What is TMview?
TMview is a free online database provided by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). With TMview, you can search millions of trademarks from various countries to obtain information about existing trademark rights. This is particularly useful for businesses developing new trademarks or verifying their existing ones.
Why is TMview Important?
1. Trademark Protection: Avoid conflicts with existing trademarks.
2. Cost Savings: Early research can prevent expensive legal disputes.
3. International Coverage: Access trademarks from over 70 international databases.
4. Up-to-Date and Transparent Information: Data is regularly updated directly from participating trademark offices. Provides reliable information on application status, owners, and classes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using TMview
1. Access the Platform Visit the official TMview website: https://www.tmdn.org/tmview/#/tmview
The platform is free of charge and requires no registration.
2. Enter Search Terms
-Enter the name, term, or trademark you want to search for.
-Optionally, select the country or trademark type to narrow down your search.
3. Adjust Search Filters
Use additional filters to refine results:
-Owner/Applicant (e.g., to check trademarks from a specific company)
-Filing Date (for historical or recent searches)
-Status (e.g., “applied for,” “registered,” “refused”)
These filters help locate highly specific results.
4. Analyze Results
-Results display details such as the trademark name, filing status (e.g., “registered” or “rejected”), and the classes in which the trademark is registered.
-Click on a trademark for detailed data, such as priority dates and scope of registration.
5. Export or Save
TMview allows you to export or print results, which is useful for documentation.Conclusion TMview is an indispensable tool for businesses and individuals looking to verify trademark rights or register new trademarks. Its intuitive interface and free access make it an efficient way to minimize legal risks.
Tips for Effective Use of TMview
-Use Wildcards: Employ placeholders (* or ?) for broader search results.
-Combined Search: Use multiple criteria simultaneously to get targeted results.
-Class Search: Consider the Nice Classification to ensure your trademark is searched in the correct category.
Professional Advice
TMview is an excellent tool for getting an initial overview of existing trademark rights.
It provides a fast, free, and user-friendly way to perform preliminary checks and gain a first impression of potential risks. However, it cannot replace a comprehensive legal assessment. Trademark law is complex, and risks may not always be obvious from a basic database search. For in-depth clearance and risk assessment, we strongly recommend consulting qualified, local trademark attorneys or IP professionals.
They can provide:
-Detailed legal analysis and advice tailored to your jurisdiction
-Professional searches including unregistered marks or pending applications
-Strategic recommendations for protecting and enforcing your brand
