Check Class 11 Trademark Availability in India: Free and Easy Methods
If you’re preparing to launch a brand that deals with fans, LED lights, air purifiers, or bathroom fittings, you’re likely targeting the Class 11 trademark category. But before you begin the trademark registration process, one of the most crucial steps you must take is to check the availability of your brand name under this class.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide to checking trademark availability in Class 11, explain why it’s vital for your business, and how it can save you time, money, and legal hassles in the long run.
✅ What is Trademark Class 11?
The trademark classification system divides goods and services into 45 different classes. Class 11 includes trademarks for:
“Apparatus for lighting, heating, steam generating, cooking, refrigerating, drying, ventilating, water supply and sanitary purposes.”
✔️ Products Covered in Class 11:
- LED lights and tube lights
- Ceiling and table fans
- Air conditioners and air purifiers
- Water heaters (geysers), solar water heaters
- Kitchen chimneys and cooking ranges
- Bathroom fittings, taps, showers
- Sanitary ware
- Refrigerators and water dispensers
- Industrial lighting systems
If you are manufacturing, branding, or selling products like these, you need to register your trademark under Class 11.
⚠️ Why Checking Trademark Availability in Class 11 is Crucial
Before applying for registration, it is essential to ensure your desired brand name or logo is not already taken or too similar to an existing trademark.
Here’s Why It Matters:
- Avoid Legal Disputes: Using a name that’s already registered can lead to infringement cases.
- Prevent Rejection: Your trademark application can be rejected under Section 11 if it’s similar to a registered mark.
- Save Time & Money: Trademark filing isn’t free. Avoid wasting money on non-unique brand names.
- Boost Brand Identity: A unique, available name makes your brand stand out.
💡 A simple search can help you avoid unnecessary delays, expenses, and conflicts.
🔍 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Check Trademark Availability in Class 11
Now that you know the importance, let’s explore how to do a trademark availability check online using the Indian Government’s official portal.
🔹 Step 1: Go to the IP India Trademark Public Search Portal
Visit the official trademark search page:
👉 https://ipindiaonline.gov.in/tmrpublicsearch
This is the official government database where all registered and filed trademarks are listed.
🔹 Step 2: Choose Search Type – “Wordmark”
If you are checking a name or phrase, select the “Wordmark” option. This allows you to search for trademarks containing specific words.
Other options include:
- Vienna Code – for device marks or logos
- Phonetic Search – for checking similar-sounding words
For Class 11 brands (text-based), Wordmark is the most common.
🔹 Step 3: Enter Your Proposed Brand Name
In the “Wordmark” field, type the brand name you want to check.
For example:
- GlowLite
- AquaFlow
- FanTastic
- ThermoCool
You can also try different spellings or combinations to explore options.
🔹 Step 4: Use the “Contains” Option for Broad Search
Select the search condition:
- “Starts With”: Good for exact match or initial words
- “Contains”: Shows broader results and better comparison
- “Match With”: Narrowest search option
We recommend choosing “Contains” to see similar names that may create conflicts.
🔹 Step 5: Enter Class Number – 11
In the “Class” field, type 11 to limit the search to relevant goods and avoid irrelevant results from other industries like electronics (Class 9) or pharmaceuticals (Class 5).
🔹 Step 6: Hit “Search”
Click the “Search” button and wait a few seconds for the result list to load.
📋 How to Read and Analyze the Results
You’ll see a table of results showing:
- Trademark Name
- Application Number
- Class (should be 11)
- Status: Registered, Objected, Refused, Withdrawn, etc.
- Applicant Name
- Journal Publication Number
🚦What the Status Means:
| Status | What It Means |
| Registered | Already granted; avoid using this name |
| Objected | Under scrutiny; may be risky to copy |
| Opposed | Someone challenged it; risky name |
| Refused | Denied; may be due to similarity |
| Abandoned | Dropped by the applicant |
If your chosen name shows up as Registered, pick a different one. If it’s Objected or Opposed, you can consider modifying it.
🧠 Expert Tips: What to Do If Your Name Already Exists
- Try a Unique Variation: Add a prefix or suffix.
Example: Instead of “AquaFlow”, try “AquaFlowX” or “NeoAquaFlow”. - Coined Terms Work Best: Create a new word.
Example: “Thermowiz” for heating appliances. - Check Phonetic Similarity: “KoolFan” sounds like “CoolFan” and could be rejected.
- Consider a Logo Search Too: If your brand is based on a logo or symbol, search using Vienna Code to avoid logo conflicts.
🎨 What About Logos or Device Marks?
If you want to register a visual symbol or logo, use the Vienna Code Search.
How to Do It:
- Go to the same public search portal
- Choose “Vienna Code”
- Enter Vienna classification code for visual elements in your logo
- Select Class 11
- Search to check if similar designs are already registered
🌍 Use Phonetic Search for Similar-Sounding Words
Sometimes, even if a name is spelled differently, it might sound the same and still get rejected.
Use Phonetic Search to catch these issues.
Example:
- “CoolAir” vs “KoolAir”
- “LightOn” vs “LiteOn”
If a phonetic match exists in Class 11, you may get an objection under Section 11.
🧾 Supporting Documents to Keep Ready (Post-Check)
Once you’re confident that the name is available, prepare the following:
- Brand name/logo
- Applicant’s identity proof (individual/company)
- Business address proof
- MSME or Startup India certificate (optional for fee discount)
- Power of Attorney (if using an agent)
📅 Trademark Registration Timeline After Availability Check
| Step | Estimated Time |
| Trademark search | 10–15 minutes |
| Filing application (Form TM-A) | 1–2 days |
| Examination report | 3–6 months |
| Reply to objection (if any) | 30 days |
| Publication in journal | 4 months |
| Final registration | 8–12 months total |
🧨 What Happens If You Skip the Availability Check?
- High chances of rejection
- Objections and delays from the trademark registry
- Legal action from existing brands
- Loss of time and ₹4,500–₹9,000 in filing fees
- Forced rebranding and reputation loss
🧑💼 Professional Help or DIY?
While you can conduct this search on your own, many businesses prefer to hire trademark consultants or legal experts to ensure thorough checks, especially for logo, phonetic, and international comparisons.
At VMK Professionals, we provide a free pre-filing trademark search for Class 11 to help you choose a legally safe name before applying.
🏁 Conclusion: A Few Minutes Can Save Months of Trouble
Before you build your packaging, start marketing, or file a trademark, make sure your brand name is truly unique within Class 11. With a proper availability check, you reduce risk, save money, and set your brand up for long-term success.
🚀 Let VMK Professionals Help You
VMK Professionals is your one-stop solution for trademark registration in India. We specialize in helping brands in appliances, lighting, and sanitaryware secure their names under Class 11 with ease.
📦 Our Services Include:
- Free brand name availability search
- Trademark filing & documentation
- Objection and opposition handling
- MSME support & fee reduction guidance
- Legal advisory for product classifications
✅ Don’t leave your brand’s future to chance. Let us help you secure it today.