Anybody looking to register a trademark needs a trademark search. It helps you determine in case your desired trademark has already been used or if there exist similar trademarks which might cause confusion. Free of charge trademark search will save you money and provide useful information. This blog will help to understand the way to conduct a trademark search on your own.
What is the Meaning of Trademarks?
Understand what a trademark is before you begin the searching process. A trademark is a formally registered sign, word or phrases used to symbolize a company or product. It might include:
- Brand names
- Logos
- Slogans
- Designs
A trademark signifies your company and also enables your clients to tell your service or product apart from others.
Why Do a Trademark Search?
A trademark registration search is needed for many reasons:
- Avoid Legal Issues: Using an already registered trademark could cause expensive litigation and legal disputes.
- Protect Your Brand: Having a distinct trademark protects your brand identity.
- Save Time and Money: Finding possible conflicts early could save you time and money on a trademark you are able to not use.
How to Perform a Free Trademark Search?
This is how you can perform a free trademark search:
1. Identify Your Trademark
Before you begin searching, define your trademark. Is it a name, logo, design or slogan? Know what you’re looking for.
2. Use Online Databases
A few online international databases (other than searching for a trademark in India) provide access to trademark information for free. A few of the most popular are below:
- USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office): You can Look for registered trademarks in the United States with the USPTO’s Trademark Electronic search System (TESS).
- WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization): Look up trademarks registered in more than 1 country via WIPO’s Global Brand Database.
- EUIPO (European Union Intellectual Property Office): Search for registered European Union trademarks with EUIPO’s eSearch Plus.
3. Perform a Basic Keyword Search
Begin with a keyword search. Within the search fields type the title or phrase you want to trademark. Look for exact matches along with similar variations. Pay attention to:
- Exact Matches: Trademarks identical to yours.
- Similar Matches: Similar trademarks in appearance, sound, or meaning.
4. See Advanced Search Options
Nearly all trademark databases enable advanced searching. These can help restrict your search results. For example:
- Search by Class: Trademarks are classified by kind of merchandise or service. Look for your trademark within the appropriate class.
- Search by Owner: Know the proprietor of a similar trademark? Look up trademarks registered by this proprietor.
- Search by Status: Filter your search results by trademark status (registered, on hold, abandoned).
5. Analyze Search Results
Review search results for potential conflicts. Look for trademarks which contain:
- Identical: Exactly like your trademark.
- Similar: Similar in spelling, sound, and significance.
- Used in the Same Industry: Trademarks for exact same services or goods.
In case you discover a similar or identical trademark as yours, you might have to reconsider your trademark or get legal advice.
6. Check Domain Name Availability
Check the availability of the domain name for your trademark along with trademark databases. Do this via domain name registrars like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains. This helps you build a matching site for your brand.
7. Search Social Media
Social networks like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn may also be utilized for trademark searches. Look for accounts, pages or hashtags using your desired trademark. This helps you find unregistered trademarks that might still conflict.
8. Conduct a Common Law Search
A few trademarks aren’t registered. Others use trademarks without having them registered. They are called common law trademarks. For a search of these head over to:
- Use Search Engines: Try searching on Google or any other online search engine for the trademark you would like.
- Check Business Directories: Internet business directories like Yelp or Yellow Pages will list businesses using your desired trademark.
- Review Industry Publications: Seek mentions of your desired trademark in industry specific publications or websites.
9. Do Document Your Findings
Keep comprehensive logs of your search results. Document the databases you searched, the key phrases you used and possible conflicts you discovered. This info might be helpful in case you have to consult a trademark expert like StartupFino or in case you file a trademark application.
10. Seek Professional Help if Needed
Free trademark searches are helpful but not always correct. If you have questions about your findings or wish to ensure your trademark is protected, consult a trademark expert like StartupFino. They can advise and conduct a more comprehensive search.
Conclusion
A free trademark research is one way to safeguard your brand. Sticking to the tips in this article can enable you to detect conflicts and also make an educated choice regarding your trademark. Performing a good search right now could help you save cash and also preserve your brand name in the very long haul.
Following these steps can help you develop a protected and unique trademark for your business.
FAQs
How can I search for trademarks myself?
You could find trademarks yourself online at directories including the USPTO, EUIPO, and WIPO. These resources let you look for existing trademarks to be certain your desired mark is unique and not currently used.
How can I see if a trademark is registered?
Check for registration of Trademark utilizing the Trademark Search System. Go into the trademark name or logo in the search field to check out existing applications and registrations.
How you can verify trademark ownership of a logo?
Check for trademarks on a logo by using the image search function in trademark databases. Upload the logo or search for any registered or pending trademarks by entering its description.
Does trademark registration in India cost free?
No. trademark registration in India isn’t free. Official fees for filing a trademark application differ by kind of applicant (individual, startup, or company) and number of classes covered by the program.
Where do I look for trademarks?
Internet databases include USPTO’s TESS, WIPO’s Global Brand Database and EUIPO’s eSearch Plus for searching trademarks. Enter the trademark name, logo, or relevant keywords. Advanced search filters by class, status, or owner can produce results by owner.
