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Free USPTO Trademark Database Search - No Account Required

Free Trademark Search -
Instant USPTO Availability Check

Search the USPTO TESS trademark database before you file. See live, pending, and dead marks - instantly check if your brand name, logo, or phrase is available in seconds. 100% free, no account or credit card needed.

Searches USPTO TESS database
Live & pending marks included
No account or credit card needed
Results in seconds
Word / Phrase Mark
Check Availability
Search by Owner
Serial Number
Status filter: All Marks Live Only Dead / Abandoned Pending

What Is a Trademark Search?

A trademark search is the process of checking the USPTO trademark database - and other sources - to determine whether your proposed brand name, logo, or slogan is already claimed by another business. Conducting a thorough trademark search before you file is one of the most important steps any entrepreneur or brand owner can take.

The USPTO's TESS (Trademark Electronic Search System) is the official federal database containing over 4.5 million trademark records - including active registrations, pending applications, and abandoned marks. Our free trademark search tool queries this database in real time, so you get instant results without navigating the government's outdated interface.

Trademark rights in the United States follow a first-to-file rule at the federal level. That means the first person to file a trademark application - not necessarily the first to use the name - gets priority in most disputes. A free trademark search helps you understand the competitive landscape before investing in filing fees.

Why Search Before You File?

Filing a trademark application without searching first is one of the costliest mistakes a business owner can make. USPTO filing fees are non-refundable - and if your application is refused because a similar mark already exists, you lose those fees entirely.

Beyond the application itself, using a brand name that infringes on an existing trademark can expose you to costly legal action, forced rebranding, and loss of brand equity you've already built. A free trademark availability check takes seconds and can save thousands of dollars.

Our search tool checks for exact matches, phonetically similar marks, and related registrations across all 45 USPTO International Classes - giving you the most complete picture before you commit to a brand name or file an application.

How to Do a Trademark Search: Step-by-Step

  1. Enter your brand name or phrase in the search box above. Use the Word / Phrase tab for broad searches or the Check Availability tab for an instant yes/no on an exact match.
  2. Review all results - not just exact matches. Look for marks that are phonetically similar, have the same meaning, or operate in the same industry class.
  3. Filter by status - focus on Live marks first. Dead or abandoned marks are lower risk but can still complicate your application in some cases.
  4. Note the International Class(es) of any conflicting marks. A "Zoom" trademark in Class 41 (education) doesn't necessarily block "Zoom" in Class 25 (clothing).
  5. Get a professional clearance review before filing. Common law rights, state trademarks, and confusingly similar marks won't always appear in a basic TESS search. CloudFillers provides comprehensive trademark search reports reviewed by USPTO-experienced professionals.
How It Works

What happens after your free trademark search?

A clear path from your first trademark search to a registered mark - handled by our USPTO-experienced team.

Step 01

Run Your Free Trademark Search

Search the USPTO TESS database instantly. See every live, pending, and dead mark that could conflict with your brand. Free trademark search - no account needed.

Step 02

Get a Professional Trademark Review

Our USPTO-experienced team reviews your results, identifies risky conflicts, recommends the right trademark classes, and prepares your full application.

Step 03

We File Your USPTO Trademark in 48 Hours

We submit your USPTO trademark application within 48 hours of your approval. You receive your serial number immediately - enough to start Amazon Brand Registry enrollment.

Search Coverage

What this search checks

Our free search queries the USPTO TESS database across multiple match types to surface the conflicts most likely to cause problems.

Exact Match

Direct word-for-word matches in USPTO's live and pending mark database.

Similar / Phonetic Matches

Marks that sound alike or are spelled differently but are legally confusingly similar (e.g. "Lyft" vs "Lift").

Dead / Abandoned Records

Cancelled or abandoned marks that can still block registration if they were well-known in their time.

Owner Search

Find all trademarks filed by a specific company - useful for competitive intelligence.

Important: What a free search doesn't tell you

Our free TESS search is a powerful first step - but it's not a complete trademark clearance. There are several risk factors it cannot assess:

Common law rights: Businesses can have trademark rights based on actual use, even without a USPTO registration. These won't appear in TESS.

State-level trademarks: Each US state has its own trademark registry. A brand registered only in California can still block use in that state.

Likelihood of confusion analysis: The USPTO applies a multi-factor legal test to determine if two marks conflict. An automated search can't replicate this legal judgment.

International trademarks: If you sell globally, marks registered in other countries may affect your ability to expand.

For complete protection before filing, CloudFillers offers a Comprehensive Trademark Search that covers common law, state registrations, internet usage, and an attorney-reviewed conflict report. Learn more →

FAQ

Trademark Search Questions, Answered

Is this trademark search really free? Do I need to create an account?

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Yes, completely free - no account, no email, no credit card. This tool queries the USPTO TESS database directly. We provide it as a starting point for anyone considering trademark registration.

What is the USPTO TESS database?

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TESS (Trademark Electronic Search System) is the USPTO's official public database of all federal trademark applications and registrations. It includes live marks, pending applications, dead/abandoned marks, and registered trademarks going back decades.

My exact name isn't showing - does that mean I'm clear to file?

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Not necessarily. A clear TESS search is a good sign, but not legal clearance. The USPTO can still reject your application if a similar-sounding mark exists in the same class, if common law rights exist, or if your mark is considered merely descriptive. We recommend a professional review before filing.

What do the trademark status labels mean?

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Live: The mark is currently active (registered or pending). This is the most important flag - live marks in your class can block your registration. Dead / Abandoned: The application was withdrawn, refused, or the registration lapsed. These may still pose common-law risks. Pending: An application was filed but hasn't been examined yet.

How long does it take to get a trademark registered?

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The USPTO typically takes 8–14 months to review and approve a straightforward application. However, you receive a serial number immediately after filing, which is sufficient to enroll in Amazon Brand Registry and most brand protection programs. CloudFillers files your application within 48 hours of your approval.

Which trademark class should I file in?

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The USPTO uses 45 International Classes. You must file in the class(es) that cover your specific goods or services. Common ones: Class 25 (apparel), Class 35 (retail/ecommerce), Class 9 (software), Class 42 (SaaS). Most brands file in 1–3 classes. CloudFillers reviews your business and recommends the exact classes before you pay anything.

Can I trademark my Shopify or Amazon store name?

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Yes - if your name is distinctive and not already registered by someone else in your industry. For ecommerce brands, you typically file in Class 35 (online retail services) plus the class covering your product type. A registered trademark also lets you enroll in Amazon Brand Registry and report counterfeit listings.

What's the difference between ™ and ®?

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™ (trademark symbol) can be used by anyone claiming rights to a mark, even without registration - it gives notice of your claim. ® (registered trademark symbol) can only be used after the USPTO has officially registered your trademark. Using ® before registration is a federal violation. Once CloudFillers files your application, you can begin using ™ immediately.

Ready to protect your brand?

Start with a free search. Our USPTO-experienced team files in 48 hours - all 50 states.

Free search · No account required · Filed in 48 hours · No hidden fees