How to Conduct a Trademark Search for Flooring and Carpet Brands in Class 27

Table of Contents

Introduction

In the world of home décor and interior design, flooring and carpet brands play a vital role in defining the beauty and comfort of living spaces. Whether your business deals in luxury carpets, vinyl tiles, linoleum, rugs, or eco-friendly flooring products, your brand name is what sets you apart in a competitive market.

But before you invest in marketing or launch your brand nationwide, it’s essential to ensure that your brand name is unique and legally available. That’s where a trademark search comes in.

This blog will help you understand how to conduct a trademark search for Class 27, which covers floor coverings, carpets, and related products. You’ll also learn why it’s important, how to interpret results, and the steps to secure your brand legally under the Indian Trademark Act, 1999.

Understanding Trademark Class 27

Before conducting a search, it’s crucial to know what Trademark Class 27 includes.
Under the Nice Classification system, Class 27 covers a wide range of floor coverings and non-textile wall hangings such as:

Carpets, rugs, mats, and matting
Linoleum and other materials for covering floors
Artificial turf and synthetic grass
Vinyl flooring
Bath mats and yoga mats
Wall hangings (non-textile)
Decorative floor coverings

If your brand manufactures, sells, or distributes any of these items, Trademark Class 27 is where your brand belongs.

Why Conduct a Trademark Search Before Filing

A trademark search is one of the most important steps before filing your trademark application. It helps you:

Avoid Legal Conflicts – If your brand name or logo is similar to an existing registered trademark, you may face objections, opposition, or even legal disputes.
Save Time and Money – Identifying similar marks early helps you avoid filing fees and delays associated with objections.
Build a Unique Identity – A proper search ensures your brand stands out in the flooring and carpet industry.
Strengthen Your Registration Chances – Filing a distinctive trademark significantly increases the likelihood of successful registration.
Avoid Brand Infringement Issues – You can steer clear of unintentionally infringing on another brand’s rights.

Essentially, a trademark search acts as a protective shield for your brand before investing in marketing, packaging, or advertising.

Where to Conduct a Trademark Search in India

You can perform a free online trademark search on the official IP India website, which is managed by the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (CGPDTM).

Here’s the direct link:
👉 https://ipindiaonline.gov.in/tmrpublicsearch/frmmain.aspx

This government portal allows anyone to check for existing trademarks under different classes, including Class 27.

Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting a Trademark Search for Class 27

Let’s go through the process in a simple and clear way:

Step 1: Visit the IP India Trademark Search Portal

Go to the official trademark search page at https://ipindiaonline.gov.in/tmrpublicsearch/frmmain.aspx.

Step 2: Select the “Wordmark” Option

If you’re searching for a brand name, select Wordmark.
If you want to check a logo or image, you can use Vienna Code Search (more on that later).

Step 3: Enter Your Proposed Brand Name

Type your brand name (for example, “FloorStyle” or “RugArt”) in the Search Text box.

You can use different search types:

Start With – Finds trademarks starting with your word.
Contains – Finds trademarks containing your word anywhere.
Match With – Searches for exact matches.

Tip: Use all three types to ensure thorough checking.

Step 4: Select the Class

In the Class box, enter 27 (for flooring and carpets).
This will limit results to similar products only.

Step 5: Click “Search”

Once you click Search, a list of existing trademarks will appear.
Each entry includes:

Application Number
Trademark Name
Class Number
Status (Registered, Objected, Opposed, Abandoned, etc.)
Proprietor Name

How to Interpret Trademark Search Results

After the results load, here’s how you can analyze them:

1. Check for Exact Matches

If your brand name appears exactly as entered, it means someone has already registered or applied for it in Class 27. You should avoid using that name.

2. Look for Similar Names

Even if the names are slightly different (e.g., “RugStyle” vs. “RugStyles”), they can still be considered confusingly similar. You may need to modify your brand name.

3. Review Status

Each trademark has a status:

Registered – Already owned by someone else.
Objected – Application faced objection but is not yet final.
Opposed – A third party opposed the application.
Abandoned – The application was not pursued further.

A Registered mark means it’s off-limits.
An Abandoned one might be reusable, but it’s wise to consult a professional before proceeding.

4. Check Proprietor Details

Make sure the trademark owner isn’t in a related business. If they operate in a completely different class or industry, your mark might still be eligible.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During a Trademark Search

Even a small error in the search process can cause future problems. Avoid these common mistakes:

Limiting to Exact Matches Only – Always check for phonetically similar or visually similar names.
Ignoring Other Classes – If your brand plans to expand (e.g., from carpets to décor), also check nearby classes like Class 20 (Furniture) and Class 27 (Flooring).
Not Checking Logo Similarities – If you have a logo, perform a Vienna Code Search to identify visually similar designs.
Skipping Professional Help – Trademark consultants can perform a more comprehensive search using advanced tools.

Tips for Choosing a Strong Trademark for Flooring and Carpet Brands

When choosing a name for your flooring or carpet business, keep these tips in mind:

Be Distinctive – Avoid generic terms like “Carpet Store” or “Flooring Solutions.” Instead, pick creative names such as “FloorVerse,” “CarpetAura,” or “RugMate.”
Avoid Descriptive Words – Words directly describing your product may be rejected (like “Soft Rugs” or “Luxury Mats”).
Keep It Short and Memorable – Shorter names are easier for customers to remember and recognize.
Ensure It’s Legally Available – A trademark search ensures you won’t face future legal trouble.
Think About Expansion – Choose a name that will still fit your business if you expand into décor or interior design later.

After the Search: Filing for Trademark Registration

Once you’ve confirmed that your desired brand name is unique and available, you can move ahead with filing your trademark application.

Step 1: Choose the Applicant Type

You can apply as an:

Individual/Startup/MSME – ₹4,500 per class (government fee).
Company/LLP/Partnership – ₹9,000 per class (government fee).

Professional fees may vary based on service providers.

Step 2: Prepare the Necessary Documents

Brand name or logo
Owner details (name, address, and identity proof)
Proof of business (Udyam/MSME certificate if applicable)
Power of attorney (if filed through an agent)

Step 3: File the Application Online

You can file through the IP India portal or hire a trademark consultant like VMK Professionals to handle the entire process smoothly.

Step 4: Examination and Publication

Once filed, your application goes through:

Examination – Trademark examiner checks for conflicts.
Publication – If approved, it’s published in the Trademark Journal.
Opposition Period – Public has 4 months to raise objections.
Registration – If no opposition arises, your trademark is registered.

Why Choose Professional Help

While the trademark search process is simple in theory, interpreting results and identifying potential risks requires experience and expertise.
A professional can:

Conduct a detailed phonetic and visual similarity check.
Advise on the best class combinations.
Handle documentation and filing.
Respond to objections and oppositions effectively.

Conclusion

Conducting a trademark search for flooring and carpet brands under Class 27 is a crucial step in building a legally strong brand identity. It protects your business from disputes, saves money in the long run, and ensures your brand stands out confidently in the home décor market.

If you’re planning to register your flooring or carpet brand, don’t skip the search stage—it’s your first step toward building a recognized and secure business identity.

Get Professional Help from VMK Professionals

At VMK Professionals, we help businesses protect their brands with hassle-free trademark registration services across India.
Whether you deal in flooring, rugs, or home décor, our team ensures your brand name is unique, properly classified, and fully protected under Trademark Class 27.

✅ Expert trademark search and analysis
✅ Quick and affordable filing
✅ End-to-end documentation support
✅ Pan India services

💬 Contact VMK Professionals today to safeguard your flooring brand and build lasting brand value.