What is the role of the trade mark search?
Conducting a search is crucial when preparing trade mark applications in order to avoid filing trade marks that are already registered or applied for or trade marks that would be similar to any existing ones. Trade mark databases are available on most national or regional trade mark offices’ web sites, including the WIPO. The proper search depends on the territory where the protection is sought (proper database needs to be chosen), classes of goods and services (they need to be chosen accurately) and the representation of the sign (its distinctiveness).
