The Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) has announced a major technological upgrade to India’s trademark search infrastructure. Beginning July 1, 2026, the existing Public Search of Trade Marks portal will be decommissioned, and all trademark search operations and related digital services will migrate to a newly upgraded platform i.e. https://tmrsearch.ipindia.gov.in/ESEARCH.

The move is aimed at modernizing the trademark search ecosystem, improving user experience, and providing more efficient access to trademark-related information for businesses, legal professionals, and intellectual property stakeholders across the country.

Existing Portal to Be Retired

According to the announcement, users who currently rely on the existing Public Search of Trade Marks portal for conducting trademark availability searches, monitoring applications, and accessing trademark-related information will need to transition to the new system before July 1, 2026.

After the migration date, all trademark search activities and associated digital services will be available exclusively through the upgraded portal.

Key Features of the New Platform

The revamped portal introduces several enhancements designed to improve accessibility, security, and search efficiency.

Among the major improvements are:

• Enhanced user interface and navigation.
• Improved overall user experience.
• New login mechanism featuring OTP-based authentication.
• Advanced and more efficient trademark search functionality.
• Better performance and system reliability.

The upgrade is expected to streamline trademark searches for applicants, legal practitioners, corporate entities, startups, and intellectual property consultants who regularly access trademark records.

Significant for Brand Owners and IP Professionals

Trademark searches play a critical role in brand protection and registration strategy. Businesses typically conduct searches before filing trademark applications to identify conflicting marks and assess the likelihood of registration.

The introduction of a more advanced search platform is expected to assist:

• Trademark attorneys and agents.
• Intellectual property law firms.
• Corporate legal departments.
• Startups and entrepreneurs.
• Brand owners and marketing teams.
• Individual trademark applicants.

The enhanced search capabilities may help users identify similar marks more effectively and improve the overall trademark filing process.

Advisory Issued to Stakeholders

Authorities have advised trademark professionals, applicants, and brand owners to begin familiarizing themselves with the new platform immediately. Users are also encouraged to update their saved bookmarks and internal references to ensure uninterrupted access once the transition takes effect.

The migration forms part of the broader digital modernization initiatives being undertaken within India’s intellectual property administration framework to enhance transparency, accessibility, and service delivery.

What Users Should Do Now

Stakeholders are encouraged to:

• Start using the new trademark search portal before the transition date.
• Verify login credentials under the new OTP-based authentication system.
• Update office manuals, SOPs, and bookmarked links.
• Train team members handling trademark searches and filings on the upgraded platform.

With the July 1, 2026 deadline approaching, trademark professionals and businesses are advised not to wait until the existing portal is retired, ensuring a smooth transition to the new digital trademark search ecosystem.

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