Before introducing your brand to the market, there’s one important step that many business owners overlook: checking the trademark status of the brand name they plan to use.

Once you’ve found a brand name that feels like the perfect fit, don’t rush to launch it. Performing a trademark search early can help reduce the risk of legal issues that could delay or disrupt your business growth.

The good news is that, thanks to digital services, you can easily search and register a trademark online in Indonesia.

Here’s everything you need to know before launching your brand with confidence.

Why Should Businesses Check a Trademark Before Launching?

Before investing time and money in marketing, it’s wise to verify whether your trademark is available.

Conducting a trademark search can help you:

• Avoid using a brand name that already belongs to someone else.
• Reduce the risk of future trademark disputes.
• Prevent costly rebranding efforts.
• Improve the chances of a successful trademark registration.
• Protect your brand identity for long-term business growth.

How to Search a Trademark Online in Indonesia

Before using a brand name, take a few minutes to check its availability by following these steps.

1. Prepare Your Proposed Trademark

Decide on the brand name you intend to use, including any spelling variations or alternative versions.

Searching multiple variations helps identify trademarks that are identical or confusingly similar.

2. Visit the PDKI Website

Go to the Intellectual Property Database (PDKI) at:

https://pdki-indonesia.dgip.go.id

The database allows you to search trademarks that have already been filed or registered in Indonesia.

3. Open the Trademark Search Feature

From the homepage, select the trademark search option.

This feature allows you to search using keywords, phonetic similarities, image elements, and other search criteria.

4. Enter Your Brand Name

Type the trademark you want to search for.

To obtain more comprehensive results, try multiple spelling variations or similar names.

5. Review the Trademark Details

Carefully examine the search results, including:

• Trademark name
• Owner
• Goods or services class
• Registration status

These details help determine whether your proposed trademark may conflict with an existing registration.

6. Look for Similar Trademarks

Don’t limit your review to exact matches.

Also pay attention to trademarks that are visually, phonetically, or conceptually similar, as these could lead to objections or refusal during the registration process.

Understanding Trademark Status Results

When searching the trademark database, you may encounter several different application statuses.

Pending

The trademark application is still undergoing examination.

Rejected

The application was refused and did not proceed to registration.

Registered

The trademark has been officially registered and is legally protected.

Withdrawn

The applicant voluntarily withdrew the application before registration was completed.

Expired

The registration has expired and has not been renewed.

Cancelled

The trademark registration has been cancelled through a legal or administrative decision.

Removed

The trademark has been removed from the official trademark register for specific legal reasons.

What Should You Do After Checking a Trademark?

A trademark search is only the first step. Your next action depends on the search results.

• If the trademark is available, begin preparing your trademark application as soon as possible to secure legal protection.
• If similar trademarks exist, evaluate the potential risk before moving forward with the brand.
• If the trademark is already registered, consider selecting a different brand name to avoid future legal complications.
• If you’re confident in your chosen brand, proceed with filing your trademark application before officially launching your products or services.

How to Register a Trademark Online in Indonesia

If your trademark appears to be available, you can register it online by following these steps.

1. Prepare the Required Information

Before filing your application, gather:

• Applicant identification
• Trademark logo (if applicable)
• Active email address
• Phone number
• Description of the goods or services associated with the trademark

2. Select the Appropriate Trademark Class

Choose the correct class under the Nice Classification based on your products or services.

Trademark protection only applies to the classes included in your application.

3. Create an Account on the DJKI Trademark Portal

Visit the official trademark filing portal:

https://merek.dgip.go.id

Create an account using an active email address.

This account allows you to submit applications and monitor their progress.

4. Complete the Application Form

After logging in, provide:

• Applicant information
• Trademark details
• Goods and services class
• Other required information

Double-check every detail before submitting your application.

5. Upload Supporting Documents

Upload all required documents according to the filing requirements.

Ensure the documents are complete and legible to help avoid unnecessary delays.

6. Pay the Official Filing Fee

Once your application is complete, the system will generate a payment code.

Complete the payment so your application can proceed to examination.

7. Wait for the Examination Process

After payment is confirmed, the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DJKI) will examine your application through several review stages before issuing a final decision.

8. Receive Your Trademark Certificate

If your application is approved, you will receive an official Trademark Registration Certificate confirming that your brand has been legally registered and protected in Indonesia.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to search and register a trademark?

As soon as you’ve decided on your brand name.

Don’t wait until your product launches. Filing early helps secure your legal rights sooner under Indonesia’s first-to-file trademark system.

How long does trademark registration take?

The registration process typically takes 6 to 12 months, depending on the completeness of the application and the complexity of the examination.

Ready to Launch Your Brand? Protect It First.

Building a successful brand requires significant time, effort, and investment. Don’t let your business face unnecessary setbacks because your trademark wasn’t properly searched or registered.

Before launching your products or services, make sure your brand is legally protected.

With Jasa Merek, you’ll receive professional assistance throughout the entire process—from conducting trademark searches and selecting the correct class to preparing and filing your application.

Protect your brand from day one, so you can focus on growing your business with confidence.

Darga Ananthara

Legal Intellectual Property Expert M.H

Legal and Intellectual Property Expert with over 10 years of experience. Experienced in developing educational content and legal analyses related to the protection, management, and utilization of intellectual property rights for businesses and the public.

Areas of Expertise: Intellectual Property Rights

Authors (2)

Darga Ananthara

Primary Author

Legal Intellectual Property Expert M.H

Legal and Intellectual Property Expert with over 10 years of experience. Experienced in developing educational content and legal analyses related…

Tim Editorial Jasa Merek

Reviewer