WIPO stands for the World Intellectual Property Organization - a specialized agency of United Nations. It administers international registration of trademarks. Using the WIPO Global Brand Database, you can conduct a WIPO trademark search to check whether a brand name, logo or slogan has already been registered in multiple countries and regions. It is entirely free to use this database.
By using WIPO Global Brand Database for conducting international trademark search, businesses can prevent legal conflicts, avoid issues related to trademark infringement and make informed decisions before expanding their brands into international markets.
WIPO full form is World Intellectual Property Organization. It is a specialized agency of United Nations that promotes protection of intellectual property rights worldwide. It was established in 1967. WIPO administers several international treaties and systems pertaining to trademarks, patents, industrial designs, copyrights and other forms of intellectual property.
Some of the major systems that it administers include Madrid System for international trademark registration, the Patent Cooperation Treaty for international patent applications and Hague System for international design registration.
WIPO also administers important international treaties such as the Berne Convention, Paris Convention and the WIPO Copyright Treaty. The headquarters of WIPO is located in Geneva, Switzerland.
The WIPO Global Brand Database is a free online trademark search tool managed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). It provides access to various intellectual property records, including (i) International trademarks registered under the Madrid System, (ii) Appellations of Origin and Geographical Indications protected under the Lisbon System, (iii) Emblems protected under Article 6ter, (iv) International Nonproprietary Names (INNs) published by the World Health Organization (WHO), and (v) Trademark records from participating national and regional trademark offices.
You can search these records using keywords, trademark names, registration numbers, goods and services, image similarity or a mix of these search options. The database helps businesses check already existing trademarks and allows them to avoid potential trademark conflicts before moving ahead with filing an application or expanding into new markets.
Below, we have explained the step-by-step process for conducting WIPO trademark search using the WIPO Global Brand Database:
Step 1: As the very first step, you must visit the official WIPO website @ https://www.wipo.int/portal/en/index.html.
Step 2: Once you are on the homepage, you must go to the dashboard and then click on the ‘Find & Explore’ tab. Then, under the ‘Trademark Information’ section, click on the ‘Global Brand Database’ option.
Step 3: After that, a new page will appear on your screen. Here, click on the “Global Brand Database” blue hyperlink.
Step 4: After that, WIPO Global Brand Database will appear on your screen. With the help of this database, you can conduct the global trademark search for absolutely free of cost.
Step 5: In the tool, you need to enter details like brand name, search strategy, owner name, application/registration number, IP office, designation country, nice classification and goods and services. It isn’t necessary to enter all the details. Just enter the details you know, and accordingly, the search results will appear.
The benefits of WIPO search trademark are as follows:
By using WIPO search trademark tool, you can learn about the existence of similar or identical trademarks and prevent costly legal disputes arising from trademark conflicts and infringement claims.
It is completely free to use the WIPO trademark search tool.
By identifying similar/conflicting marks at an early stage, WIPO trademark search tool helps in minimizing trademark application rejections.
Search conducted using the WIPO trademark database helps businesses make informed branding decisions before filing a trademark application.
By checking trademark availability in multiple countries and regions, the WIPO trademark search prepares businesses for international expansion under Madrid System with confidence.
Also Read: Trademark Hearing Process in India
If you plan to expand your business at a global level, conducting a WIPO trademark search is of utmost importance. It allows you to check whether a similar or identical trademark already exists and helps reduce the risk of trademark disputes to a great extent. The WIPO Global Brand Database is free and pretty easy to use. It lets you search trademark records from multiple countries and regions. By carrying out a trademark search prior to application filing, businesses can make wise branding decisions as well as prepare for global expansion pretty confidently.
For assistance with trademark registration in India or across the globe, you can get in touch with our experienced IPR experts at Registrationwala. We'll ensure your mark is unique, file the trademark application with concerned authority on your behalf and provide full-fledged support throughout registration process to increase your chances of obtaining the trademark smoothly.
Q1. Can I conduct WIPO trademark search tool for free?
A. Yes, you can conduct WIPO search trademark tool for free. You do not need to pay a single penny to use the tool.
Q2. Which authority is responsible for administering the Madrid System for the international registration of trademarks?
A. World Intellectual Property Organization is the authority responsible for administering the Madrid System for the international registration of trademarks.
Q3. Which authority is responsible for registering trademarks in India?
A. The Trade Marks Registry, operating under CGPDTM, is the authority responsible for registering trademarks in India.
Q4. Can I check trademarks registered in India with the help of WIPO search?
A. Yes, you can check trademarks registered in India with the help of the WIPO search. In the tool, enter all the required details. In the designation country, choose India. Accordingly, the results will show up.
Ms. Kashish Kumar is a content writer with a background in legal studies and over five years of experience. She’s written extensively on legal topics and supported non-profits like PETA, CRY, and WWF. A passionate reader, she enjoys books and blogs alike.
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