Competitor files "YourBrand Pro" trademark. Intends to launch competing product line. Early detection = 6 months to oppose vs discovering post-launch (litigation required).
Trademark Watch
Monitor USPTO/EUIPO weekly. Set alerts for: (1) Similar marks in your classes. (2) Your exact mark in other classes. (3) Competitor company names. Cost: $200-$500/year per mark monitored.
Domain Monitoring
Track new domain registrations. "CompetitorName.com" + "yourname.io" registered same day. Competitor planning rebrand or new product. WHOIS data = intelligence goldmine.
The Rebrand Signal
Competitor registers 5 similar domains + files trademark applications. Rebrand coming. Your opportunity: Anticipate market positioning shift, prepare counter-messaging, identify gaps they're abandoning.
Social Media Monitoring
Competitor launches @NewBrandName on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn simultaneously. Public signal of launch timeline. Track handle registration = predict announcement dates.
The Subsidiary Strategy
Competitor files trademark under subsidiary name (obscured ownership). Research corporate filings, WHOIS privacy piercing. Connect dots between parent company and new brands.
Geographic Expansion Patterns
US competitor files EU trademark. Planning European launch. Your opportunity: Accelerate EU presence before they establish foothold or license brand regionally.
The Response Playbook
Detect confusing trademark filing. Options: (1) Oppose (3-month window). (2) Negotiate coexistence. (3) Rebrand proactively. (4) Monitor and sue post-launch. Early detection = more options.
Trademark Lens performs one-time searches - ongoing competitive monitoring requires subscription services for continuous trademark/domain intelligence.