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Trademark searches

Prevent conflicts and unpleasant surprises. With a trademark search you gain insight into existing trademark registrations and know in advance what risks you are taking when using and registering your trademark.

Why conduct trademark searches?

Trademark registration grants rights, but no guarantee. Older trademarks can later still block yours.

Why research is essential:

  • Research into older rights is not part of the application procedure in many countries
  • As an entrepreneur you are yourself responsible for preventing trademark infringement
  • Small differences sometimes make a difference, but sometimes they don’t. You can only assess this with the right expertise
  • Even after registration a trademark can still be challenged: not the registration but the search results, enables you to assess the position of your trademark towards others
  • Insight into risks increases the value and usability of your trademark

Countries and regions

Trademark rights are territorial. That means you must assess per country or region whether your trademark is protected.

  • Trademark rights only apply in the country or region of registration
  • Availability must be determined for each country
  • Assessment differs per language area
  • In some countries, used (unregistered) trademarks also count
  • Research can be conducted nationally, regionally or worldwide
View our rates

Benelux trademark searches

For entrepreneurs active in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.

Starting prices:

  • Identical (Light): free of charge
  • Preliminary (Solid): from €160
  • Extensive (Gold): from €420

EU trademark searches

For businesses active in (part of) the European Union.

Starting prices:

  • Identical (Light): free of charge
  • Preliminary (Solid): from €200
  • Extensive (Gold): from €1,075

Worldwide trademark searches

For international businesses outside the EU. Costs and options vary per country.

Starting prices:

  • Identical: free of charge
  • Preliminary: from €200
  • Extensive: on request

How we work

Step 1

Free identical trademark search

We carry out a first identical check in the relevant countries and immediately infom whether there are obvious risks.

Step 2

Preliminary trademark search

You want more certainty. We analyse strongly similar trademarks and provide a solid assessment of the risks.

Step 3

Extensive trademark search

For maximum certainty and insights, we can perform an extensive search . We analyse all similar trademarks and provide detailed legal and strategic advice.

Any questions?

What is a trademark search?

A trademark search is a legal check that examines whether your trademark name or logo is already being registered by others. A trademark search helps you avoid conflicts in trademark registration and in the use of your trademark.

How can I check whether a trademark name already exists?

The only reliable way to check whether a trademark name already exists is through a professional trademark search in official trademark registers. A simple Google search is not sufficient.

Why is a trademark search important before registration?

Without a trademark search, you run the risk that your trademark application will be refused, or that you will have to stop using your trademark after registration after all. Trademark authorities do not check this for you.

Is a trademark search mandatory?

No, a trademark search is not mandatory. However, as a business owner, you are fully responsible yourself for respecting existing trademark rights. In practice, a trademark search is strongly recommended.

What happens if I register a trademark that already exists?

If your trademark is too similar to an existing trademark, you may face:

– Opposition against your trademark application

– Withdrawal or invalidation of your trademark registration

– Damage claims

– A mandatory name change

– Destruction of products or marketing materials

Does the trademark office itself carry out a trademark search?

No. The Benelux office and the EU trademark office only check whether your application is formally correct. They do not investigate whether similar or older trademarks already exist.

Does trademark registration provide full protection?

No. A trademark registration does not guarantee that no objection will ever be raised. Only a trademark search gives you insight into the strength and risks of your trademark.

What is the difference between an identical, screening and extended trademark search?

– Identical trademark search: checks for exactly the same trademark registrations

– Screening trademark search: assessment of closely similar trademarks and obvious risks

– Extended trademark search: full register research with legal and strategic advice

Which trademark search do I need?

That depends on how you use the trademark, the size of your investment, and the countries in which you are active. If in doubt, a screening or extended trademark search is recommended.

In which countries can I have a trademark search carried out?

A trademark search can be carried out for the Benelux, the European Union, and other countries worldwide, depending on your (future) market.

What does a trademark search cost?

The costs differ per region and type of search:

An initial identical trademark check is free of charge.

– Benelux trademark search: screening from €180, extensive search from €395

– EU trademark search: screening from €200, extensive search from €1,225.

How long does a trademark search take?

– Identical trademark search: within 1 working day

– Screening trademark search: maximum 2 working days

– Extended trademark search: approximately 5 working days (rush service possible)

Can I carry out a trademark search myself?

You can search public trademark registers yourself, but without legal interpretation this is unreliable. Many conflicts arise precisely from partial or indirect similarity.

Should I do a trademark search first, or register my domain name first?

Ideally, you carry out a trademark search first. Owning a domain name does not automatically mean you are allowed to use the trademark.

Do I need a trademark search if I am only active online?

Yes. Online use of a trademark name can also constitute trademark infringement.

What do you need from me for a trademark search?

– The trademark name and/or logo

– A brief description of products or services

– The countries or regions in which you are active

Does a trademark search increase the value of my trademark?

Yes. A trademark that is cleared in advance is legally stronger and more attractive to investors, licensees and buyers.

We’d love to hear from you: always happy to help!

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