Class 12 Trademark Search Guide: Ensure Your Brand Name Isn’t Taken
Before launching your automobile or transport equipment brand in India, one of the most important steps you must take is checking the trademark availability under Class 12. Filing a trademark without checking availability can lead to rejection, objections, or even legal disputes with existing brands.
This blog will walk you through why a trademark search is crucial, how to perform it correctly for Class 12, and what tools and strategies can help you file your application with confidence.
🔍 What is Trademark Class 12?
In India, trademarks are classified under the Nice Classification system, which groups products and services into 45 classes.
Class 12 specifically covers:
✅ Goods Included in Class 12:
- Cars, trucks, and other vehicles
- Electric vehicles (e-scooters, e-bikes, e-rickshaws)
- Motors, engines, brakes, gearboxes
- Tires, rims, bumpers, vehicle body parts
- Boats, aircraft, railway cars
- Mobility scooters and wheelchairs
- Drone transportation tools
If you are manufacturing, selling, or branding any of the above, your trademark must be filed under Class 12 for proper protection.
❓ Why Check Trademark Availability Before Applying?
Checking trademark availability means searching the trademark database to see if a similar or identical brand name/logo is already registered or filed by someone else in Class 12.
Key Benefits of Checking Availability:
- 🚫 Avoid Objections from the Trademark Registry
- ⚖️ Prevent Legal Disputes with existing brands
- 💰 Save Money by avoiding unnecessary filing fees
- ⏳ Reduce Delays in the registration process
- ✅ Choose a Strong, Unique Brand Name
Filing without checking can lead to trademark rejection, wasting time and money. A simple search can protect your brand’s future.
🧠 Understanding the Trademark Search Process
A trademark availability search involves scanning through the Indian Trademark Registry’s database to identify any potential conflicts.
You’re primarily looking for:
- Identical marks
- Similar sounding names
- Marks with similar spelling or visual representation
- Marks in Class 12, or related classes (like Class 7, 9, or 35)
🔧 How to Perform a Trademark Search for Class 12 (Step-by-Step)
The Indian Government provides a free tool for public trademark searches. Here’s a complete guide:
🔗 Step 1: Visit the IP India Trademark Search Portal
Go to: https://ipindiaonline.gov.in/tmrpublicsearch/frmmain.aspx
You’ll see three search options:
- Wordmark
- Vienna Code (for logos/symbols)
- Phonetic (sound-based)
For most Class 12 searches, you’ll start with the Wordmark Search.
🛠️ Step 2: Select Search Type – Wordmark
Choose:
- Search Type: “Starts With”, “Contains”, or “Match With”
(Tip: “Contains” gives broader results) - Class: Enter 12
- Wordmark: Type your brand name (e.g., “AutoNext”)
Click on Search.
📋 Step 3: Analyze the Results
You’ll see a list of trademarks:
- Application No.
- Proprietor Name
- Status (Registered / Objected / Abandoned / Accepted & Advertised)
- Trademark Type (Word/Device)
- Class
What You’re Looking For:
| If You See | Meaning |
| 🔴 Exact match (live) | Trademark not available |
| 🟠 Similar spelling or sound | Risk of objection |
| 🟢 No matches | Trademark likely available |
🖼️ Step 4: Logo or Device Mark Search (if applicable)
If you’re registering a logo, use the Vienna Code Search (based on symbols or visual elements).
Find the relevant Vienna Code for your logo (e.g., a vehicle symbol, star, wheel, etc.) and use it in the portal.
🔉 Step 5: Phonetic Search
Some trademarks may be phonetically similar (e.g., “KarZone” vs “CarZon”).
Use the Phonetic Search tab to find matches with similar pronunciation. This helps avoid registry objections under Section 11 of the Trademark Act.
📊 How to Interpret Search Results
Each search result will show a Status. Here’s what they mean:
| Status | Meaning |
| Registered | Already approved – avoid using this mark |
| Objected | Currently under examination – possible conflict |
| Abandoned | Application dropped – may be safe, but investigate |
| Accepted & Advertised | Pending opposition – still risky |
| Opposed | Facing legal challenge – avoid using it |
Even if a mark is abandoned, it’s best to choose a unique name to avoid confusion and strengthen your brand.
🛡️ Professional Trademark Search vs. DIY
While the public search tool is powerful, it doesn’t always catch all potential risks, especially for:
- Similar sounding names
- Misspellings
- Foreign marks used in India
- Cross-class conflicts (e.g., auto brand in Class 35 retail)
That’s why many businesses opt for a professional search report.
🧾 A Professional Trademark Consultant Will:
- Search across all 45 classes
- Identify hidden risks
- Analyze phonetic and visual similarities
- Advise on legal strength of your mark
- Help select a stronger alternative if needed
📚 Related Classes to Check With Class 12
Even if your goods fall under Class 12, you should also check related classes, especially if:
- You manufacture parts: check Class 7
- You sell online: check Class 35
- You use software/AI in vehicles: check Class 9
Example: A smart EV brand may need Class 9 (software), Class 12 (vehicle), and Class 35 (sales & distribution).
🔁 Real-World Example
Brand Name: VoltRide
You plan to launch an e-bike brand under this name.
Step 1: Wordmark Search (Class 12)
- Result: No exact match
- Similar: “Voltraid”, “Voltrider” (both objected)
Step 2: Phonetic Search
- Result: “VoltRight” (pending in Class 12)
Step 3: Conclusion
- Trademark may be available but has potential risks.
- Better to consult a professional for clearance before filing.
⛔ Mistakes to Avoid in Trademark Search
| Mistake | Why It’s Risky |
| Skipping phonetic search | Misses similar sounding names |
| Searching only Class 12 | You may face opposition from other classes |
| Not checking visual similarity | Especially risky for logos or stylized marks |
| Assuming abandoned marks are safe | They may be refiled by old owners |
📝 Next Steps After Trademark Search
If your trademark is available, you’re ready to file. Here’s what to do:
✅ Steps:
- Draft & file Form TM-A under Class 12
- Submit TM-48, identity proof, and logo (if any)
- Track application with the assigned TM number
- Wait for examination, reply to objections (if any)
- Once approved, receive ® registration certificate
Need help filing your Class 12 trademark? Our experts can guide you.
✅ Key Takeaways
- Trademark Class 12 covers all vehicle and transport-related goods.
- Checking trademark availability before applying is essential to avoid rejection.
- Use IP India’s online tool for wordmark, phonetic, and Vienna code search.
- Don’t ignore related classes—especially 7, 9, and 35.
- Consider getting a professional search done for better risk evaluation.
👨💼 Let VMK Professionals Help You Search & Secure Your Trademark
At VMK Professionals, we’ve helped hundreds of businesses—especially in the automobile and mobility sector—successfully file and register their trademarks.
Our Services Include:
- ✅ Complete Class 12 Trademark Search Report
- ✅ Brand name availability check
- ✅ Logo analysis (Vienna code)
- ✅ Multi-class application support
- ✅ Objection handling & legal assistance
📞 Contact Us Today