A trademark search is a critical legal first step in the process of trademark selection. A trademark search determines whether a trademark is available for use. As business attorneys, we believe that launching a new product, service, or business without first conducting a trademark search is flirting with disaster.
Simply stated, a trademark search is necessary because trademark rights under U.S. trademark law are granted on a first come, first served basis – i.e, first in time, first in right. A business or individual entrepreneur obtains certain trademark rights by being the first in a given market either to use the mark or to file for (and successfully obtain) registration. Once the business or individual entrepreneur obtains such trademark rights, it is entitled to stop newcomers from using similar marks in ways that are likely to cause confusion.
Thus, any business or anyone who contemplates adopting a new mark faces the risk that another business or someone else may have already obtained rights to a similar market in the same trademark class. A trademark search is the primary means of assessing that risk. Although a trademark search is not 100% foolproof, it is definitely a worthwhile investment.
The standard that is used to determine if a potential trademark is available for federal trademark registration is whether the proposed trademark is likely to cause confusion with an already registered trademark. If there is a likelihood of confusion, then the proposed trademark should not be used as a trademark infringement action could arise from such use.
For more information on a listing of the 45 different trademark classes, see:
Corsearch Trademark Clearance and Protection
Our law firm uses Corsearch, the premier trademark clearance and protection platform for trademark and brand solutions. Its high-quality, intuitive tools and unparalleled expertise enable professionals to effectively manage their trademark screening, search review, watching, and domain management processes. With highly trained researchers, an expansive global content set and customer-designed technology tools like the Corsearch platform, Corsearch empowers its customers with the ability to easily, quickly and flexibly monitor and protect their brands in an increasingly complex business environment.
Contact Us – 843-564-5115
We provide trademark search services to those individuals and businesses who are serious about developing and protecting their company name, product names, service names, logos, and taglines. Our Charleston trademark attorney provides guidance to entrepreneurs or business owners launching a new product or service in the marketplace and ensure their trademarks are properly protected.