What a search is
A trademark search looks through official registers for marks that are identical or similar to yours, in the countries and the product or service categories you care about. It is the cheapest moment to learn that a name is risky, because nothing has been printed, built or launched yet.
"Similar" covers more than spelling. Marks can clash because they sound alike, look alike or mean the same thing. A specialist reads the results with that in mind instead of just matching letters.
What is included
- A search of the official registers in the countries you choose
- Identical and similar marks, checked by spelling, sound and meaning
- A check against the goods or services you plan to cover
- A written report with our assessment of the risk
- A plain suggestion of what to do next
How it works
- Send us your markThe name or logo, what you will sell under it, and the countries.
- We run the searchWe go through the registers and read the results ourselves.
- You receive a reportIt lists the marks that matter and explains how we rate the risk.
- You decideGo ahead, adjust the name, or look at another one. We can help with each.
A search lowers risk, but it cannot remove it. Applications that are very recent may not be visible in the registers yet, and a business may be using a name without having registered it.
Common questions
Why search before I file?
A search shows earlier marks that could lead to an objection or an opposition, before you have paid for printing, a website or a filing. It is the cheapest moment to change a name.
What do I need to send you?
The word or logo, what you will sell or do under it, and the countries you care about. If you are not sure about the categories, try the class finder.
Does a clear search mean my mark will be registered?
No. A search lowers the risk but cannot remove it. Very recent applications may not be visible in the registers yet, and a business may use a name without having registered it. The office still examines the application on its own.
Can you search in more than one country?
Yes. Tell us the countries and we search the registers of each. Protection is territorial, so a name that is free in one country can be taken in another. See Countries.
What happens after the report?
You decide: go ahead, adjust the name, or look at another one. We can help with each. If you go ahead, we can file the application.