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Trademark Guides
Practical guides on searching, understanding, and protecting US trademarks. No fluff — written for people who actually need to get this right.
TESS Trademark Search Is Gone — Here's What to Use Instead
TESS was retired by the USPTO on November 30, 2023 and no longer exists. Here's what replaced it, what the new system lacks, and the fastest way to search USPTO trademark records today.
Read articleBest Free Trademark Search Tools in 2026 (Compared)
A practical comparison of the top free trademark search tools — Sealvo, USPTO search, Trademarkia, Trademark Engine, and WIPO. What each one does well and where each falls short.
Read articleHow to Check Trademark Registration Status
Every USPTO trademark application has a status — Registered, Pending, or Abandoned. Here's how to look up status for any application, read the prosecution history, and track the deadlines that matter.
Read articleHow to Trademark a Business Name: Step-by-Step
Search first, pick your classes, file with the right basis. Here's every step to trademark your business name with the USPTO — and what can go wrong at each one.
Read articleTrademark vs Copyright vs Patent: What's the Difference?
They protect different things, last different lengths of time, and cost very different amounts. Here's what each one actually covers and when your business needs it.
Read article5 Trademark Search Mistakes That Get Applications Rejected
Most USPTO rejections are predictable — and preventable. These are the five search errors that get applications refused, with examples of what each one looks like in practice.
Read articleHow to Search US Trademarks: A Practical Guide
Before you name a product, launch a brand, or file an application — you need to search. Here's how to do it properly using the USPTO database.
Read articleRegistered, Pending, Abandoned: What Trademark Status Actually Means
The three trademark statuses mean very different things for your brand. One tells you a name is taken, one means it might be, and one is more complicated than it looks.
Read articleHow to Check if a Business Name is Already Trademarked
Most people do a Google search and call it done. That's not a trademark search. Here's what an actual trademark check looks like — step by step.
Read articleNice Classification Explained: How Trademark Classes Actually Work
The Nice Classification splits all goods and services into 45 classes. Which ones matter for your brand — and why does getting the wrong class kill your application?
Read articleHow Long Does USPTO Trademark Registration Take in 2026?
The short answer is 12–18 months. The real answer depends on six things that most guides don't mention. Here's the full timeline and what can derail it.
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