How To Find Trademarked Phrases

A trademark is a symbol, word or combination of words that distinguishes your brand and its goods and services from others. Trademark registration allows you to protect your mark and prohibit others from using it. Sometimes, businesses use a catchy phrase together with the name, to advertise and distinguish their brand. Such phrases are valuable to your business and should be trademarked.

Before creating and using a phrase, it is beneficial to do some research to determine whether anyone else is using the same phrase. If another company has trademarked it, there is a risk of trademark infringement if you choose to use it. There are different ways in which you can perform trademark research to find out whether the phrase is already trademarked or in use.

Search engines

After creating your phrase, generate a list of search terms that match your phrase or are similar. You can choose terms that vary the spelling of the word in your phrase or add words before or after your phrase. Type these search terms you generated into a search engine. This enables you to find out if the phrase or a similar phrase is already being used. It is also important to keep track of goods and services associated with any similar phrases you find - any phrase similar to yours and representing the same or similar product or service may prevent you from effectively protecting your trademark.

Search the trade-marks database

Every country has a trademark or intellectual property office for the purpose of intellectual property registration. In Canada, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) deals with trademarks. You can search the Canadian trade-marks database to search for trademarked phrases. You have the option of basic as well as advanced searches.

Hire a trademark agent

Trademarks can be a tricky subject to those not familiar with them. Trademarks have a vast scope and are governed by several stringent rules. You may end up with a rejected application or an opposition in spite of thorough research. The professional services of a trademark agent can assist with examination and opposition of trademark applications.

Trademark research can prevent a situation where you are required to rebrand due to a conflict with a third party. A professional trademark agent can guide you smoothly through the entire trademark process.

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