Comprehensive Word Search
      A comprehensive word search looks at more than just the federal trademark database. United States databases include: 1) the federal Trademark Office records of registrations, pending applications and recently abandoned marks; 2) state trademark registrations (all 50 states plus Puerto Rico); 3) a common law reference of industrial indexes and commercial directories; 4) company names; 5) internet domain names; 6) periodical texts (magazine articles); and 7) nationwide state corporation name registries.

These additional databases provide information about the manner and extent to which a word or phrase is being used in general commerce, which can significantly impact the availability of a federal trademark registration. A Full Search is sufficient for most purposes. Our Deluxe Search adds a magazine and periodical text database, useful for examining tag lines and advertising slogans, as well as defending against a descriptiveness objection raised by a trademark examiner for a pending application. Our Total Search adds a corporate name database, useful for obtaining the most complete results and whenever due diligence is required (such as for infringement litigation).

Basic Word Search
      If you do not need any of the non-trademark databases searched, we have two basic word search options for you: 1) Federal Word Search, which only searches registered, pending and recently abandoned files of the official Trademark Office records; and 2) State & Federal Search, which adds a search of registered state trademarks in all 50 states.

If you are looking to form a new business, or rename an existing one, and you simply want to find out if anyone in the U.S. is using your proposed new name, then our Business Name Search may be right for you.

Design/Graphic/Logo Search
      If your proposed trademark consists of a design, graphic or logo, either with or without accompanying words, then you need a federal design search. The same applies if your trademark is a stand-alone number or a single letter. Marks having both a text component (word or phrase) and a design component are called a composite mark. We offer both a Federal Design Search and a Composite Search.

File Wrappers & Updates
      A file wrapper is a copy of the file for a federal trademark application kept by the Patent and Trademark Office. It is useful when you need to respond to an examiner's objections based on another mark, or if you are involved in litigation. You can also get a copy of an opposition file, which relates to any proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. Various update searches are available to 'freshen' a previous search for the latest filings in the Trademark Office.

Trademark Watching Service
      A trademark watching service is a periodic check of newly filed applications in the Trademark Office which may conflict with your own trademark(s). This provides you with advance information for objecting to, or opposing, another pending application. Services vary by the number of databases checked and the frequency of the search.

International Word Search
      If you are planning to market or distribute your goods or services outside the United States, you likely want to know beforehand whether your U.S.-based trademark is available to be registered elsewhere. Comprehensive word searches are available for Canada, Mexico, Great Britain, European Union (CTM), Madrid Agreement (WIPO, or the World Intellectual Property Organization) registrations.