How to Check if a Business Name Is Trademarked
Last updated · By the NameGator team
Short answer
Search the name in the official trademark database for each market you will sell in: the USPTO Trademark Search in the United States, EUIPO eSearch or TMview in the EU, and the WIPO Global Brand Database for international filings. Look for identical and similar-sounding names in the same class of goods or services, not only exact matches. A clear search is a good sign, not a guarantee; for an important brand, ask a trademark attorney for a clearance opinion before you launch.
Where to run a trademark search
All of these databases are free to search. Coverage and features as listed on each office's website as of October 2026.
| Database | Covers | Cost | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| USPTO Trademark Search | United States federal trademarks | Free | Search by word mark and by class; state and common-law marks are not included |
| EUIPO eSearch plus | EU trademarks (EUTM) | Free | Covers EU-wide marks; national marks of EU countries are in TMview |
| TMview | Trademarks from many national and regional offices | Free | One search across dozens of offices, useful for a first international sweep |
| WIPO Global Brand Database | International (Madrid) registrations and many national collections | Free | Good for checking brands filed in several countries |
| UK IPO trademark search | United Kingdom trademarks | Free | Separate from EU marks since 2021 |
| Trademark attorney clearance | All of the above plus unregistered (common-law) use | Paid | The most reliable option before investing in a brand |
Step by step: a basic trademark check
- Pick your class. Trademarks are registered for specific classes of goods and services (the Nice Classification). A software company searches mainly class 9 and 42; a clothing brand searches class 25.
- Search the exact name. Run it in the database for each country you will sell in. Note any live (registered or pending) marks.
- Search similar names. Try alternative spellings, plurals and sound-alikes. "Brytepath" can conflict with "Brightpath" because they sound the same.
- Search the web and app stores. Businesses can have rights from use alone, without registering. Search Google, app stores, marketplaces and business registries.
- Decide, then file. If the path looks clear, consider filing your own application early. For an important brand, get a professional clearance opinion first.
How long does trademark registration take?
In the United States, the USPTO reported an average of about 4.4 months to a first examination and about 10 months to registration or abandonment for applications processed through March 31, 2026. Many applications take longer: an office action, an opposition, or an intent-to-use filing can add months, so plan for roughly a year end to end. Searching the database yourself takes minutes; a professional clearance search usually takes a few days.
Can an AI name generator check trademarks automatically?
Be careful with tools that promise this. Most AI name generators, including NameGator, Namelix, Looka and Shopify's generator, do not run a legal trademark search. NameGator checks whether a domain is registered, which is useful but different. Use a generator to build a shortlist, then check each finalist in the official databases above.
Domain, business name and trademark are three different things
Registering a domain gives you a web address. Registering a business name (for example an LLC) gives you a legal entity name in your state or country. A trademark protects the brand name for specific goods or services. Having one does not give you the others, so check all three before you print signs or packaging. Start with the domain: the domain availability guide shows how.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to check if a name is trademarked?
Yes. The USPTO, EUIPO, TMview, WIPO and UK IPO databases are all free to search. Filing an application and hiring an attorney cost money.
Does NameGator check trademarks?
No. NameGator generates names and checks domain availability. It does not run trademark searches, so check your shortlist in the official databases.
If a name is not in the trademark database, is it safe to use?
Not necessarily. Someone may have rights from using the name without registering it, or a similar mark may conflict. A clear database search lowers the risk but does not remove it.
How long does trademark clearance usually take?
Your own database search takes minutes. A professional clearance search usually takes a few days. USPTO registration itself averaged about 10 months to a final decision in early 2026.
Build a shortlist worth checking
Generate brandable names with the domain checked live, then run your favorites through the trademark databases.
Generate names