Trademark Search Tips
The following guidelines summarize the importance of a comprehensive trademark search before adoption and use of a mark:
Because liability for infringement is determined by whether two marks are confusingly similar, a search will disclose potentially conflicting marks and thereby help a company avoid liability for trademark infringement.
A preliminary or knockout search of PTO records may suffice for a mark intended for short-term use.
A thorough search (including PTO records, state records, common law, and Internet uses) should always be conducted before launching a mark intended for long-term or nationwide use or before incurring costs related to marketing materials displaying the mark.
The best searches are conducted by ...
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