Search Before You Register
Find similar trademarks before you file with the USPTO.
Why Search for Similar Trademarks?
The mark you have in mind may feel original, but similar trademarks can already exist without being obvious. Before you file, it helps to understand what "similar" actually means in a trademark context.
- Similar trademarks may already exist for related goods or services, even if you haven't come across them yourself.
- Similarity isn't limited to exact wording — marks that look, sound, or mean something similar can also be relevant.
- The goods or services connected to a mark matter just as much as the wording itself.
- A search may help identify potential conflicts before filing — rather than after you've paid a government filing fee.
- Finding potential issues early can inform your filing strategy, including whether to adjust your mark, your classes, or your approach.
What Is a Trademark Search?
A trademark search involves looking for existing trademarks and pending applications that may be relevant to the mark you're considering. Rather than checking only for an identical name, a thorough search can consider several types of similarity, including exact matches, similar wording or spellings, similar‑sounding marks, similar meanings, related goods or services, and other potentially relevant marks.
What We Look For
A trademark search service considers more than one dimension of similarity.
Exact Matches
Look for trademarks that use the same or substantially identical wording as your proposed mark.
Similar Names or Phrases
Identify marks that may look or sound similar, even if the spelling isn't identical.
Related Goods or Services
Consider whether similar marks are used for goods or services related to yours.
Potential Conflicts
Identify marks that may deserve a closer look before you file your application.
How Our Trademark Search Works
A licensed attorney is involved throughout — this isn't just an automated database lookup.
1. Tell Us Your Trademark
Share the name, phrase, logo, or other mark you're considering, so we know exactly what to search for.
2. Identify the Relevant Goods or Services
Trademark rights are tied to specific goods or services, so understanding what your mark will be used for shapes which existing marks are actually relevant.
3. Search for Potentially Relevant Marks
We search for existing trademarks and pending applications that may be potentially relevant to your proposed mark.
4. Review the Results
Your attorney reviews the results with you to help identify potential issues and inform your next steps.
Searching the USPTO Trademark Database
The USPTO maintains a database of federal trademark applications and registrations. Searching that database can help identify potentially relevant marks. However, a basic exact‑name search of that database is not necessarily the same as a comprehensive trademark clearance search.
A federal database search looks at USPTO records. A more comprehensive clearance search can also consider similar wording, spelling, sound, and meaning, plus additional state and common‑law sources — which is why our Comprehensive U.S. and Worldwide search packages go beyond a federal‑only search.
A Trademark Doesn't Have to Be Identical to Create a Potential Issue
An exact-match search only catches marks with identical wording. But trademark similarity can be broader than that — which is why a search needs to look beyond exact matches.
Your proposed mark: "BRIGHT BEAN"
Marks that could potentially be relevant to review might include names that:
- Sound similar when spoken aloud
- Look similar in spelling or styling
- Share similar wording or meaning
- Are used for related goods or services, such as food or beverage products
This example is illustrative only. It does not reference any real trademark and is not an actual search result.
What If We Find a Similar Trademark?
Finding a similar mark does not automatically mean your trademark can't be registered. Whether a mark is actually relevant to your application can depend on several factors, including:
- Similarity between the marks — how close the wording, sound, appearance, or meaning actually is.
- Relatedness of the goods or services — whether the two marks are used in connection with related offerings.
- How the marks are used — the context and manner in which each mark appears in commerce.
- Other circumstances considered during examination — the USPTO weighs the full picture, not just one factor in isolation.
A search can help you understand these factors before you file, but it can't guarantee that no conflicts exist or that the USPTO will reach any particular conclusion.
What You'll Receive
What's included can vary depending on the package you choose.
Search Results
A summary of potentially relevant trademarks and applications identified during your search.
Attorney Review
Your results are reviewed by a licensed attorney rather than handed to you as raw data.
Written Opinion Letter*
A written attorney opinion letter is included with Standard and Premium packages.
Next-Step Guidance
Guidance on what your results may mean for how you move forward with your application.
*See Trademark Registration Packages for which package includes a written opinion letter.
Choose Your Trademark Search Package
Pick the depth of search that fits your situation — each package builds on the one before it.
Federal & State
- Search of pending and registered U.S. federal trademarks
- Search of pending and registered trademarks from all 50 states
- Delivered by email in PDF format
Comprehensive U.S.
- Everything in Federal & State
- Search of common‑law sources — magazines, newspapers, business directories, and more
- Search of business names — corporations, LLCs, DBAs, and others — from all 50 states
Worldwide and U.S.
- Everything in Comprehensive U.S.
- Search of international trademarks — Canada, European Community, United Kingdom, Germany
- Search of World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) records
Turnaround is typically 1–2 business days; rush options may be available. See full package details.
Trademark Search vs. Trademark Registration
A search is an important part of the process, but it isn't the same thing as filing an application.
Trademark Search
Purpose: Identify potentially relevant existing trademarks before filing.
Trademark Registration
Purpose: Apply for federal trademark registration through the USPTO.
Thinking About Registering a New Brand or Phrase?
Searching before filing can help you make a more informed decision about your proposed trademark. A search may be worth considering if you're:
- A new business owner naming your company for the first time
- An entrepreneur launching a new brand or product line
- A company introducing a new phrase, tagline, or logo
- Someone creating a new product or service
- A business considering a rename or rebrand
- An existing business expanding into new goods or services
Trademark search questions, answered
What is a trademark search?
A trademark search involves looking for existing trademarks and pending applications that may be relevant to a proposed mark, so you can better understand the landscape before filing.
Why should I search before filing a trademark?
Searching first can help you identify potentially similar marks before you invest time and pay a government filing fee, so you can make a more informed decision about your application.
Can I trademark a phrase that someone else is already using?
It depends on the specific marks, the goods or services involved, and other factors the USPTO considers during examination. A search can help you understand the landscape, but only the USPTO can make the final determination.
Does an exact-match search guarantee that my trademark is available?
No. An exact-match search only looks for identical wording. Marks that sound similar, look similar, or are used for related goods or services may still be relevant, even without an exact match.
What happens if you find a similar trademark?
Finding a similar mark does not automatically mean your trademark can't be registered. Relevance depends on factors like how similar the marks are, whether the goods or services are related, and how the marks are used.
How long does a trademark search take?
Turnaround is typically 1–2 business days, with rush options available depending on the package.
Does a trademark search guarantee that my application will be approved?
No. A search can help identify potential issues before you file, but it does not guarantee that the USPTO will approve or register your trademark.
Is a trademark search the same as trademark registration?
No. A trademark search looks for potentially relevant existing marks before you file. Trademark registration is the separate process of applying for federal protection through the USPTO.
Do I need a trademark search if I already searched Google?
A general web search can be a helpful starting point, but it won't reliably surface pending USPTO applications or registered marks that don't appear prominently online. A trademark‑focused search looks specifically at the federal database and related sources.
Can I search the USPTO database myself?
Yes, the USPTO database is publicly accessible. However, a basic search for exact wording is not necessarily the same as a comprehensive clearance search that considers similar wording, sound, meaning, and related goods or services.
Ready to Search Your Trademark?
Before you file, take the time to understand what similar trademarks may already exist. Start your trademark search today.