Free Trademark Search Tips to Protect Your Business Name Early
Starting a business is exciting, but it quickly turns stressful when you find out that someone else already owns the name that you’ve chosen for your brand or product/service. One thing that can help you a lot at such a time is none other than running a free trademark search by name. This needs to be done before you print signs, order packaging, or launch your website. This simple move can save you from legal trouble, wasted money, and rebranding headaches down the road.
A quick check won’t guarantee approval, but it gives you a clear starting point. Below are practical tips to help you use free tools wisely and avoid common mistakes when checking if your business name is available.
Check the USPTO database first
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) runs the official federal trademark database. It’s free to use and shows all registered and pending trademarks. Start here, it’s the most reliable source for spotting exact matches or similar names in your industry. Keep in mind that this only covers federal marks, not state-level or unregistered ones.
Search Beyond Exact Matches
Don’t just type your exact business name. Try variations, such as misspellings, plural forms, or words that sound alike. The USPTO rejects names that could confuse customers, even if they’re not identical.
Look at The Goods and Services Listed
A name might be taken in one industry but be free in another. If a name is registered for athletic wear, you might still use it for coffee if there’s no overlap in customer base or product type. Always check the class and description tied to each mark in the database.
Don’t Forget State Registrations
Some businesses only register their name at the state level. These won’t show up in the USPTO search. Visit your state’s Secretary of State website and run a separate business name search. It takes just a few minutes and adds another layer of protection.
Read more: Trademark Vs Copyright – How Both Works In Business?
Google Your Name
Even if a name isn’t officially trademarked, someone might be using it in commerce. A quick Google search reveals active websites and social media accounts with the same or similar names. It also reveals local shops that are using your desired name. If you see strong usage, it’s safer to pick something else.
Common Law Checks
Unregistered marks still have power under U.S. law. Folks build rights just by using a name in sales. Along with this, registered owners are favored more by the court during the fights. When you skip these checks, you risk lawsuits from early users. A full scan covers business registries and websites, too.
Filing Costs Ahead
Clear search? Now it’s time to think about registration. Fees run per class of goods.
$350 per class with standard terms.
$550 without them.
An extra fee is charged for “intent to use” apps.
Make sure to pick the right classes. This will help you avoid overpaying and save your time. More classes mean broader rights.
Act Early, Even If You’re Not Ready To File
You don’t need to be selling products to protect your name. You can file an “Intent-to-Use” application to lock in your filing date. But before you do, make sure your name is truly available. With a clean, free trademark search by name, you can be confident in moving forward.
What It All Means
Choosing a business name is more than just picking something catchy, but a legal decision with long-term consequences. With a free trademark search, you get a look into federal records. This way, you lock in your brand without nasty surprises.
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Freddy Wosten
Freddy Wosten is a dynamic author. As a Blogging enthusiast and professional for the past 10+ years. And he is loving every bit of it. He lives in New York City. His niches are Business, Lifestyle, Tech, Real Estate, Finance, Travel, Social Media, Entertainment, and Multi-subjects. He is currently on Content Operations Senior Executive | to TechRab.com & MostValuedBusiness.com.
