Register your new business name.
**How to Check a Trademark Name: A Comprehensive Guide**
When starting a new business, it is crucial to ensure that your business name does not infringe on an existing trademark. This involves conducting a thorough search of the trademark database to identify any similar or identical marks. In this article, we will explore the steps to check a trademark name and the importance of doing so.
### Why Check a Trademark Name?
Before diving into the process of checking a trademark name, it is essential to understand why this step is vital. A trademark search helps you avoid legal issues and potential trademark infringement claims. It also ensures that your business name stands out and is unique, which is critical for building a strong brand identity.
### Conducting a Trademark Search
To check a trademark name, you can use the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database, known as TESS (Trademark Electronic Search System). Here are the steps to follow:
1. **Log In**: Start by logging into your USPTO.gov account for a better search experience. This will help you avoid errors and ensure that your search results are accurate.
2. **Choose a Search Option**: Once logged in, choose a search option. For a name search, select the trademark name search. If you are searching a design mark, such as a logo, you will need to look up your design code using the USPTO’s Design Search Code Manual.
3. **Search for Similar Marks**: Use the TESS name search to look for plurals and variations of your trademark name. This includes searching for exact matches, as well as marks that contain the words in your name. You can also search for marks that sound similar but are spelled differently.
4. **Review Results**: Review the search results for marks that are the same as or similar to yours. Make a list of the similar or identical marks, along with information about the types of goods or services they are registered for.
### Tips for Conducting a Comprehensive Search
To ensure that your search is thorough, consider the following tips:
1. **Search for Variations**: Search for variations of your trademark name, including plural forms and different spellings.
2. **Check for Similar Marks**: Look for marks that are similar in sound or appearance to your trademark name.
3. **Review International Classes**: Review the international trademark classes to ensure that you are not infringing on a trademark registered for similar goods or services.
### Conclusion
Conducting a trademark search is a crucial step in protecting your business name and avoiding potential legal issues. By following the steps outlined above and using the USPTO’s TESS database, you can ensure that your business name is unique and not infringing on an existing trademark.
### Register Your Business Name in Australia
If you are starting a business in Australia, it is essential to register your business name. You can do this through the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) or a private service provider. For more information and to register your business name, visit [register.biz.au](https://register.biz.au).
