DEREK JACKSON ASSOCIATES

PATENT AND TRADE MARK ATTORNEYS

UK TRADE MARK CLEARANCE SEARCHES

The objective of a trade mark clearance search is to ensure as far as possible that a trade mark is available for use in relation to specified goods or services in one or more countries.  Searches can be undertaken in respect of one or more words which may be dictionary words or invented words.  The level of clearance will depend on the nature of the searches undertaken.

At the most basic level we can carry out a UK trade mark availability search.  This search determines whether a trade mark is available for registration in the UK and covers not only identical conflicting marks, but also those with a similar prefix or suffix.

We can extend a basic availability search in a number of ways to reduce the risk of unforeseen complications when a new trade mark is launched.  We can check company names (both registered and unregistered), we can check domain names, and we can check to see whether a trade mark is in use but not registered.  These options can be searched separately or combined into what is known as a "common law" search.

On the basis of the search results we can advise on the availability and suitability of a trade mark before a new brand is launched.

TRADE MARK SEARCHES IN OTHER COUNTRIES

We can carry out trade mark searches and checks  in countries other than the UK.  In addition to availability we can carry out checks to determine the suitability of a trade mark for use in one or more countries, the suitability being assessed by a linguist in the country concerned.  We can also carry out screening and availability searches in many countries at a number of different levels, together with company name searches and domain name searches if required.