A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol, design, or combination that identifies and distinguishes the source of goods or services. Trademarks are registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to protect brand identity and prevent consumer confusion.

What is the difference between a trademark and a patent?

A trademark protects brand identifiers like names, logos, and slogans. A patent protects inventions, processes, and designs. A copyright protects original creative works like books, music, and art. Each serves a different intellectual property purpose.

Do I need to register a trademark to have rights?

In the US, you gain some trademark rights simply by using a mark in commerce (common law rights). However, federal registration with the USPTO provides stronger legal protection, nationwide priority, and the ability to use the ® symbol.

How do I search for a trademark?

Enter the trademark name in the search bar on the homepage. You can search by word mark (the name itself), serial number, or registration number. Use the toggle above the search bar to switch between search types.

What search tips can help me find better results?

Try searching for the exact trademark name first. If no results appear, try variations, abbreviations, or phonetic spellings. Use the filters to narrow results by status, class, or date range. Searching broader terms can help discover similar marks.

Can I search for design marks or logos?

Currently this tool supports text-based searches. Design marks that include text will appear in word mark searches. For pure design/logo searches, the USPTO TESS system offers design code searching capabilities.

What do the trademark statuses mean?

Live (green) means the trademark is currently registered and in force. Dead (red) means the trademark has been cancelled, abandoned, or has expired. Pending (amber) means an application has been filed but the mark is not yet registered.

What is a serial number vs. a registration number?

A serial number is assigned when a trademark application is filed and is used to track the application. A registration number is assigned only after the mark is successfully registered. Dead or abandoned marks may only have a serial number.

What are trademark classes?

The Nice Classification system divides goods and services into 45 classes (34 for goods, 11 for services). When filing a trademark, you must specify which class(es) apply. A mark registered in Class 25 (Clothing) does not necessarily conflict with the same name in Class 9 (Electronics).

Does a "dead" trademark mean the name is available?

Not necessarily. A dead trademark means the federal registration is no longer active, but the owner may still have common law rights through continued use. Additionally, the name could conflict with other live marks. Consult a trademark attorney before assuming availability.

How do I file a trademark application?

Trademark applications are filed directly with the USPTO through their Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) at uspto.gov. We recommend conducting a thorough search first and consulting with a trademark attorney to ensure your application has the best chance of success.

How much does it cost to register a trademark?

USPTO filing fees currently range from $250 to $350 per class of goods/services, depending on the filing option. Additional costs may include attorney fees, responding to office actions, and maintaining the registration. Visit uspto.gov for current fee schedules.

How long does trademark registration take?

The trademark registration process typically takes 8-12 months from filing to registration, assuming no complications. If the USPTO issues an office action or a third party opposes the mark, the process can take significantly longer.

U Do U Trademark Search

Help & Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about searching trademarks, understanding results, and navigating the trademark registration process.

Quick Search

General Trademark Questions

: A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol, design, or combination that identifies and distinguishes the source of goods or services. Trademarks are registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to protect brand identity and prevent consumer confusion.
: A trademark protects brand identifiers like names, logos, and slogans. A patent protects inventions, processes, and designs. A copyright protects original creative works like books, music, and art. Each serves a different intellectual property purpose.
: In the US, you gain some trademark rights simply by using a mark in commerce (common law rights). However, federal registration with the USPTO provides stronger legal protection, nationwide priority, and the ability to use the ® symbol.

Searching for Trademarks

: Enter the trademark name in the search bar on the homepage. You can search by word mark (the name itself), serial number, or registration number. Use the toggle above the search bar to switch between search types.
: Try searching for the exact trademark name first. If no results appear, try variations, abbreviations, or phonetic spellings. Use the filters to narrow results by status, class, or date range. Searching broader terms can help discover similar marks.
: Currently this tool supports text-based searches. Design marks that include text will appear in word mark searches. For pure design/logo searches, the USPTO TESS system offers design code searching capabilities.

Understanding Results

: Live (green) means the trademark is currently registered and in force. Dead (red) means the trademark has been cancelled, abandoned, or has expired. Pending (amber) means an application has been filed but the mark is not yet registered.
: A serial number is assigned when a trademark application is filed and is used to track the application. A registration number is assigned only after the mark is successfully registered. Dead or abandoned marks may only have a serial number.
: The Nice Classification system divides goods and services into 45 classes (34 for goods, 11 for services). When filing a trademark, you must specify which class(es) apply. A mark registered in Class 25 (Clothing) does not necessarily conflict with the same name in Class 9 (Electronics).
: Not necessarily. A dead trademark means the federal registration is no longer active, but the owner may still have common law rights through continued use. Additionally, the name could conflict with other live marks. Consult a trademark attorney before assuming availability.

Filing & Registration

: Trademark applications are filed directly with the USPTO through their Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) at uspto.gov. We recommend conducting a thorough search first and consulting with a trademark attorney to ensure your application has the best chance of success.
: USPTO filing fees currently range from $250 to $350 per class of goods/services, depending on the filing option. Additional costs may include attorney fees, responding to office actions, and maintaining the registration. Visit uspto.gov for current fee schedules.
: The trademark registration process typically takes 8-12 months from filing to registration, assuming no complications. If the USPTO issues an office action or a third party opposes the mark, the process can take significantly longer.