Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about business name verification, trademark searches, and protecting your brand.
Getting Started
What exactly does TrademarkLens check?
TrademarkLens verifies your business name across multiple dimensions: UK, US, and EU trademark databases, UK business registries, domain availability across 15+ extensions, and social media handle availability across major platforms. Results come from official sources and are presented in an easy-to-understand format with risk analysis.
Is the free preview really free?
Yes. The free preview shows you the most critical information: trademark conflicts, Companies House matches, top 15 domain extensions, and 6 major social platforms. No credit card required, no hidden fees. The complete report expands this to 30 domains, 12 social platforms, and detailed AI-powered brand analysis.
How is this different from just searching Google?
Google shows you what exists publicly on the web. TrademarkLens searches official trademark databases, government business registries, and domain DNS records directly. A competitor might not rank on Google but could still own the trademark or company name. We check the sources that actually matter for legal protection.
Do I need to search each country separately?
No. Enter your name once and we check all major markets simultaneously. The results are organized by region (UK, US, EU) so you can see exactly where conflicts exist and where your name is clear.
Trademark Questions
What happens if my name has a trademark conflict?
A trademark conflict does not automatically mean you cannot use the name. Trademarks are registered in specific classes (industries). If someone has "Apex" trademarked for software and you want to open a bakery, there may be no conflict. However, if someone owns "Apex" in your industry, you risk cease and desist letters, legal fees, and forced rebranding. The complete report shows which classes are affected and provides specific guidance.
Should I register a trademark before or after launching?
Before is safer. Registering after launch means you have already invested in branding, marketing, and customer recognition. If a conflict surfaces post-launch, the rebranding costs multiply. That said, trademark registration takes months and costs money. At minimum, search for conflicts before launch to avoid the most obvious problems.
What is the difference between a company name and a trademark?
A company name (registered with Companies House, state registries, etc.) is your legal business entity name. A trademark protects your brand name from being used by competitors in your industry. You can register a company called "Aurora Tech Ltd" but still face trademark issues if someone already trademarked "Aurora" for technology products. Both checks matter.
Can I trademark a common word?
Common words can be trademarked if they are distinctive for your specific industry. "Apple" is trademarked for technology, not for fruit. "Delta" is trademarked for airlines. The key is whether the word creates a distinctive brand identity in your market. Highly descriptive terms (like "Fast Delivery Services" for a courier company) are harder to trademark.
Domain & Digital Presence
The .com is taken. Is that a dealbreaker?
Not necessarily, but it is a consideration. For global businesses, .com remains the default assumption. Alternatives: secure a strong variation (.co, .io for tech, country-specific like .co.uk), buy the .com from current owner (often cheaper than you expect), or choose a different name entirely. The complete report shows all available extensions so you can weigh your options.
Should I buy multiple domain extensions?
At minimum, secure your primary domain and the most relevant country extension for your market. Beyond that, buying common extensions (.com, .co, .net) prevents competitors or domain squatters from creating confusion. The cost is typically less than one hour of legal fees if someone cybersquats your name.
Why check social media handles?
Consistent handles across platforms build brand recognition and make you easier to find. A fragmented presence (different names on different platforms) confuses customers and weakens your digital identity. Checking availability before launch lets you secure matching handles everywhere or adjust your name choice if critical platforms are taken.
Using TrademarkLens Results
Is this legal advice?
No. TrademarkLens provides information and analysis tools, not legal advice. We search official databases and present findings, but trademark law involves nuance that requires professional expertise. For critical decisions (especially if you find conflicts), consult a trademark attorney in your target jurisdiction.
How current is the data?
Searches are performed in real-time when you enter your business name. Data is as current as the official source databases, which are typically updated within hours or days of new registrations. Domain checks reflect availability at the moment of your search.
Can I save or share my results?
The complete report includes a downloadable PDF with all findings, analysis, and recommendations. This PDF can be shared with business partners, investors, or legal counsel for review.
How Others Used TrademarkLens
Real examples of founders who ran a name check before committing to their brand.
Discovered a trademark conflict before launch
Was planning an online homeware store and ran a check before committing to the name. Found an active UK trademark for a phonetically similar name in the same class. Would have been grounds for opposition. Pivoted to a completely different name that cleared all checks.
Outcome: Avoided trademark dispute
Found the perfect alternative domain
Building a project management tool, my first choice domain was taken and trademarked. The report showed several alternative variations that were clear across all trademark databases with matching .com available. Registered the domain and filed for USPTO protection the same day.
Outcome: Secured matching domain and trademark
Identified hidden Companies House conflict
Moving from freelance to limited company, I searched my preferred name and found an existing UK company with a nearly identical name. Google showed nothing because they had no web presence, but Companies House had the registration. A small adjustment to the name cleared it.
Outcome: Avoided company name rejection
Secured consistent social handles before launch
Checked our brewery name and found it was clear for trademarks and domains, but the Instagram and TikTok handles were taken by inactive accounts. Knowing this before launch, we contacted the handle holders and secured transfers before our marketing push.
Outcome: Unified brand presence
Caught EU trademark before Series A
About to close our Series A when an investor asked about trademark clearance. Ran the check and found an active EUIPO registration for a similar name in our class. Spent the weekend finding an alternative that was completely clear. Investor said the diligence saved the deal.
Outcome: Closed funding round successfully
Avoided FDA naming complications
Naming a telehealth startup is tricky with regulations. First three choices had conflicts. The fourth option was clear across USPTO, domains, and had matching social handles available. Clean slate from day one.
Outcome: Regulatory-friendly name secured
Found dormant company blocking our name
Wanted to register a property company name in the UK for our expansion. Found a dormant company with that exact name that Google searches missed completely. Saved us the rejection fee and weeks of paperwork.
Outcome: Avoided registration rejection
Cleared name across three EU markets
Launching a sustainable fashion brand across Italy, France, and Germany. The search revealed our first choice was trademarked in France but clear elsewhere. Found an alternative that was available in all three markets plus the UK and US.
Outcome: Pan-European launch successful
Competitor had similar name trademarked
Starting an immigration law practice, my preferred name seemed unique until the search showed a US firm had trademarked something nearly identical in our exact class. Even though we planned to operate in Canada, the potential for confusion with US clients made us reconsider.
Outcome: Rebranded before marketing spend
Secured premium domain alternative
Building an online coding bootcamp, we needed credibility. Our first choice name was clear but the .com was parked. The report showed .io and .academy were available. Grabbed them before someone else did.
Outcome: Premium domain secured
Social handle conflict saved our launch
Our fitness app name checked out for trademarks, but the search revealed the main Instagram handle was a 50k follower account in our niche. Would have been a disaster competing for the same handle. Pivoted to a different name with clean handles everywhere.
Outcome: Avoided social media conflict
Found state trademark we would have missed
Starting a farm-to-table delivery service, we focused on federal USPTO searches. The check caught a state-level trademark that would have caused problems locally. Small market, but that is where we do business.
Outcome: Local trademark conflict avoided
Cleared name before Steam submission
Indie game studio naming our first title. Steam requires trademark clearance for game names. Confirmed our name was clear in gaming classes across US, EU, and UK before we invested in the marketing assets.
Outcome: Platform approval without issues
Domain squatter wanted ridiculous money
Our dream name had a squatter on the .com asking five figures. The check showed they had no trademark protection. We registered the name as an EU trademark first, then used that to file a UDRP dispute. Got the domain for the cost of the filing.
Outcome: Domain acquired at fraction of asking price
K-beauty brand cleared for Western expansion
Korean skincare brand expanding to UK and US markets. Our Korean name transliterated to something that was trademarked in the US. A slight adjustment was clear and actually helped with positioning.
Outcome: International expansion on track
EV startup avoided Big Three conflict
Electric vehicle startup name seemed perfect until the search showed a major automaker had extensive trademark coverage around a similar word. Even though our usage was arguably different, fighting their legal team was not in the budget.
Outcome: Avoided corporate legal battle
International charity name cleared
Registering a UK charity for African education initiatives. Our first choice was taken by three different organizations in the UK alone. Found an alternative that was clear globally.
Outcome: Charity registration approved
Studio name cleared across Nordics
Architecture studio working across Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. Our first choice was too generic and had conflicts everywhere. The search helped us land on something distinctive enough to trademark and clear in all target markets.
Outcome: Regional trademark secured
Record label name was already registered
Starting an indie record label, our preferred name showed a defunct label from the 80s still had the trademark. Even dormant trademarks can be enforced if the owner decides to revive them. Not worth the risk.
Outcome: Chose safer alternative
Franchise-ready name from day one
Dog grooming business with franchise ambitions. Needed a name that could scale nationally. Confirmed our choice was clear across Australian trademark database and all states. Built the brand knowing expansion would not hit naming issues.
Outcome: Franchise model protected
Avoided regulatory scrutiny with clean name
Crypto project names are a minefield. Anything too similar to existing coins or suggesting securities can trigger regulatory problems. Verified our name was clear of conflicts with established projects.
Outcome: Regulatory positioning strengthened
Studio name available despite common word
Thought a name using a common photography term would be impossible to trademark. The search showed it was actually clear in photography services. Filed the USPTO application the same day.
Outcome: Trademark application filed
Shipping company name cleared for EU
Freight forwarding company expanding from Netherlands to EU-wide operations. First choice had conflicts in Germany. Found an alternative that cleared across all 27 EU member states with a single EUIPO check.
Outcome: EU-wide operations launched
Boutique hotel name protected
Opening a boutique hotel, we wanted something memorable. Our first choice seemed perfect until the search showed multiple similar registrations. Found something distinctive and available for both trademark and .com.
Outcome: Brand identity secured
Agency rebrand done right
Our agency merger required a new name. Both partners had emotional attachments to various options. The search gave us objective data: three of five shortlisted names had conflicts. Made the decision straightforward.
Outcome: Merger completed smoothly
Solar company name trademarked successfully
Solar installation company in a crowded market. Every name with common industry words seemed taken. Found something that stood out from competitors and was clear for USPTO filing.
Outcome: Trademark registration approved
Wedding planning brand protected
Wedding planning business expanding from local to destination weddings internationally. First choice was clear in the US but had conflicts in UK and Caribbean markets. Found an alternative that cleared everywhere we planned to operate.
Outcome: International expansion protected
Tech startup avoided telco giant conflict
VoIP startup naming disaster averted. Our first choice was phonetically similar to a major telecom brand. The search flagged the risk even though the spelling was different. Legal team confirmed it would have been challenged.
Outcome: Major legal risk avoided
Football training academy name secured
Youth football academy needed a name that could grow beyond our city. Generic options had conflicts everywhere. Found something distinctive, available, and reflected our regional identity.
Outcome: Academy brand established
Independent press name cleared
Starting an independent publishing house focused on Scottish authors. Found a name that resonated with our identity and confirmed no conflicts in publishing classes across UK and EU.
Outcome: Publishing imprint protected
Insurtech startup name verified
Insurance is heavily regulated, and name conflicts can trigger compliance issues. First three choices had conflicts with existing carriers. Fourth option was completely clear.
Outcome: Compliance-friendly name secured
B2B SaaS name cleared for global sales
HR software selling to multinationals needs a name that works everywhere. First choice was trademarked in the US. Found an alternative clear across all major markets with the .com available.
Outcome: Global sales enabled
Design studio name protected from copycats
Interior design is competitive in LA. Wanted a name I could build a brand around without worrying about imitators. Confirmed my choice was clear and filed the trademark before announcing.
Outcome: Brand protection secured early
Distillery name cleared with TTB
Bourbon distillery names need TTB approval in addition to trademark clearance. Verified our choice was clear before we started the lengthy federal approval process.
Outcome: Federal approval streamlined
Nursery chain name protected for growth
Single nursery expanding to three locations. Needed a name that could scale. First choice had variations registered across the UK. Found an alternative that was clear and registered before our second location opened.
Outcome: Multi-location expansion protected
Executive search firm name cleared globally
Executive recruitment firm serving clients across Middle East, Europe, and Asia. First choice had conflicts in three of our target markets. Found an alternative clear everywhere we needed.
Outcome: Global operations unimpeded
Aviation startup positioned independently
Drone delivery startup near major aerospace headquarters. Any name too close to industry giants would have been problematic for partnerships. Found a distinctive name that positioned us independently.
Outcome: Industry positioning clarified
Dental practice name cleared for NHS listing
Opening a dental practice requires NHS registration with a clear trading name. Common name had multiple registrations. Found an alternative that was available and NHS registration went smoothly.
Outcome: NHS registration approved
Nutraceutical brand cleared for Amazon
Amazon requires trademark registration for brand registry. Our supplement brand name had USPTO conflicts. Found a clear alternative, registered the trademark, and joined Brand Registry before our Amazon launch.
Outcome: Amazon Brand Registry secured
Specialty coffee roaster name protected
In Seattle, coffee names are competitive. First choice was too similar to several existing marks. Found something that honored local heritage and was completely available.
Outcome: Local brand identity established
Security startup name cleared for US market
Israeli cybersecurity companies need US-friendly names. Our Hebrew-inspired name had pronunciation issues. English alternatives needed trademark verification. Found something clear and professional for US enterprise sales.
Outcome: US market entry simplified
Online florist brand secured
Launching an online florist competing with national chains. First choice was trademarked. Found an alternative available across trademarks, .co.uk domain, and Instagram. Consistent branding from launch day.
Outcome: E-commerce brand protected
Building contractor name cleared
Construction company names seem straightforward until you try to trademark them. Regional name had conflicts. Found something distinctive enough to register and clear of conflicts.
Outcome: Trade name registered
Podcast network name secured early
Starting a podcast network with growth ambitions. Generic name options were impossible. Verified our choice was clear before committing to branding across podcast platforms.
Outcome: Media brand established
Coworking space name cleared for franchising
Single coworking space with franchise potential. Common name had thousands of conflicts globally. Found something distinctive and available for trademark protection across target European markets.
Outcome: Franchise model enabled
Winery name cleared with TTB
Wine labels need TTB approval. Similar names get rejected. First choice was too close to existing wineries. Found an alternative clear for federal approval.
Outcome: Label approval expedited
App name cleared for App Store
Apple rejects apps with trademarked names. Our productivity app was clear in USPTO but had an EU conflict. For global distribution, we needed something clear everywhere. Found an alternative available in all markets.
Outcome: Global app launch enabled
Mental health practice name protected
Teletherapy practice serving Canada and US clients. First choice was trademarked in California. For cross-border practice, we needed something clear in both countries. Found an alternative that worked in both jurisdictions.
Outcome: Cross-border practice established
Accountancy firm name differentiated
Most accounting firm names are partner surnames or generic. Wanted something modern. Confirmed our choice was distinctive enough to trademark and different from the generic options.
Outcome: Distinctive brand created
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