If you own a business in Texas, you are aware that obtaining a trademark is essential for safeguarding your brand and that you must conduct a comprehensive search before submitting your application. But where can you get a trademark search in Texas? Here is your thorough guide.
1. Begin by checking the Trademark Database of the Texas Secretary of State. You may look up Texas registered trademarks and pending trademark applications in this openly available database. You must also search the federal database for national-level trademarks because the database only contains state-level trademarks. 2. Search the database of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). All trademark registrations and pending applications in the US are kept in a database by the USPTO. Although the process can be challenging, you can use their database for free searches, it may be wise to hire a lawyer or trademark expert to guide you through it. 3. Work with a trademark search firm. Consider using a trademark search provider if you want to make sure your search is as thorough as possible. These businesses can give you a more thorough report on potential conflicts or problems because they have access to databases and information that might not be open to the public.
4. Speak with a lawyer. In the end, speaking with a trademark law expert is the best approach to guarantee that your trademark search is thorough and correct. They are able to assist you throughout the procedure, give you conflict avoidance advice, and assist you in submitting a strong trademark application.
After discussing how to locate a trademark in Texas, let’s respond to some relevant queries: How can I find out if a trademark name is already taken? By using the procedures described above to conduct a trademark search, you can determine whether a trademark name is accessible. To see if the name is already being used by someone else, it’s a good idea to conduct an internet and social media search. Can I conduct a trademark search for nothing? Yes, you can use the databases of the USPTO and the Texas Secretary of State to do a free trademark search. However, keep in mind that these searches might not be as thorough as ones done by experts. Can I use a trademarked word in the name of my company? In order to prevent any legal complications, it is generally advised to steer clear of utilizing a trademarked word in your business name. There are a few exceptions, though, such when your company is in a new sector or the brand is no longer being used. Can a business name be registered but not used? You can register a business name even if you don’t plan to utilize it right away. However, take in mind that you can lose your rights to the name if you don’t utilize it for a particular amount of time.
Unfortunately, the “How to Look Up a Trademark in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide” article doesn’t explain how to trademark cheaply. However, generally speaking, submitting your own application online through the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website is the least expensive option to register a trademark. A basic trademark application submitted online presently costs $250 for each class of products or services. However, it is advised to speak with a trademark lawyer to make sure the registration is done correctly and to prevent future legal problems.
As long as a trademark is used in commerce and its registration is up to date, it can be used indefinitely in the United States. The registration must be renewed, though, every 10 years following the initial renewal, which is due between the fifth and sixth year after registration.