevant results.

🔹 Step 3: Review the Search Results

Click “Submit.” The page will list existing trademarks with details like:

  • Trademark Application Number
  • Wordmark (Name)
  • Status (e.g., Registered, Objected, Refused)
  • Applicant Name
  • Class
  • Filing Date
  • Journal Number
  • Validity Period

Here’s what each status means:

StatusMeaning
RegisteredAlready approved – you can’t use this name
ObjectedUnder examination with issues
OpposedSomeone has legally challenged it
AbandonedDropped – might be available but risky
WithdrawnVoluntarily cancelled
Accepted & AdvertisedPublished but not yet registered

🔹 Step 4: Analyze Similarities

Don’t just look for exact matches — check for:

  • Spelling variations (e.g., AquaPure vs. Aquapyoor)
  • Phonetic similarities (e.g., BrightLite vs. BriteLight)
  • Combined words or suffixes (e.g., GlowLux LED vs. LuxGlow)

If your brand name is too similar, your application may be objected or rejected.

💡 Expert Tip: Avoid using generic words commonly found in the Class 11 category, like “Cool,” “Heat,” “Fresh,” “Glow,” “Aqua,” unless combined uniquely.

🔄 Real Example

Let’s say you want to register the brand “HeatFlow” for electric water heaters.

Search for “HeatFlow” in Class 11.

Results:

  • HeatFlow – Registered (Active)
  • Heat-Flow – Objected
  • Heat Fluo – Abandoned

In this case, your exact name is already registered, which means you must choose a new and unique name to avoid rejection.

Try modifying it:

  • HeatFlix
  • ThermFlow
  • WarmEdge

Then search again for these new names.

📌 How to Interpret Trademark Search Results

Let’s decode what to focus on:

ColumnWhat It Means
WordmarkThe brand name filed
ProprietorPerson or company who filed it
StatusCheck if it’s registered or objected
Application No.Use this for follow-up queries
DateOlder marks have stronger claim
Journal No.Legal publication number

🔐 Advanced Search Tips

  • Use wildcards for broader search:
    • *cool* shows names with “cool” in any part
  • Try phonetic search (especially for unique spellings)
  • Always search both Wordmark and Phonetic

🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Trademark Search

MistakeBetter Approach
Only searching exact nameCheck variations and phonetics
Skipping class selectionAlways search specifically in Class 11
Ignoring abandoned marksEven dropped marks can create confusion
Filing without searchAlways search before investing money

📄 What to Do If Your Trademark Name Is Taken?

If your desired name is:

  • Registered — Avoid using it.
  • Objected or Opposed — Choose a fresh name to avoid delay.
  • Abandoned — Consider with caution. Legal advice is recommended.

Instead:

  • Try rebranding with a unique twist.
  • Combine words, use coined terms.
  • Avoid using common words from Class 11 categories.

✅ Best Practices for a Strong Trademark in Class 11

Here’s how to pick a name that’s both search-safe and registration-ready:

  • Invent a new word (e.g., Thermolux, Geyseron)
  • Avoid industry-generic names (e.g., PureWater)
  • Don’t include product type (e.g., “LED Bulb” as a brand)
  • Choose a name that’s easy to pronounce and spell
  • Check domain and social media handle availability

🧠 Pro Tip: Get Expert Help for Class 11 Search

Trademark search can be tricky — one missed conflict and your application can be rejected.

That’s why many successful businesses rely on experts to conduct a professional trademark search. Experts check not just the database but also phonetics, industry trends, and risk of objection — and suggest safer alternatives.

🤝 How VMK Professionals Can Help

At VMK Professionals, we help businesses in the electrical, lighting, and sanitaryware industries identify legally safe, brandable names and file their trademarks without errors.

Our Class 11 services include:

  • Complete trademark availability search
  • Industry-specific name suggestions
  • Logo and wordmark evaluation
  • Filing under the right class
  • Objection reply & hearing representation (if needed)

🎯 Avoid rejection. File it right the first time.

📝 Final Thoughts

Searching for Class 11 trademarks before filing is not just a formality — it’s a foundation. Without this critical step, you risk losing your brand, money, and legal protection.

By taking a few minutes to conduct a thorough trademark search, you can avoid years of legal headaches and start your business journey with confidence.