It is advisable to have searches of the relevant trade mark registers conducted prior to commencing use of a new trade mark or company/trading name, entering a new market or filing a trade mark application, in order to identify any earlier trade marks which may pose a risk of infringement or a potential obstacle to registration.

Our comprehensive trade mark availability searches include full searches of the relevant registers, covering both identical and similar trade marks. Our search reports identify any potentially problematic earlier marks and provide advice on how any potential obstacles or difficulties might be overcome.

In addition to offering full trade mark availability searches, we are also able to offer a range of other, more limited, search options which may be useful in identifying more obvious problems, either as a precursor to full searches, or as a cheaper, but less comprehensive, alternative.

We are able to advise on an appropriate searching strategy according to your particular requirements and budget.