PROTECTING YOUR BRAND

Trade Mark Search

Trade Mark Search Service

Before seeking to register a brand name or logo, our team will advise you to undertake a trade mark search, sometimes known as a clearance search.

This will highlight any third-party rights that may restrict the use of your chosen mark either now or in the future. This may include clearance searches on each of the marks you wish to register, in the countries you wish to gain exclusive use.

Packages & Cost

The cost of a trade mark search differs by country. Here are some examples:

United Kingdom

£ 99 plus VAT

Option 1

European Union

£ 150 plus VAT

United States

£ 150 plus VAT

Looking for more countries?

15+ countries to choose from.

£ 99 plus VAT

£ 150 plus VAT

List Item #3

£ 275 plus VAT

List Item #3

Undertaking a Trade Mark Search?

When…

Trade mark searches are a crucial aspect of your business’s brand protection strategy. This will identify if your brand name, logo, tagline etc. is already registered as a trade mark. If it is, you might be unable to obtain trade mark protection for your brand.

By undertaking this search you will have a good understanding of the restrictions in place, for example if your brand name is available to register in the UK and EU but not in the United States. The nature and extent of the trade mark searches you will need to do depend on the goods or services your business offers and the countries you wish to trade in.

Why…

Searches should be conducted as soon as possible, ideally before you spend any money on the brand, and definitely before you apply to register a trade mark.

Searches identify issues that could result in you needing to amend your mark before you file your registration application and begin to trade. This way you are not wasting time, effort and money on a brand that may not be viable as the Intellectual Property already belongs to someone else.

Trade Mark Search FAQs

What is a trade mark search?

A trade mark search involves searching an intellectual property (IP) office’s database to identify existing trade marks that may be similar to your proposed mark. This helps to avoid conflicts and potential opposition during the registration process. Additionally, we will offer our advice on whether the proposed mark is likely to be accepted by the IPO, and why.

How important are trade mark clearance searches?

Trade mark clearance searches are particularly important as they are the first step to determine whether the trade mark you wish to use and register is available.

We strongly recommend that, to avoid any potential conflict between your proposed trade mark and any existing similar trade marks, you instruct us to carry out a comprehensive trade mark search on your behalf.

How do I know whether my particular trade mark is already in use?

Before an application is placed to register your proposed trade mark you must ensure your mark will not conflict with any existing trade mark. Furthermore, you should also ensure that there are no existing common law trade marks – in other words, unregistered trade marks, limited companies, business names and/or any reference to your proposed trade mark on the internet.

We offer a trade mark search service:

This search will indicate whether your proposed trade mark is available or is registered by someone else. The fee is £99 ex VAT for the UK and £150 ex VAT per search for Europe and the United States of America. Searches in other jurisdictions can be undertaken, fees can be discussed with our IP team.

How can I know if my trade mark application will go through?

There is no guarantee of successful registration, but research can help establish your chances. Ensure your mark shows sufficient distinctiveness and check for similar registered trade marks. We strongly recommend a detailed search taking place ahead of any application. This will consider current marks already registered and whether your proposed mark hits the criteria required by the IPO.

If no identical or similar marks are found, your chances are higher. If similar marks exist, a trade mark attorney can assess the risk and provide advice.

My brand name and logo are unique. Could there still be issues with my trade mark application?

Even with a unique brand name and logo, registration is not guaranteed. Similar brands you haven’t encountered may exist. Conduct a trade mark search before submitting your application to determine the chances of success.

What our clients have said

I have been using National Business Registrar for over 10 years now and I’m very happy With their services. They have got an excellent team and are very efficient in their work.

We have placed our trust in NBR for nearly three decades and will continue to do so! Our trademark is our most valued asset, and Start.Biz (National Business Register) protects our business by taking care of all our trademark registration needs.

We've been associated with Mitch and his team for many years and have always been happy with the quality of service provided especially in relation to protecting our trademarks.

I contacted Mitch Willmott at Start.biz recently with a trademark query and to gain some general advice about IP and what I need as a start up business. He honestly could not have been more helpful.

The advice and guidance provided is first class and we would not hesitate in recommending to any business seeking advice or guidance relating to Intellectual Property.