FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TMchecks and what does it do?

TMchecks is a free tool that simultaneously searches for available trademarks and domain names at the same time. If your desired name is taken, the app offers alternative suggestions.

By using TMchecks, you can proactively manage trademark risk and avoid potential legal conflicts. The tool helps you identify any existing trademarks or domain names that may conflict with your desired name, allowing you to make informed decisions before investing time and resources into branding and marketing. By receiving alternative name suggestions, you can explore creative options and select a unique and legally secure brand identity. TMchecks streamlines the process of safeguarding your brand and supports your business's long-term success.

What are the benefits of TMchecks?

Its fast:

No retyping, No new tabs opening for searching between trademarks and domain names, No switching browser tabs.

Its comprehensive:

Search over 109 million trademarks, Quickly confirm official results for detailed analysis by clicking the name in the results table, Search over all common domain names suffixes.

Its easy:

Simple to understand results, Send results to your e-mail, Share results with your team.

Who is TMchecks for?

TMchecks is perfect for business owners who want to quickly reduce trademark risk by searching for existing trademarks globally for their desired business or product name. For branding agencies and marketing agencies, a bulk search tool is available. Please contact us.

With TMchecks, business owners can confidently move forward with their branding and marketing strategies, knowing that their chosen name is not already in use by another entity. The convenience of a global search ensures that businesses can operate internationally without encountering trademark disputes that could hinder their expansion plans.

For branding and marketing agencies, the bulk search tool is a game-changer. It allows agencies to simultaneously search for multiple names, saving valuable time and effort. This feature is especially useful when brainstorming and evaluating potential names for new products, campaigns, or rebranding initiatives. Agencies can present their clients with a curated list of viable options, each thoroughly vetted for trademark availability.

Overall, TMchecks empowers businesses and agencies to navigate the complexities of trademark registration with ease, providing peace of mind and a clear path to establishing a strong and legally protected brand identity.

Why would you use TMchecks?

Whether you’re drop shipping or starting your Print on Demand (POD) business, not infringing other people’s trade marks is important. Trade mark infringement is illegal, even if accidental. You risk wasting your time and effort if you don’t check. Your ecommerce store may be shut down if a trade mark infringement complaint is made against you. Even worse, you may get banned from major platforms like RedBubble, Teespring and Etsy or be sued by the trade mark owner, and therefore negatively affect the ability to earn revenue.

In addition to the legal and financial consequences, trade mark infringement can also damage your business's reputation. Customers value trust and authenticity, and being associated with trade mark infringement can erode that trust. It may lead to negative reviews and a loss of customer loyalty, making it challenging to rebuild your brand image.

Trade mark infringement can disrupt your supply chain and inventory management. If you're required to halt sales of infringing products, you may be left with unsold stock that cannot be legally sold, leading to financial losses and logistical challenges.

Avoiding trade mark infringement also helps you establish a unique brand identity that sets you apart from competitors. By ensuring that your brand name and logo are original and not infringing on others' rights, you can create a strong brand presence that resonates with your target audience.

Taking proactive steps to avoid trade mark infringement is an investment in the long-term success and sustainability of your business. By using tools like TMchecks to verify the availability of your chosen brand name, you can confidently move forward with your business plans and focus on growth and innovation.

How does TMchecks check for trademark and domain name availability?

It uses software that is linked directly to official trademark registries and domain name registries to perform the search.

Can I search for both trademarks and domain names at the same time on TMchecks?

Yes. Common domain name suffixes like .com are automatically searched.

What happens if the trademark or domain name I want is unavailable?

Review the alternate names that are suggested to see if there is one that is appropriate.

If the trademark or domain name you want is unavailable, you can consider making modifications to the name while still preserving its essence. For example, you could add a prefix or suffix, use abbreviations, or change the spelling.

If the desired domain name is taken with a specific extension (e.g., .com), you can explore other available extensions (e.g., .net, .org, .co) that may still suit your business.

You can try combining words or adding descriptive terms to create a new and unique name. For example, if "BlueSky" is taken, you could try "BlueSkyVentures" or "BlueSkyTech."

In some cases, the owner of the trademark or domain name may be willing to sell or license it. You can reach out to the owner to inquire about potential purchase or licensing arrangements.

If the desired name is unavailable and modifying it is not an option, you may need to brainstorm new names. Get creative and come up with a list of alternative names that reflect your brand identity and values.

If you are unsure about the availability or potential conflicts with an existing trademark, it may be helpful to consult with a trademark attorney. They can provide legal advice and help you navigate the trademark registration process.

In some cases, domain names may become available in the future if they are not renewed by the current owner. You can set up alerts or use monitoring services to keep track of the domain's status and act quickly if it becomes available.

If a similar trademark exists, assess the risk of confusion with your desired name. If the existing trademark is in a different industry or market, and there is little likelihood of confusion, you may still be able to proceed with registration.

Does TMchecks suggest similar options for unavailable trademarks and domain names?

Yes. In the results table, alternate names and domain names are suggested.

Can I use TMchecks to register my trademark or domain name?

Yes. In the results table, you can click the appropriate button in the Actions column.

Is there a cost to use TMchecks?

It is free to use.

How many trademarks are searched?

Over 109 million trademarks are searched.

Which countries are included in the trademark search by TMchecks?

Argentina, Australia, Austria, Benelux, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Europe, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Lao, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, Uruguay, USA, Vietnam.

How often are the trademark availability and domain name availability information on TMchecks updated?

Domain names are almost instantly updated.

Trademarks are updated depending on the country.

Some are updated daily, like Australia, US, European Union Intellectual Property Office, Korea, Turkey, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico, Colombia and New Zealand.

Some are updated weekly, like China, Israel and Philippines.

Some are updated infrequently, like UK, Japan, Russia and India.

Can I get alerts for when a specific trademark or domain name becomes available?

If you would like have this feature, please contact us.

How does TMchecks work, and how can I use it to search for trademarks and domain names?

Visit the TMchecks website or open the TMchecks web app.

Enter the type of goods or services that you are selling/offering.

Optionally, enter the desired business or product name in the search bar provided. This is the name you want to check for trademark and domain name availability.

Click the "Search" button or a similar option to initiate the search.

TMchecks will then search global databases of registered trademarks and available domain names to determine if the name you entered is available for use.

The results will be displayed on the screen, indicating whether the name is available as a trademark and/or domain name. If the name is unavailable, TMchecks may also provide alternative name suggestions that are similar to the original query but with variations for the same concept/theme.

Review the search results and consider the alternative suggestions if the original name is unavailable.

If you find a name that you wish to register as a trademark or secure as a domain name, you can proceed with the registration process by conveniently clicking the buttons which will submit an enquiry or request for quotation.

Can TMchecks search for trademarks and domain names in multiple countries?

Yes

How accurate are the search results provided by TMchecks?

They are as accurate as the information in global trademark databases and domain name records.

If TMchecks suggests alternative names, how are these alternatives generated?

We use a machine learning model (aka AI) to help generate the similarly conceptual alternate names.

Can I use TMchecks to register a trademark or domain name directly?

Yes, we use a qualified trademark attorney to help register a trademark for you and also can assist you to register a domain name.

Can TMchecks help me understand if my desired name is likely to be approved for trademark registration?

Trademark search tools like TMchecks can be valuable resources for determining the availability of a desired name and identifying potential conflicts with existing trademarks. However, it's important to note that these tools primarily focus on searching for existing trademarks and domain names, rather than providing a definitive assessment of whether a desired name is likely to be approved for trademark registration.

The approval of a trademark registration is determined by the trademark office or intellectual property authority in the relevant jurisdiction, and it involves a comprehensive examination of various factors, including the distinctiveness of the mark, the likelihood of confusion with other marks, and the classification of goods and services for which the mark is intended to be used.

While TMchecks can help you identify existing trademarks that may be similar or identical to your desired name, it may not provide a complete analysis of all the factors that trademark examiners consider when reviewing a trademark application. As such, TMchecks can be a helpful starting point for your trademark research, but it should not be relied upon as the sole basis for determining the likelihood of trademark registration approval.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of whether your desired name is likely to be approved for trademark registration, it's advisable to consult with an intellectual property attorney or trademark professional who can provide expert guidance and conduct a thorough trademark clearance search. They can also assist you in preparing and submitting your trademark application, as well as addressing any potential issues that may arise during the registration process.

TMchecks can be a useful tool for identifying potential conflicts and conducting preliminary trademark research, but it's important to seek professional legal advice for a more detailed assessment of your desired name's registrability.

Does TMchecks provide any legal advice or assistance in case of trademark disputes?

Not directly. We use a qualified trademark attorney to assist with such enquiries.

Can I use TMchecks to monitor my registered trademarks and receive alerts for potential infringements?

No, this feature has not been built yet. If you would like have this feature, please contact us

Is TMchecks suitable for both small businesses and large enterprises?

Trademark and domain name search tools like TMchecks are generally designed to be versatile and suitable for users of all sizes, ranging from small businesses to large enterprises. These tools provide valuable insights into the availability of trademarks and domain names, helping businesses avoid potential legal conflicts and protect their brand identity.

For small businesses, TMchecks can be an essential resource for ensuring that their desired business or product name is available and not already registered as a trademark or domain name by another entity. This can help small business owners avoid costly legal disputes and build a strong brand presence from the start.

For large enterprises, TMchecks can be a valuable tool for conducting comprehensive trademark and domain name searches as part of their brand expansion and protection strategies. Large enterprises often have multiple product lines and brands, and TMchecks can assist in identifying potential conflicts and securing new trademarks and domain names.

Overall, TMchecks can be a valuable asset for businesses of all sizes, helping them navigate the complexities of trademark and domain name registration and management. However, it's important to note that the specific features and suitability of TMchecks for different business sizes may vary. For detailed information about TMchecks and its suitability for your specific needs, I recommend visiting the TMchecks website or contacting their customer support for personalized assistance.

Are there any fees or subscription plans associated with using TMchecks?

There are no fees for casual use.

Can I use TMchecks to search for trademarks in specific industries or product categories?

Yes, by entering the type of product or service you provide in the relevant text input box.

How can TMchecks help me avoid common pitfalls when choosing a brand name or domain name?

TMchecks can help you avoid common pitfalls when choosing a brand name or domain name by providing you with valuable insights into the availability and potential conflicts associated with your desired name.

TMchecks allows you to search for existing trademarks that may be similar or identical to your desired brand name. By identifying trademarks that are already registered, you can avoid potential legal disputes and the risk of infringing on someone else's intellectual property rights.

TMchecks enables you to check the availability of domain names that correspond to your desired brand name. This helps you ensure that you can secure a domain name that aligns with your brand and avoid the frustration of discovering that your preferred domain name is already taken.

If your desired brand name or domain name is unavailable, TMchecks may provide you with alternative suggestions. These suggestions can help you explore different naming options and find a suitable name that is available for registration.

By using TMchecks to search for similar trademarks and domain names, you can reduce the risk of choosing a name that may be confusingly similar to an existing brand. This helps you build a distinct brand identity and avoid potential customer confusion.

TMchecks streamlines the process of searching for trademarks and domain names, helping you save time and resources that would otherwise be spent on manual searches. By identifying potential conflicts early on, you can also avoid costly legal issues down the road.

Is my search history on TMchecks kept private and confidential?

We use the search queries and user activity to help us continually improve the web app.

What to know more about how we handle your personal and private information?

See our Privacy Policy.