It’s essential to confirm that the name, logo, or slogan you intend to use for your new company or product has not previously been registered as a trademark by another party. Before deciding on a name or design, it is crucial to undertake a comprehensive search since this can prevent legal complications in the future. The procedures you can take to search if a trademark has been taken are described in this article.
1. Carry out a trademark search A trademark search using the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database is the initial step in determining whether a trademark has been registered. All trademark registrations and pending trademark applications are listed in this database. You can look for precise matches or related trademarks using the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS). You can view the status of a trademark application using the Trademark Status and Document Retrieval (TSDR) search engine that is offered by the USPTO.
2. Carry out a Common Law Search To find out if a trademark is taken, it’s crucial to run a common law search in addition to the USPTO database. Unregistered trademarks that are protected by state law are known as common law trademarks. You can utilize search engines like Google and social media sites to perform a common law search to check whether any companies or goods exist with names or logos that are similar to yours.
3. Speak with a trademark lawyer It is important to speak with a trademark lawyer if you have questions about how to do a trademark search or if you need help with the search. A trademark lawyer can carry out a thorough search and offer legal counsel regarding whether the trademark is available for use. Additionally, they may help with trademark registration to ensure that your logo is safe.
Where can I obtain information about a trademark?
You may utilize the USPTO database to find out information about a trademark. The database includes details about trademark applications and registrations, such as the applicant for the trademark, the date of registration, and the products or services the trademark is linked with. The TSDR search engine can be used to retrieve documents pertaining to a trademark as well as to view the status of a trademark application.
The Arkansas Secretary of State’s corporate entity database can be searched to learn who owns a company in the state. The business name, registered agent, and postal address of each registered business are all listed in this database along with information on the owner. By business name or registered agent name, you can search the database.
You can ask for a copy of your articles of incorporation in Arkansas by contacting the Secretary of State’s office there. The copy can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. There may be a price for the copy, and you must include the name of your company and the year of establishment.
You can search the business entity database of the Arkansas Secretary of State to see if a business name is accessible in that state. You will need to select an alternative name if the first one is already registered. To determine if there are any unregistered businesses or goods with a similar name, you can also run a common law search. Before registering your chosen company name with the state, it’s crucial to make sure it hasn’t previously been trademarked.
Yes, you can submit your own trademark application. To make sure that your application is submitted in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, it is advised that you consult a trademark lawyer or trademark agency. A trademark lawyer or agency may also help you do a thorough search to see if your intended trademark is already taken, and they can advise you on the best course of action for defending your trademark rights.