How to Do a Trademark Clearance Search
Last revised:
April 19, 2026
Quick Reference — This article is a short, high-density reference. For deeper coverage see the linked articles below.
Before filing a trademark, search for existing registrations and common-law uses that could block your mark or create confusion. A clearance search prevents the costly mistake of building a brand around a name you cannot own.
Free Search Tools
USPTO TESS (tmsearch.uspto.gov): Searches US registered and pending marks. Use "Free Form Search" for Boolean queries. Search exact name AND phonetic equivalents ("KLEEN" and "CLEAN").
EUIPO eSearch Plus (euipo.europa.eu): Searches EU trademark database.
TMview (tmview.org): WIPO's global trademark search covering 70+ trademark offices simultaneously — the broadest free tool.
CNIPA Trademark Search (sbj.cnipa.gov.cn): Searches Chinese registered and pending marks. Use both English and Chinese character searches.
Google and Amazon: Search for unregistered use — a company using a similar name in your industry may have common-law rights even without a registration.
Domain registrars: Check if the .com and country-code domains are available. A taken domain suggests someone is already using the name.
What to Search For
Search the exact mark, phonetic equivalents (PHISH vs FISH), visual equivalents (similar logos), and translations into the languages of your target markets. Search in every Nice class relevant to your goods/services.
When to Go Professional
If you find nothing concerning, filing is relatively safe. If you find similar marks in related classes, commission a professional clearance search ($500–$2,000) and a legal opinion from a trademark attorney before proceeding.
Sources
- USPTO — Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) — Free US trademark clearance search database
- EUIPO — eSearch plus — EU trademark and design search database
- WIPO — Global Brand Database — International trademark search covering Madrid registrations and national databases
- USPTO TSDR — Trademark Status and Document Retrieval for checking trademark registration status
This article is part of the iInvent Encyclopedia — the world's most comprehensive knowledge base for inventors. It is intended for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance specific to your situation, consult a qualified patent attorney.
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