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Homearrow Trade Marks arrowBefore You Apply arrowSearch before applying for or using a new trade mark

Trade Marks  

Search before applying for or using a new trade mark

Save yourself time and trouble by finding out if there is an existing trade mark similar to the one you plan to use-or you may face legal action from the trade mark owner.

Goods and services are divided into a number of classes. It may be necessary to search several of these to make sure you cover trade marks used on all the goods or services similar to yours.

You can search our databases online and conduct a search of the trade mark database at no cost.

Search facilities - special skills required

  • Although IP Australia has made available through this web site facilities for searching IP Australia's databases, you should not assume that you have sufficient knowledge and skill to conduct a search adequate for your purposes or to interpret the results of the search.
  • Patent, trade mark and design searching is generally only carried out by specially trained persons and the interpretation of the search results is a matter of legal analysis usually performed by specialist advisers.
  • The search facilities provided in this web site are not a substitute for searches conducted or advice obtained from specialist searchers or advisers.

Important: Please read our Disclaimer regarding use of IP Australia's database services.

Patent attorneys, trade mark attorneys, trade mark agents or professional search firms will also search for you.

If you wish to check if your business name is identical or very similar to a registered trade mark, the Trade Marks Office provides a professional search called the Business Names Applicant Search Service for a fee of $40, or you can also conduct this search on our databases yourself, at no cost.

Download acrobat readerWhat's in a Name? The Business Names Applicant Search Service