The first step in securing a trademark is to conduct a comprehensive clearance search. This important process helps ensure that no other businesses are using a trademark that is identical or confusingly similar to yours—something that could lead the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to reject your application. While the USPTO does provide a free search tool, it is limited to identifying exact matches and does not account for similar-sounding names, homophones, or related variations. It’s also important to note that not all similar trademarks will prevent your application from being approved. Because of these nuances, the USPTO itself recommends working with a qualified trademark attorney to perform a thorough and informed clearance search.

At Lindner Legal, we provide detailed and easy-to-understand clearance reports that outline potential conflicts, legal risks, and any red flags we uncover. Our analysis also includes a clear assessment of your trademark’s likelihood of successful registration, giving you the confidence to move forward with your trademark application.