A trademark check before you buy a brandable name

A short checklist to reduce the risk of buying a name that infringes a brand.

2026-10-15 · Namelizer

Brandable names are attractive because they sound like companies. That is also the risk: a name close to an existing brand can lead to a dispute, and a registrar or marketplace may remove it.

Search the exact name and close spellings in the trademark databases for the markets that matter to you. The USPTO trademark search (tmsearch.uspto.gov), the WIPO Global Brand Database (branddb.wipo.int) and EUIPO TMview (tmdn.org/tmview) are free.

Check the class of goods and services. A trademark in one field does not always cover another, but a famous brand may be protected more widely. Be most careful with names that match a company's own name or its country extension.

Look at what the name is used for today. A live company website on a similar name is a warning sign. Keep notes on what you checked and when.

This is general information, not legal advice. For a high-value name or a real dispute, ask a trademark lawyer. Namelizer's Brand risk page lists names you flag for review, and the Tools directory links to these search services.