ATMOSS – The Australian Trade Marks Online Search System Trade Marks Image ViewerTrade Marks MainframeBusiness Names Applicant Search ServiceTM HeadstartIP Australia provides useful services to our clients, such as free access to our databases over the Internet.
Important: Please read our Disclaimer regarding use of IP Australia's database services.
We recommend that you obtain professional advice before significant business decisions are made based on published trade mark documents, or if assistance is needed in searching Australian or worldwide trade mark documentation or in interpreting the results of trade mark searches.
ATMOSS – The Australian Trade Marks Online Search System
Trade Marks Image Viewer
Trade Marks Mainframe
Business Names Applicant Search Service
TM Headstart
Tips on using IP Australia's online search facility.
Trade mark applicants are able to search for similar trade marks, basic trade mark details and an image of the trade mark if applicable.
There are 3 main trade mark enquiry facilities available. These facilities enable you to access trade marks databases for information about trade mark applications and registered trade marks.
1. The Australian Trade Marks Online Search System (ATMOSS)ATMOSS allows you to conduct searches using a range of criteria. It is designed to help trade mark applicants to search for similar trade marks, providing all the most important details of trade marks in our database, including words and images, owner details and goods and services claimed. Online help is available.
2. Trade Marks Image ViewerATMOSS Search Tools
ATMOSS also provides links to several search tools to assist applicants in the application process.
Classification search and list of class headings
A search of goods and services descriptions included in the Nice Classification list as well as IP Australia's Office Determinations. This will help applicants decide which class their goods and/or services fall into.Search for Image Descriptors
Applicants can search the standard list of terms used to index trade marks containing pictures, logos etc. These terms can then be used to search in ATMOSS for trade marks containing similar images. A consolidated list of these terms with some examples can also be found in the attached document.Search for Australian Surnames
This is a tool used to assess how common a surname is in Australia. Trade Marks that consist of common surnames may be difficult to register.Search for International Nonproprietary Names for Pharmaceutical Substances
This is a search of the database of International Nonproprietary Names (INN). These are generic names identifying pharmaceutical substances or active pharmaceutical ingredients identified by the World Health Organisation and not available for registration for pharmaceutical goods.
Note: the Image Viewer has been replaced with an updated version. If you have any questions about the new viewer please email assist@ipaustralia.gov.au
The Trade Marks Image Viewer can be used to view trade marks which contain pictures or fancy typescripts by number or by a range of numbers. Please note that both word and image trade marks may also be viewed through the ATMOSS Trade Mark Search along with their full details.
3. Trade Marks MainframeThe trade marks mainframe database contains the Register of Trade Marks and records all signs which are protected within Australia under the trade mark legislation.
Protection is available under a single class or a combination of 45 separate classes for goods and services.
The database consists of bibliographical information without images. The trade mark graphics are described in a stylised manner which defines each component of the sign.
The bibliographical information includes trade mark application and registration details such as applicant or owner, filing date, class, status and specification of goods and/or services.
It includes all trade marks in force and all applications since 1985. It also includes all trade marks that were in force in 1985 even if they have since lapsed or ceased.
The software has search facilities which let you identify details of identical or similar trade marks.
Please note that both word and image trade marks can also be retrieved through the simple ATMOSS Trade Mark Search.
You can download the software to access our mainframe databases from the patents section of this site.
Our databases are not available on Wednesday evenings between 8 pm-12 pm and from Friday 9 pm to Saturday 9 am (Australian EST), when regular development and maintenance is undertaken.
Training is available in Australian capital cities on a regular basis.
For more information, please e-mail: assist@ipaustralia.gov.au.
The Customer Support Centre provides a professional search service called the Business Names Applicant Search Service (BASS) for a fee of $40. Our staff will conduct a thorough search of the database and issue a report showing if there is an existing registered trade mark which is identical or very similar to your proposed business name. If you pay by credit card you can apply for a search simply by calling 1300 651 010 during normal business hours. We will report back to you within one business day.
If you would like further information about BASS, you can download the BASS information sheet below or contact the Trade Marks Office helpline on 1300 651 010 or e-mail assist@ipaustralia.gov.au.
Alternatively, attorneys, agents or professional search firms can also conduct a search for you.
What's
in a Name? The Business Names Applicant Search Service
