Check If a Name Is Already Trademarked

To check if a name is trademarked in the U.S., enter it in the search below. TMScope checks federal trademark records instantly and shows you exact matches plus the number of similar marks. No account required.

Before you commit to a business name, you need to know whether someone else already owns it. A trademark registration gives the owner exclusive rights to use that name for specific goods or services. If you pick a name that conflicts with an existing mark, the consequences are real.

Cease-and-desist letters. Forced rebranding. Wasted filing fees. Lost marketing spend. These costs add up fast, especially after you have already printed business cards, launched a website, and told your customers who you are.

Start with the free search below to check for exact matches in U.S. federal trademark records.

Exact match vs. similar mark

An exact-match search looks for marks with identical or near-identical spelling. If your name shows up as a live registration, that is a clear conflict signal.

But trademark conflicts go beyond identical names. The USPTO evaluates “likelihood of confusion,” which considers phonetic similarity (NOVAHIVE vs. NOVA HYVE), visual similarity, meaning overlap, and whether the goods or services are related. Two marks can conflict even when the spelling is different.

Why exact match alone is not enough

A clean exact-match result is a good start, but it does not mean the name is clear. Phonetically similar marks, marks with slightly different spelling, and unregistered common-law trademarks can all cause problems. The USPTO examining attorney will look at the full picture, not just whether the exact string exists.

TMScope’s full preliminary screening catches these deeper conflicts. It runs phonetic matching, evaluates similar marks across related classes, checks common-law sources, and delivers a plain-English risk assessment.

Ready for a deeper look?

If you are serious about filing, a full screening gives you the conflict signals you need to make an informed decision.