If you plan to have your trademark registered, a lot of people will tell you to do trademark search first. By doing a trademark search, you can avoid using a trademark that’s already been registered so as to not get accused of trademark infringement. You can also use the trademark search to avoid using a brand name that may share similarities with already existing trademarks no matter what class of goods or services you provide. So, how and where do you do it?
Today, it is very easy to do a trademark search online. The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) has a public web portal that you can easily access. Once you go to their official website to do a public search, things will be really easy as there are already spaces provided for certain details. You’ll just need to put in details like the brand name itself, applicant number, class number, and etc.
One of the steps in the approval of a trademark is that it is published in the Trade Marks Journal for public viewing. This is where you can see trademarks that are still in the process of registration. It would be a good idea to check on these too since they are the more recent ones. You can view them personally at the Trademarks office of Singapore or just through the IPOS website where they provide links to journal publications in PDF format.
Firstly, it increases the chance that your mark will be approved. Having similarities with registered trademarks is one of the most common reasons as to why a trademark application is delayed or even rejected. So once you check that your mark does not have any conflicts or similarities with already-registered marks, the process will go smoothly from there.
Secondly, it can help you against claims of trademark infringement. Trademark infringement lawsuits can cost hundreds to thousands for both the plaintiff and the defendant. Doing thorough trademark searches beforehand can help save you time, energy, and money while also shielding you against possible infringement accusations in the future.