Yes. A trademark clearance search is worth every dollar—and may save you thousands in the long run.
Many clients contact our Livonia trademark attorney team eager to “get trademarked.” Most have already done a basic search.
They often rely on Google or the USPTO’s TESS database. That’s called a knockout search—and it’s not enough.
A knockout search may catch obvious conflicts. But it rarely uncovers hidden risks that could kill your application.
If you find an exact or similar mark during your search, you may need to rethink your branding strategy.
However, most cases aren’t that simple. You need expert help to avoid infringement or costly opposition filings.
That’s where a professional trademark clearance search becomes essential.
What Does a Full Trademark Clearance Search Include?
A full search goes far beyond a Google or TESS lookup.
Our Livonia trademark attorney uses trusted third-party databases unavailable to the public.
We search USPTO records across multiple classes. We find active, inactive, and foreign trademarks. We also catch confusingly similar marks.
Our trademark clearance search scans all 50 state registries, including Michigan’s. We also check social media, business listings, and domain names.
This deep search reveals marks in use that aren’t federally registered—but are still protected.
Why First Use Matters More Than First Filing
The U.S. is a “first to use” country—not “first to file.”
If someone else used the mark in commerce before you, they may have superior rights. A flawed or incomplete TESS search won’t catch this.
If your application conflicts with those rights, you risk rejection or a lawsuit. Only a full trademark clearance search helps avoid this outcome.
How Our Livonia Trademark Attorney Uses the Results
We don’t just hand you a confusing report. We provide a detailed Opinion Letter analyzing the search results. We highlight any legal risks in plain language and explain what each means for your trademark.
We’ll identify problem marks, show you why they matter, and attach relevant records for your review. You’ll receive a risk rating—high, medium, or low—based on your brand’s likelihood of registration success.
With this guidance, you can proceed confidently or change course if needed.
Should You Skip the Clearance Search?
You can. But we strongly advise against it.
Filing without a proper trademark clearance search is risky—and many attorneys won’t do it without a waiver. Even one hidden conflict could force you to rebrand after investing thousands.
Your brand is more than just a name. It’s your website, marketing, products, and reputation. Protect it before you spend your budget building it.
Ready to Protect Your Brand and Avoid Costly Legal Mistakes?
Let our Livonia trademark attorney guide you to trademark success from the very start.
We help entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses avoid risk and register with confidence.
Start with a detailed trademark clearance search and receive expert legal guidance every step of the way.
Your brand deserves protection—make sure it gets it.
Click below to begin your trademark journey the right way.