If you’re planning to protect your brand, one of the first things you need to understand is how the USPTO Trademark Database works. Being armed with the knowledge to search the USPTO trademark database may well be the difference between the protection of your trademark and an expensive legal dispute. This guide will show you exactly how to check trademark availability using the official USPTO TESS (Trademark Electronic Search System) database, navigate the search tools, and understand what your results mean.
Why Searching the USPTO Trademark Database Matters
For this reason, before investing in logo design, marketing, or filing for registration, it’s essential to check whether your trademark already exists. TESS, which is the official database of the USPTO, gives you a reliable and updated source for checking active, pending, and abandoned trademarks in the United States.
If one fails to conduct a rightful search before trademarking, the parties involved may be subjected to expensive infringement lawsuits that can even result in denial of the trademark registration. According to the USPTO, nearly 50 percent of all trademarks are initially refused, mainly owing to opposition with existing marks [USPTO.gov].
What Is the USPTO TESS Database?
TESS (Trademark Electronic Search System) is an available United States Patent and Trademark Office database. In particular, it affords access to millions of live and dead trademark records, including:
- Word Marks (trademark names)
- Design Marks (logos)
- Goods and Services classification
- Owner details
- Status and filing history
- Application and Registration numbers
TESS is available 24/7 and is the go-to starting point for legal professionals, entrepreneurs, and researchers who need to determine trademark conflicts or perform due diligence.
Getting Started: Choosing the Right Search Tool
TESS offers two main search options:
1. Basic Word Mark Search (New User)
Perfect for quick checks.
- Enter a name, keyword, or product.
- The system will return results matching or closely resembling your search.
2. Word and/or Design Mark Search (Structured or Free Form)
Best for more advanced users.
- Allows searching by owner, goods/services, registration number, serial number, and more.
- Includes field tags and Boolean operators for customized queries.
3. Search Builder (Expert Option)
Ideal for professionals or complex searches.
- Offers deep filtering, including International Class (IC) codes, filing dates, and design codes for logos.
- Supports bulk and exportable result sets.
Step-by-Step: How to Search the USPTO Trademark Database
Step 1: Go to the Official Database
Start your search by visiting the USPTO TESS search page, the official tool for anyone learning how to search the USPTO Trademark Database.
Step 2: Select Your Search Option
If you are new, start with the “Basic Word Mark Search” to get a feel for how the database works. If you are familiar with trademark classes and want targeted results, choose the “Structured” or “Free Form” search.
Step 3: Enter Keywords Thoughtfully
Avoid overly broad keywords. If your trademark is “Glowbar Skincare,” search variations like:
- Glowbar
- Glow Bar
- Glow-bar
This will help you catch phonetically or visually similar existing marks.
Step 4: Use Filters to Narrow Results
On the left sidebar, refine results by:
- Live/Dead Status
- Owner Name
- International Class (IC)
- Filing Date Range
- Trademark Type (word/design/combined)
Step 5: Analyze Trademark Entries
Clicking a result reveals detailed info:
- Mark drawing code and status (e.g., LIVE, DEAD, abandoned)
- Goods & services covered
- Filing and registration dates
- Owner info (individual or corporate)
- TSDR documents (assignment history, opposition proceedings, etc.)
Step 6: Export Your Results (Optional)
For due diligence or attorney review, use the Export Results button to download your search findings in spreadsheet format.
Practical Tips for Better Searches
- ✅ Use truncation (e.g., “Glow*”) to capture name variations.
- ✅ Include synonyms and phonetic equivalents.
- ✅ Combine fields with Boolean operators:
AND,OR,NOT - ❌ Don’t rely only on exact matches. Many trademarks are rejected due to “likelihood of confusion” with similar-looking or sounding names.
- ❌ Avoid generic words. Terms like “USA” or “Inc” dilute search quality.
Beyond TESS: Related USPTO Tools Worth Knowing
- TSDR (Trademark Status and Document Retrieval): Lets you download application documents and check legal proceedings.
- TEAS (Trademark Electronic Application System): For filing applications after completing your search.
If you’re unsure whether your chosen mark is safe to register, it’s worth consulting with a trademark attorney. The USPTO explicitly states it does not perform conflict checks — the burden is on the applicant [USPTO.gov].
Real-World Example: Avoiding a Costly Mistake
A New York-based skincare startup once attempted to register the name “LumiSkin,” only to discover — after printing packaging — that a nearly identical name was already registered in the same product class. They were forced to rebrand entirely. A simple TESS search could have prevented this $10,000+ mistake.
Summary: Why You Should Master the USPTO Trademark Database
To protect your business effectively, it’s important to become adept at searching the USPTO trademark database — whether you’re an entrepreneur, lawyer, or researcher. It’s stress-free, money-free, and time-free — and enables you to make informed business choices.
By learning how to use the Basic Search and Expert filters, interpreting results critically, and checking ownership or document history, you’re far better equipped to secure a strong and unique brand identity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there a trademark database?
Yes. The USPTO provides an entire database of registered, pending, and extinct trademarks filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office as TESS (Trademark Electronic Search System). It is available to the public and updated regularly.
Can I do a free Trademark Search?
Absolutely. The USPTO TESS database is completely free to use and accessible 24/7 online. No account or payment is required to search for trademarks. You can start here: USPTO Trademark Search
Checking if a Trademark Already Exists
To begin with, it’s essential to verify whether a similar trademark is already in use. Follow these steps to perform a basic search:
- Visit the USPTO TESS database.
- Use the “Basic Word Mark Search” for simple queries.
- Input the exact or similar name.
- Review the results for live or dead marks.
- Click any result to access full trademark details and status.
Is trademark information public?
Yes. Trademark filings in the United States are public records. Anyone can obtain the filing status, ownership, registration details, and past records through USPTO databases like TESS and TSDR.
How to find the owner of a trademark?
Once you have performed a trademark search in TESS, click on the record to view the detailed entry. The owner’s name and address are given in the ownership field. You may also retrieve documents associated with transfers or changes in ownership using the TSDR system.
For more related databases, explore our Law and Industry categories.
Expert Sources and References
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office – Trademark Search
- USPTO: Trademark Basics
- USPTO: How to Apply for a Trademark
- Trademark Manual of Examining Procedure (TMEP)
