Before you file for trade mark registration, you must ensure the brand is free to use. This is where a trade mark clearance search comes in. The purpose of the search is to identify any existing marks that are similar or identical, which may pose legal risks or potential opposition.

Failing to do this could lead to:
<ul>
 	<li>Infringement proceedings</li>
 	<li>Forced rebranding</li>
 	<li>Financial loss</li>
 	<li>Reputational damage</li>
</ul>
Given the number of existing registrations, searches often reveal third-party marks of varying degrees of similarity. Our role as your adviser is not just to spot these, but to assess:
<ul>
 	<li>The legal risk of infringement</li>
 	<li>The strength or weakness of the prior rights</li>
 	<li>The commercial risk you are willing to accept</li>
</ul>
Costs for clearance searches vary depending on how many classes or jurisdictions are involved, but investing in a comprehensive search can save you significant costs further down the line.