How to Do a Class 14 Trademark Search for Watches, Jewelry & Gemstones
Introduction
The jewelry and watch industry thrives on brand value, elegance, and trust. If you’re planning to launch a brand that sells gold, silver, diamonds, or luxury watches, one of the first legal steps you must take is conducting a proper trademark search under Class 14.
This step is essential for ensuring your brand name or logo doesn’t conflict with any existing registered or pending trademarks. Failure to do so can result in objection, legal disputes, or even denial of registration.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to do a proper trademark search specifically for Class 14, including what’s covered under this class, tools to use, steps to follow, common mistakes to avoid, and why it matters.
What Is Trademark Class 14?
Trademark Class 14, under the Nice Classification, includes goods related to precious metals, jewelry, timepieces, and similar items.
Products included in Class 14:
- Precious metals and their alloys
- Gold, silver, and platinum items
- Diamond and gemstone jewelry
- Earrings, bracelets, rings, pendants, chains
- Clocks and watches
- Imitation jewelry
- Timekeeping instruments
- Jewelry boxes made from precious materials
- Tie pins, cufflinks, and charms
If your brand sells any of these products, you must file your trademark application under Class 14.
Why Is a Trademark Search Important?
Trademark registration gives you exclusive rights to use your brand name, logo, or slogan in connection with your products. But if your chosen name or design is already registered, your application may face opposition or rejection.
Key reasons to do a trademark search:
- Avoid Legal Issues: Prevent potential lawsuits and infringement cases.
- Check Brand Uniqueness: Confirm that your brand identity is original.
- Save Time & Money: Avoid application rejection and refiling costs.
- Build a Strong Brand: Unique marks help build lasting customer trust.
- Ensure Smooth Registration: Increases the chances of your mark being accepted.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Conduct a Proper Trademark Search for Class 14
To protect your brand, follow these steps to conduct an effective trademark search:
Step 1: Go to the Trademark Search Portal
India’s official trademark search portal is available at:
👉 https://ipindiaonline.gov.in/tmrpublicsearch/frmmain.aspx
This is a free, government-operated site to check for existing and applied trademarks.
Step 2: Select the Class – Choose Class 14
On the homepage:
- Select ‘Wordmark’ as the search type.
- In the “Class” dropdown, select Class 14 to filter results for jewelry and watches.
This ensures your search is limited to the correct category.
Step 3: Type Your Brand Name or Keyword
In the “Wordmark” field, enter your brand name or keyword. To increase accuracy, perform multiple types of searches:
A. Exact Match Search
Search for your brand name exactly as you plan to register it.
Example: If your brand name is “Luxoro Diamonds”, search for:
- Luxoro
- Luxoro Diamonds
B. Partial Keyword Search
Search parts of your brand name to find potential similar names.
Example:
- Lux
- Oro
- Diamond
- Luxoro Gems
C. Common Misspellings
Check for names that sound similar but are spelled differently.
Example:
- Luksoro
- Luxoro Dymond
- Luxorro
Step 4: Use Phonetic Search for Similar-Sounding Brands
Phonetic Search helps you identify marks that sound similar even if spelled differently. This is useful because trademarks are often rejected due to phonetic similarity.
- Select “Phonetic” instead of “Start With” in the search options.
- Enter your brand name.
Example: Searching “Timeora” may return results like “Timora,” “Tymera,” etc.
Step 5: Analyze the Results Carefully
Once you have your list of results, focus on these key elements:
- Wordmark: Is the name exactly or closely matching yours?
- Class: Is it registered in Class 14?
- Applicant Name: Who owns it?
- Status: This is important!
Trademark statuses you may see:
- Registered: Already approved. You cannot use it.
- Objected: Under legal or administrative dispute.
- Opposed: Being challenged by a third party.
- Abandoned: Dropped due to non-compliance or non-renewal.
- Marked for Exam: Being reviewed.
Avoid using names that are too similar to trademarks that are Registered, Objected, or Opposed.
Step 6: Search for Device Marks (Logos)
If you are registering a logo along with your brand name, conduct a Device Mark search using the Vienna Code Classification.
Visit: https://ipindia.gov.in/tmrpublicsearch/viennacode.aspx
Each visual element (crown, heart, gemstone, etc.) has a Vienna code. Use this to check if similar logos are registered in Class 14.
Step 7: Make a Risk Assessment
After completing your searches, assess the risk:
- Low Risk: No similar marks exist — safe to proceed.
- Medium Risk: Similar marks exist — consider tweaking your brand.
- High Risk: Exact or highly similar marks are already registered — choose a new brand name.
Step 8: Consider Future Expansion
Think long-term. If you plan to expand your brand to perfumes (Class 3) or clothing (Class 25), consider filing a multi-class application or checking for similar trademarks in those classes too.
Step 9: Get Expert Help (Optional but Recommended)
While DIY searches are a great start, trademark professionals can perform deep clearance checks and give legal advice.
Professionals help with:
- Trademark strategy
- Comprehensive search reports
- Filing applications
- Handling objections or oppositions
If you’re unsure, getting legal help ensures you don’t miss hidden risks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Class 14 Trademark Search
- Searching in the Wrong Class
- Always select Class 14 if your business involves jewelry or watches.
- Skipping Phonetic Search
- Many rejections happen due to sound-alike trademarks.
- Ignoring Abandoned Trademarks
- Even abandoned names can cause confusion and potential disputes.
- Assuming Logo = No Conflict
- Your name can still conflict even if you have a unique design.
- Not Updating Search
- Trademark databases are constantly updated. Perform a search again just before filing.
Example: Real-World Scenario
Let’s say you want to register the brand “ShinyAura” for your diamond jewelry store.
Your search checklist:
- Wordmark: “ShinyAura”
- Variations: “Shiny Aura”, “ShineAura”, “Shynyaura”
- Phonetic search: “Shaineaura”, “Shynaora”
- Class: 14
- Logo: Includes gemstone illustration — run Vienna code search
After running your checks:
- You find a similar name “Shiny Era” registered in Class 14.
- It’s phonetically close — a moderate risk.
- You tweak your name to “AuraLuxe” and repeat the search — now it’s clear.
You’ve just prevented a possible rejection!
Conclusion
Conducting a proper trademark search under Class 14 is a crucial step before applying for brand protection. Whether you’re launching a diamond label, a gold jewelry store, or a luxury watch line, protecting your intellectual property should be a top priority.
By using the IP India portal, performing both wordmark and phonetic searches, analyzing existing trademarks, and seeking expert advice, you ensure that your brand is unique, legally safe, and ready for long-term growth.
Don’t skip the search. A few hours of research today can save you from months of legal hassle tomorrow.
Need Help With Your Trademark Search or Registration?
VMK Professionals is your trusted partner for trademark registration in India. Whether you’re in the jewelry business, luxury goods, or timepieces, our experts will ensure your trademark search is accurate and your registration process is smooth.
🔹 Expert trademark consultants
🔹 PAN India trademark services
🔹 Full support from search to registration
👉 Contact us today to secure your Class 14 trademark with confidence!