In today’s competitive automobile and transport industry, protecting your brand identity is no longer optional — it’s essential. Whether you manufacture vehicles, vehicle parts, or transport equipment, registering a trademark under Class 12 is crucial to safeguarding your brand’s name, logo, and market value. But before you begin the trademark registration process, there’s one important step you can’t afford to skip: checking trademark availability.
This detailed blog will walk you through everything you need to know about how to check trademark availability in Class 12 before applying — including a step-by-step guide, tools to use, expert tips, and common mistakes to avoid. Let’s dive in.
🚘 What is Trademark Class 12?
Trademark Class 12, under the NICE classification system, covers:
- Vehicles
- Apparatus for locomotion by land, air, or water
- Parts and accessories related to vehicles
Some examples include:
- Cars, trucks, bicycles, motorcycles
- Electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid vehicles
- Tires, engines, brakes, vehicle mirrors
- Boats, ships, aircraft
- Rail vehicles and parts
So, if your business is related to the design, production, sales, or repair of any vehicle or its components, you must file your trademark under Class 12.
🔍 Why Checking Trademark Availability is Crucial
Many entrepreneurs and businesses make the mistake of jumping straight into the registration process. But if someone has already registered a similar mark under Class 12, your application may be rejected, opposed, or even lead to legal conflict.
Here’s what a trademark availability check helps you avoid:
- Rejection by IP authorities due to conflict
- Legal disputes or lawsuits from existing brand owners
- Loss of branding investment, including packaging and promotions
- Delays in launching your product or service
Checking availability ensures your brand name or logo is unique, distinguishable, and registrable.
🧭 Step-by-Step Guide to Check Trademark Availability in Class 12
Let’s go through a comprehensive process to check if your trademark is available for use under Class 12:
Step 1: Understand What You’re Searching For
Before starting your search, define what you want to trademark:
- Wordmark (brand name)
- Logo or device mark
- Combination of both
- Tagline or slogan
Ensure your proposed mark is clear, distinctive, and not descriptive (e.g., avoid names like “AutoTyre” for tires).
Step 2: Visit the Official Trademark Search Portal
Use the Government of India’s IP India Trademark Public Search Tool:
👉 https://tmrsearch.ipindia.gov.in/tmrpublicsearch/frmmain.aspx
This portal is free and provides access to all registered and applied-for trademarks.
Step 3: Use the Wordmark Search
In the portal:
- Select ‘Wordmark’ from the search options
- Type in your proposed brand name
- Enter Class 12 in the ‘Class’ field
- Choose the search type:
- ‘Starts With’ – Good for exact matches
- ‘Contains’ – Best for catching mid-word similarities
- ‘Match With’ – Useful for broader results
Click Search.
Step 4: Analyze the Results
Now review the results carefully:
✅ Key Things to Look For:
- Similar spelling or pronunciation
- Visual similarities (especially for logos)
- Status of the mark:
- Registered – Active and protected
- Objected – Facing issues
- Abandoned – Dropped due to non-compliance
- Opposed – Legally challenged
Even if a mark is objected or abandoned, it’s wise to avoid using something similar to minimize future risks.
Step 5: Conduct a Phonetic Search
Names may sound the same even if spelled differently. For example: “Karrz” vs “Cars.”
Use the ‘Phonetic’ search tab to:
- Enter your mark
- Select Class 12
- Review all phonetically similar marks
This prevents conflicts due to sound-alike names.
Step 6: Search for Logo or Device Mark Using Vienna Code
If you’re trademarking a logo or image, use the ‘Vienna Code’ classification search:
- Use WIPO Vienna Classification Help
- Find your relevant logo category
- Use that code in the IP India portal under ‘Vienna Code’ tab
This helps ensure your logo or icon is unique and doesn’t infringe on existing rights.
Step 7: Check Domain Availability
If you plan to take your brand online, also check:
- Domain name availability (use GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains)
- Social media handle availability
Consistency in branding across platforms enhances brand recall and prevents brand dilution.
🔧 Tools to Help You With Trademark Search
Here are some tools that can make your search easier:
| Tool Name | Purpose | Link |
| IP India Public Search | Government portal for trademark availability | Search Tool |
| WIPO Global Brand Database | International trademark search | WIPO Search |
| TMView | European trademark search tool | TMView |
| QuickCompany.in | Private tool with easy search UI (India) | QuickCompany |
📉 Common Mistakes to Avoid During Trademark Search
Even with the best tools, some mistakes can sabotage your application:
- Ignoring phonetic similarities – Even different spellings may cause rejection
- Checking only Wordmark – Don’t skip phonetic or Vienna Code checks
- Failing to check Class 12 specifically – Each class is separate
- Overlooking legal status of similar marks – Objected or opposed marks can still lead to conflict
- Not hiring an expert when unsure – DIY is good, but legal backup helps
👩💼 When Should You Hire a Trademark Professional?
Although the process is online and accessible, a trademark attorney or professional can:
- Interpret complex similarities
- Draft legally strong applications
- Conduct deeper searches
- Handle objections or oppositions
- Save time and effort
If you’re serious about protecting your brand long-term, professional help is a wise investment.
📅 When Should You Conduct the Search?
As early as possible.
Ideally, check availability:
- Before finalizing your brand name
- Before designing a logo
- Before investing in packaging or marketing
This avoids rebranding costs and protects you from legal complications.
📝 What to Do If Your Trademark Isn’t Available?
If your preferred mark is already taken or too similar to existing marks, consider:
- Using alternate spellings (with caution)
- Adding unique prefixes/suffixes
- Creating a completely new coined word
- Consulting a professional for branding advice
Whatever you do, don’t proceed with a conflicting name.
✅ Final Checklist for Trademark Availability in Class 12
Here’s a quick summary before you apply:
✅ Checked wordmark and phonetic availability under Class 12
✅ Searched for logo similarity using Vienna Codes
✅ Ensured domain and social media availability
✅ Reviewed status of existing similar marks
✅ Avoided descriptive, generic, or common names
✅ Took expert advice if needed
🏁 Conclusion
Checking trademark availability in Class 12 is the first and most critical step toward building a secure, long-lasting automotive or transport brand. By conducting a comprehensive search using the official tools and following the steps outlined above, you increase your chances of successful registration while safeguarding your brand from legal troubles.
Your brand is your identity — don’t risk it. Invest a little time now in checking trademark availability and save yourself from potential headaches in the future.
📞 Need Expert Help with Class 12 Trademark Registration?
At VMK Professionals, we specialize in trademark registration for vehicle and transport-related businesses. Our experts offer complete support — from availability search to documentation, filing, objection handling, and final registration.
👉 Contact us today to get started and secure your brand in Class 12 with confidence.