Free US trademark search
Before you invest in a brand name or logo, check whether it's already taken. Enter your mark below to search the official USPTO trademark database, then learn how to read the results and protect your brand.
Opens the official USPTO trademark search in a new tab and copies your mark so you can paste it in.
How to run a trademark knockout search
A “knockout” search is a first-pass check for obvious conflicts before you spend money on a full clearance or filing. Search the exact mark, then variations: alternate spellings, phonetic equivalents (“kwik” vs “quick”), plurals, and translations. Look within the goods and services similar to yours — a conflict only matters if it's in a related class. This tool opens the official USPTO search so you're always looking at authoritative, up-to-date data.
Understanding trademark classes
US trademarks are registered within the international Nice Classification of 45 classes — 34 for goods and 11 for services. The same word can be registered by different owners in unrelated classes (for example, a software brand and an unrelated clothing brand). When you assess a conflict, focus on marks registered in the classes that cover what you actually sell.
What to do after your search
If your search turns up a confusingly similar mark in a related class, consider a different name — it's far cheaper than a rejected application or an infringement dispute later. If it looks clear, a professional clearance search and, ideally, an attorney review reduce risk before you file. A clean search is not a guarantee of registration, but it removes the most common reasons applications fail.
Protecting your brand and its agreements
Registering a trademark protects the name; solid contracts protect how it's used. Trademark license agreements, IP assignments, and NDAs keep control of your brand as you work with contractors, manufacturers, and partners. Certyneo lets you draft and sign those agreements online with a court-admissible audit trail.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the USPTO trademark search free?
Yes. The USPTO trademark database is free to search. This tool sends you straight to the official USPTO search so you're always working with authoritative data.
Does a clear search mean I can register the mark?
Not automatically. A clear knockout search removes obvious conflicts, but registration also depends on distinctiveness and a full examination. A professional clearance search and attorney review lower the risk further.
What's the difference between ™ and ®?
You can use ™ to claim rights in an unregistered mark. The ® symbol may only be used once the mark is federally registered with the USPTO.
Do I need a lawyer to file a trademark?
Not legally, if your principal place of business is in the US, but trademark law is nuanced and applications are often refused on technical grounds. Many applicants use an attorney to improve their odds.