Trademark Screening

Research

Naming requires a blending of creativity and strategic planning, along with an open mind. Settling on a viable name is a process of possibilities, hinging on proper trademark screening.

Formulate's screening process involves checking for an existing trademark on vetted names to ensure a high likelihood that recommended names are available for use.  During our initial phases of the naming process, we screen names from the USPTO database, Trademark Engine, and Google.  

At the same time, we search domain availability on major domain sites, like GoDaddy and Bluehost, looking for an exact or near-match.   We collaborate with your trademark attorney if you have one appointed, and if you don't, we can recommend one.

Trademark Screening – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you guarantee a trademark?

No one can guarantee a trademark will be approved. Still, proper planning and assessment can pave the way for approval and lower risk.

Our screening research allows us to present names that are likely to clear a final trademark search. This process also clears names that sound too close to a competitor or have a negative association. The last thing you want to do is fall in love with a name that flops or has little chance of getting trademark approval.

Are you trademark attorneys?

Formulate is not a law firm. Please consult an intellectual property attorney for a legal opinion. You may also submit your trademark on Trademark Engine.

What can impact the approval of my trademark?

There are a number of factors which can impact the approval of your trademark submittal.

The United States is a first-use country, meaning a firm can obtain the legal right to a name by being the first to use it in commerce. Our Google screens help uncover these untrademarked, but in-use names.

A name could be cited as confusingly similar to a competitor. We avoid choosing names that are similar to a registered trademark.
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Additionally, a generic term or word that identifies the type of product or service involved, cannot be used as a trademark because need to identify their goods. Formulate seeks to create names distinctive enough to identify a viable business.