How to Search for Trademark Availability

Protect Your Business Image with a Trademark

A trademark is a valuable asset to any business because it conveys the business's brand and image. Registering a trademark on your business name and/or logo protects your image from being used by others for 10 years. You have a 10-year renewal option if you continue to use the mark. But before you can register your trademark, you have to make sure it's not already registered by someone else.

Instructions

1. Visit the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) online to search for registered and pending trademarks. The USPTO offers a variety of search functions (basic, boolean, and advanced) for looking up trademarks. It's more work, but you don't want to waste time and money trying to register a trademark that is already taken just because your search wasn't thorough enough. Using the name of your trademark, enter it into the fields and choose any options that apply, such as "Plural and Singular" or "Live and Dead" (current and expired trademarks).

2. Search for unregistered users of the name or symbol. Using your favorite search engine, conduct a search to find out if others are using the name, how long they've used it, and how it's used. Another great resource for searching current users of your business name is the Thomas Register. Finally, do domain search at any domain registrar to see if the domain name is already in use.

3. Consider using a professional trademark search service or attorney. Failing to find an existing trademark can cost you time and money if your application is refused. And because you can be refused even if your trademark is similar but not exact to another, you want to get as much assurance as possible that your application will be accepted by having had a thorough trademark search by trademark experts.

References

• Trademark Basics
• Search Trademarks
• Thomas Register
• GoDaddy Domain Registrar