Trademark Search for Class 11: Step-by-Step Guide Before Filing

Before launching your new fan, LED light, geyser, or bathroom fitting brand, you likely have the perfect name or logo in mind. But is that name legally available for exclusive use in India? Many business owners make the costly mistake of skipping a Class 11 trademark availability check, only to face objections or rejection during registration.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to check trademark availability in Class 11, why it’s essential, and how to avoid common pitfalls — especially if you’re dealing in electrical appliances, lighting products, or sanitary installations.

📌 What is Trademark Class 11?

In India, the NICE Classification system categorizes trademarks into 45 different classes. Class 11 includes:

“Apparatus for lighting, heating, steam generating, cooking, refrigerating, drying, ventilating, water supply and sanitary purposes.”

✅ Examples of Products in Class 11:

• LED lights, bulbs, tube lights
• Ceiling fans and table fans
• Water purifiers and RO systems
• Room heaters and electric geysers
• Air conditioners and HVAC units
• Showers, taps, and bathroom fittings
• Cooktops, ovens, and microwave units

If your product falls into any of these categories, your trademark must be registered under Class 11 to get the right legal protection.

🔍 Why Is Trademark Availability Check Crucial?

Imagine launching your product under the brand “BrightGlow,” only to receive a legal notice from a competitor who already owns a registered mark with that name in Class 11. You’d have to rebrand, lose customer trust, and possibly face fines.

That’s why checking availability before filing is critical. Here’s what it helps you avoid:

• Rejection due to identical or confusingly similar names
• Legal disputes and infringement lawsuits
• Wasting time and money on rebranding
• Trademark office objections under Section 11

💡 A trademark availability check ensures your brand is original and safe to register.

📈 Benefits of Pre-Filing Trademark Search for Class 11

• ✅ Confirms your brand name/logo is unique
• ✅ Reduces the risk of rejection or objections
• ✅ Saves legal fees and time
• ✅ Helps shortlist alternate names if the first one is taken
• ✅ Builds confidence for long-term brand usage

🛠️ How to Check Trademark Availability in Class 11: Step-by-Step Process

🔹 Step 1: Visit the Official IP India Website

Go to the Trademark Public Search portal by the Government of India:
👉 https://ipindia.gov.in

Navigate to:
“Trademarks > Public Search” or go directly to
👉 https://ipindiaonline.gov.in/tmrpublicsearch

🔹 Step 2: Select the Search Type

You’ll see three options:

• Wordmark – To search for names or text-based trademarks
• Vienna Code – For logos and device marks
• Phonetic – For similar-sounding names

For Class 11, start with Wordmark Search.

🔹 Step 3: Enter the Brand Name

In the “Wordmark” field, type the name you wish to register. For example:

• BrightLite
• AquaShower
• CoolBreeze

Select “Starts With,” “Contains,” or “Match With” depending on how precise you want the results.

💡 Tip: Start with “Contains” to get a wider result and filter out close competitors.

🔹 Step 4: Choose the Trademark Class

In the “Class” field, type 11 to narrow the search to only relevant trademarks. This ensures you’re not checking irrelevant industries like software (Class 9) or pharmaceuticals (Class 5).

🔹 Step 5: Analyze the Results

You’ll see a list of existing or applied trademarks under Class 11 that are similar to yours. Review:

• Status: Registered, Objected, Abandoned, Refused, etc.
• Proprietor Name: Who owns the mark
• Application Number
• Validity Date

✅ If a similar name exists and is Registered, avoid using that name or risk legal conflict.

🔄 What If Similar Trademarks Appear?

If your search shows identical or confusingly similar marks, consider:

1. Modifying the Name

• Add a prefix/suffix (e.g., “GlowBeam” instead of “Glow”)
• Use unique spellings (e.g., “BriteLite” instead of “BrightLight”)

2. Filing for a Logo Trademark

• If your name is generic but your logo is unique, consider filing a device mark.

3. Filing in Multiple Classes

• If your product falls under more than one class (e.g., smart fans – Class 9 and 11), file accordingly.

📸 Logo Availability Check (Device Mark)

If you’re registering a logo or symbol, search using the Vienna Code.

How to Get the Vienna Code:

1. Identify visual elements in your logo (stars, shapes, animals, etc.)
2. Use Vienna Code search on the IP India portal
3. Check if similar logos exist in Class 11

📃 Real Example: Searching for “AirGlow” in Class 11

Let’s say you plan to launch a ceiling fan brand named AirGlow.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to TM Public Search
2. Enter “AirGlow” in Wordmark field
3. Choose “Contains”
4. Set Class as 11
5. Click “Search”

Now:

• If “AirGlow” is already registered in Class 11, you’ll see its status
• If it’s under objection or abandoned, you may take a calculated risk
• If no matches exist, you’re good to proceed

🧾 Additional Tools for Trademark Search

While the IP India portal is the official method, you can use third-party tools to cross-check:

Note: Always double-check on IP India’s website as it’s the official registry.

📂 Documents Required After Search (If You Proceed)

Once you’re sure your name is available, prepare for filing:

• Brand Name / Logo
• Applicant ID & Address Proof
• MSME or Startup India Certificate (if any)
• Product Category & Description
• Power of Attorney (Form TM-48 if filing through agent)

📌 When Should You NOT Proceed?

Avoid applying if:

• A highly similar mark is already Registered under Class 11
• A similar mark is under opposition — especially if it’s a big brand
• The mark is descriptive or generic (e.g., “Bright Bulb” for bulbs)

📅 Trademark Application After Name Clearance

Once your availability check is done, you can file Form TM-A. The process includes:

🚫 What Happens If You Skip the Search?

• Rejection during trademark examination
• Legal objection under Section 11 (similarity)
• Delays of 6 months or more
• Total loss of fee if the mark is refused
• Possible lawsuit from existing trademark holders

💡 Pro Tips for Class 11 Brands

• Think futuristic: Choose a name that scales across product lines (e.g., “LumiTech” for lighting and heating products)
• Avoid using generic keywords as your main brand name
• Combine words to make unique coined terms (e.g., “ThermaGlow”)
• Always check phonetic matches (e.g., “KoolFan” vs “CoolFan”)

🏁 Conclusion: Check First, Apply Second

Checking Class 11 trademark availability is not just a best practice — it’s a legal safeguard. In a competitive market like electrical appliances and lighting, the brand name is everything. Taking the time to verify availability will save you from future disputes and expensive corrections.

👨‍💼 Need Help? Let VMK Professionals Do It for You

At VMK Professionals, we help brands like yours secure their names legally and smartly.

Our Class 11 Services Include:

• Free Trademark Availability Search
• Expert Brand Name Suggestions
• MSME & Startup Certificate Support
• End-to-End Trademark Filing
• Objection and Hearing Handling

✅ Don’t risk your brand’s future. Let’s secure your Class 11 trademark today.