Search for registered word marks, figurative marks and combined word/figurative marks

Trade mark search: what you need to know

If you want to protect a word or combination of letters as a company name or designation for your products or services, you should first check whether this sign is protected under trade mark law.

Why is it so important to conduct a trade mark search prior to filing an application?

What kind of search do I need?

Trade mark registered successfully? Don’t forget to defend it!

There are many different forms of trade mark

The most common forms in which trade marks are registered are words (word marks) or images (figurative marks) – as well as combinations of these (word/figurative marks). Alongside these are special trade mark forms such as three-dimensional marks and colour marks.

Trade mark forms and images

Trade mark search for company/product names or logos

By using the right trade mark strategy and branding, you can achieve a unique position and distinguish yourself from your competitors. Protect this trade mark by registering it with the German Patent and Trade Mark Office.

We strongly recommended that you carry out a search before applying for protection because the probability of registering the same or a similar trade mark is very high and that can have consequences.

Possible consequences of proceeding without prior search:

  • filing of an opposition by a third party on the grounds of trade mark infringement
  • resulting cancellation of the trade mark and claim for compensation – no reimbursement of registration costs
  • cease and desist order or action brought before civil court.

Using our search services you can find out whether your word mark and/or figurative mark has already been registered.

Request for trade mark

When an application is made, the German Patent and Trade Mark Office does not check whether a similar or identical trade mark already exists. Failure to carry out a thorough search in advance may result in high costs incurred during opposition proceedings.

What kind of search do I need?

• If you want to register your company name, the name of a product or a service, you require a thorough word mark search to flag up identical and similar product and service designations.

• We search for German national trade marks (DE), European Union trade marks (UM) and international registrations (IR). Searches for national trade marks in the USA, Asian and other European countries are also possible.

• Searches are carried out in 1 to 3 predefined Classifications. A search can be extended to further classes if you wish.

  • In the case of logos and figurative marks we search for the individual graphical elements.
  • Searches are carried out on the basis of the Classification, an international classification of the figurative elements of trade marks, specified by you or searched by us in addition.
  • Here, too, it is possible to search nationally and internationally. You decide which markets are important for you.
  • If your trade mark consists of a combination of word and graphical elements, we can carry out a word/figurative marks search for you.
  • In this instance, the elements are searched separately, i.e. for the word mark in the specified Nice Classification and for the figurative mark in the Vienna Classification.
  • National and international searches are available on request.
Request for Trade mark se…

Prices plus VAT for a word trademark search:

Prices plus VAT for a logo trademark search:

In which countries should I conduct research? Germany (DE), European Union Trademark (EUTM or UM), international registrations (IR), nationally, or in all 27 EU countries?

A national trademark provides protection in the specific country where the trademark has been registered and filed. Therefore, a national trademark registration with the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) offers protection within the Federal Republic of Germany.

  • What research is needed?

Research is required to identify all registered and pending trademarks that have protection in Germany. This includes all national German trademark applications and registrations, European Union Trademarks (EUTMs), and international trademarks (IRs) with protection in Germany.

A European Union Trademark (EUTM) is a trademark that is valid in all 27 EU countries. It provides unified protection for all member states of the European Union. The registration of a EUTM is handled by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).

  • What research is needed?

If you want to register a EUTM, it is advisable to first research already registered and pending EUTMs, as well as international trademarks with protection in all or at least one of the 27 EU countries. Additionally, the research should also include all national applications and registrations in the 27 EU countries. Since the EUTM is valid in all 27 countries, national trademark registrations and applications should also be considered, as this helps prevent potential infringement on third-party rights.

A company, “GreenTech Innovations,” is planning to launch a new line of eco-friendly products under the brand name “EcoWave.” Before proceeding with the registration of a European Union Trademark (EUTM), the company wants to ensure that their brand name does not infringe on existing trademarks.

A trademark with protection in multiple countries allows the rights of a base trademark to be extended to other states. By filing an application, an independent trademark right is created in each designated contracting state. Registration is done through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) or the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA).

  • What research is needed?

Research is required to identify all trademark applications and registrations that have protection in the designated contracting states.

Request for Trade mark se…

Successfully registered your trademark? Then don’t forget to monitor it!

After registering your trademark, you should regularly research new trademark registrations to prevent others from copying and misusing your brand.

The Patent and Trademark Center supports you with trademark monitoring and provides advice on key topics in trademark strategy, as this is the foundation of every successful business.

Information Trademark Mon…