Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about our trademark search services.
// general
What is a trademark search?
A trademark search is a systematic review of federal, state, and common law trademark sources to identify existing marks that may conflict with your proposed trademark. A professional search uses phonetic, visual, and semantic matching across multiple databases to catch conflicts that a basic search would miss.
Why not just use the free USPTO database?
The USPTO search tool covers only federal registrations and pending applications. It does not search state trademark registers or common law use. It also depends on the user to construct effective queries. A professional search covers all three layers, uses advanced matching, and includes attorney analysis.
How long does a search take?
We deliver results within 2 business days of your order.
What databases do you search?
Three layers: (1) the full USPTO federal register, (2) all 50 state trademark registers, and (3) common law sources including business filings, domain records, and web presence data.
What is likelihood of confusion?
The legal standard the USPTO uses to evaluate whether two trademarks are too similar. The analysis considers the similarity of the marks (sight, sound, meaning) and the relatedness of the goods or services. Marks do not need to be identical to be confusingly similar.
Can you search for a logo?
Yes. Logo searches use the USPTO Design Search Code system to identify visually similar marks. Same pricing across all tiers.
// pricing & process
What is in the opinion letter?
A written legal analysis evaluating each identified conflict using the DuPont factors, with a clear go, caution, or no-go recommendation. Included at $699 and $999 tiers.
How does the $999 credit toward registration work?
If you proceed with trademark registration through our firm within 7 calendar days of receiving your search report, the full $999 fee is credited toward the registration package. You only pay the difference.
What is a Section 2(d) refusal?
The most common reason the USPTO rejects a trademark application. It means the examining attorney found an existing mark that is confusingly similar to yours for related goods or services. A pre-filing search identifies these conflicts before you file.
Do you search international trademarks?
Our standard search covers U.S. sources. International search coverage can be added for an additional fee. Contact us to discuss your international needs.