How to Search Trademark Names for Restaurants

Trademarked restaurant names have legal protection from unauthorized use.

A trademark registration for a restaurant distinguishes that restaurant from competitors and provides legal protection from unauthorized use of that name. You can register trademarks on the state and federal level. State trademarks are handled by your state’s trademark office. Federal trademarks are handled by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Instructions

State Trademarks

1. Locate the contact information for your state’s trademark office. You can find your state trademark office three ways. You can search the state trademark office list on the USPTO website. You can call the state information hotline for the trademark office contact information or you can search the state website. Usually, state trademarks are issued by the secretary of state or equivalent office.

2. Visit the state trademark office website to see if it has a searchable trademark database. If you know the name of the restaurant, enter that information into the search form. If you are doing a general restaurant name search, search using terms such as restaurant, diner, or eatery.

3. Call the state trademark office and ask the operator to conduct a search if the website doesn't have a searchable database. You can get the telephone number from the site. If the trademark office does not conduct searches via telephone, request information on how to search trademark records.

Federal Trademarks

1. Use the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) available on the USPTO website to search for a registered trademark restaurant name. If you know the specific name of the restaurant, enter that information into the basic search form. Searches on general restaurant names can be searched using the advanced search form. Select the search field option for goods and services. Remember to search for variations of the term restaurant to get a complete listing of trademarked restaurant names.

2. Search the Trademark Public Search Library records in Alexandria, Virginia. It stores record information in four automated systems, microfilm, books and paper. These records go back as far as 1870.

3. Locate the nearest Patent and Trademark Depository Library (PTDL). You can search trademark records via the Internet, disk and microfilm. You can locate the closest PTDL on the USPTO website. You can also call the general trademark line at 800-786-9199 to find your closest PTDL.

References

• United States Patent and Trademark Office: Where Do I Start?
• United States Patent and Trademark Office: Trademark Electronic Search System
• United States Patent and Trademark Office: Public Search Facility

Resources

• United States Patent and Trademark Office: PTDL Library List
• United States Patent and Trademark Office: State Trademark Information Links