Both the American and Canadian trademarks offices update their internal data bases on an almost daily basis. However, they only release these updates to companies like ours on a weekly schedule. Therefore, each search report includes the date the database was last updated as well as the last application number in the file.

In completing each report our searchers access both the American and Canadian Federal Governments Trademark databases. The current state of each Trademark Registry, the last application status, indices searched and the parameters for each search string are detailed as part of each session log. In addition to the search strings we add suffix, prefix, and phonetic equivalent word searches as well as include searches of all known spellings and truncations.

On searching the occurrence of the subject mark we examine all index headings, foreign character translations, and the description fields of design marks in addition to searching the classes listed on the request. We also examine those classes traditionally associated with any nature of work specified.

Our initial search results in a detailed examination of all classes using all criteria from the above. Our second search includes an examination of only the selected classifications with the same search criteria. Every search includes related fields. For example; Shoes, made of leather, are a clothing item within class 25. Leather fashion accessories such as belts are found in class 16. Therefore we search both classes.

Our prime objective is showing you at least 20 relevant citations. However, we often generate in excess of 200. As a result we will run the search multiple times narrowing successive search parameters. If the first search is too general, we narrow the scope by eliminating inactive marks, then marks that are pure designs. This process insures you see only relevant citations. Our report concludes, when requested, with the full text of marks we feel you should examine in more detail.

The Session Logs tell the Story

We are proud of how we generate search results. We want you to know exactly how they were obtained. Unlike our competitors we will gladly show you exactly how each search was prepared. If, for any reason, you disagree with how we performed any search then we will gladly prepare the report a second time without any additional charge.

Session Log example

Every search performed generates its own unique Session Log. From this log you can see exactly how each of the dozen or so searches was prepared. Here is an example of a session log. We challenge our competitors to provide you with this information.

Latest Date New Applications Made Available For Public Inspection : 1996-08-16

SESSION DATE:  Tuesday, September 24, 2005 - 11:31

SEARCH PARAMETERS :  15 hits produced

   TYPE          :  WORD MARK - ALL CLASS
   STRING #1  :  RAM&PART*
   STRING #2  :  RAM*&PART*
   STRING #3  :  RAM*&*PART
   STRING #4  :  RAMPART
   CLASSES   :  ALL
   INDICES     :  TRADE MARK, INDEX HEADING, FOREIGN CHARACTER TRANSLATION,
                       DESCRIPTION OF MARK
   STATUS     :  APPLICATION, REGISTRATION, ACTIVE, INACTIVE

SEARCH PARAMETERS

First we give you the number of hits then we tell you how those hits were derived.

TYPE

Tells you we searched for words marks from all classes

STRING #1

The strings tell you how each mark was searches. The "*" is a wild card for any letter and the "&" means "with".

CLASSES

Tells you the specific classes that were included as part of this search.

INDICES

This is one of the more important headings. It is important to have all the right index headings included as part of the search. No other service offers this form of search. It is in these index headings you find the correct spellings.

STATUS

This field provides confirmation of the fact that we have reviewed all active and inactive applications as well as registrations. No other service offers this form of search.

Two session log elements require further clarification. First Class S9 is a designation specific to Canada. Certain types of non-profit organizations and educational institutions are entitled to serve public notice that they have adopted and are using certain marks for the benefit of the public. These types of marks are known as Section 9 registrations. Second you will notice a Class referred to as "???". Within both countries there are marks that have not been classified. While the numbers of same are small this request enables us to search all non-classified marks as part of each request.

See for yourself

Microsoft Word search results

Our preferred method of returning results is as a Microsoft Word 6 document. This allows us to produce a professional looking document suitable for presentation to your client or banker. We suggest you down load a copy of this report just to confirm it will arrive correctly. To do so click HERE

Understanding your Trademark search results.

In addition to this MSWord document your e-mail could contain up to four additional attachments. If you ordered the Basic Search then you will receive at least one PDF file and may receive two. If you ordered a Common Law search then you will also receive two additional attachments. The common law search report is self-explanatory. Each of the three PDF reports contains the same basic information as described below. 

This section describes the mark that was searched, how it was searched, the status of the marks searched and if searches were conducted of translations, words and design descriptions. 

This section tells you which databases were searched and the number of citations found in each database. This information is particularly important to those applicants who are only interested in filing their application one country. It is import to note that this section also contains the Latest Date New Applications Made Available For Public Inspection. This date is important as application files after this date cannot be part of the search. 

The Executive Summary report is not categorized.

The Extended Preview report describes each of the categories we have used to assist you in understanding why this citation appears on the report. 

The Executive Summary report is commonly referred to as a racing form. If we observe more than 10 citations then we create this corm so that you can see a detailed list of all phonetically similar marks from all classes. 

The Extended Preview report contains far more details than the Executive Summary. Depending on the results of our first search we determine if we need to narrow the search by defining either classification searching or wares searching is warranted. If we extend the search then the report details are widened to include the owner of the mark, a description of the international classes, a copy of any design, and a more detailed description of the wares and services covered by the mark. In addition we include a hypertext link to the full test of the mark as found on the respective governments web site.

If you ordered a Common Law report then you have two more attachments.

Registration Page Report

In addition to the above this report also contains;

This is a list of each of the trademarks we have included in the report. Please note we assist you in reviewing each mark by noting the category. The full test of each mark follows.

Perhaps now you will understand why we are considered to be the competition.

Put us to the test

Now that you know how we perform searches, and viewed the quality of our search results, we suggest you order some searches by clicking HERE.