- Protection period
- A search does not provide protection; it is only a pre-filing risk report
- Process duration
- Varies with the scope (number of classes, number of names and logos, number of countries); the scope and delivery time are communicated in writing at the quote stage.
Table of contents
- What is a trademark search, and why is it needed?
- What do we examine in a trademark search?
- How do you choose a strong trademark name?
- How is trademark similarity assessed?
- Visual and phonetic similarity
- Conceptual similarity
- Similarity of goods and services
- What does the risk report include?
- What are the limits of a search?
- How does the TÜRKPATENT trademark search screen work?
- Official tools for the list of goods and services
- Why is the official search not enough on its own?
- What happens after the search?
What is a trademark search, and why is it needed?
A trademark search is an examination, carried out before filing, of whether the name or logo you want to register is identical or similar enough to earlier applied-for or registered trademarks to cause confusion. The aim is to see in advance the risk of refusal or opposition after filing, and to position your trademark more safely.
Building a brand means investing in a name, logo, promotion, packaging and stock. Learning after making this investment that the trademark conflicts with someone else's rights costs time and money. A search makes this risk visible from the very start.
What do we examine in a trademark search?
- Identical trademarks: Records that are the same or differ only at the level of a letter.
- Visual, phonetic and conceptual similarity: Trademarks whose spelling, pronunciation or meaning is close.
- Classes and similar goods/services: Applications covering closely related goods and services, not only those in the same class. For the Nice Classification, you can use our trademark class guide.
- Logo and figurative elements: Similarities in shape, color and typeface.
- Spelling variations and foreign-language equivalents: Added or omitted letters, translation and pronunciation similarity.
- Absolute grounds for refusal: Whether the name is distinctive, whether it describes the goods and services, and whether it is misleading.
How do you choose a strong trademark name?
Besides the search result, the nature of the name itself also affects your chances of registration. Distinctiveness is generally assessed in the following order:
| Type of name | Logic | Strength of protection |
|---|---|---|
| Coined name | A completely new word with no meaning | Generally the strongest |
| Arbitrary name | A meaningful word unrelated to the product | Strong |
| Suggestive name | A word that indirectly evokes the product | Medium; can be debated in borderline cases |
| Descriptive name | A word that directly states the type, quality or purpose of the product | Weak; high risk of refusal |
A name that describes your product directly may seem memorable, but because it must remain freely available to others as well, registering it can be difficult. For this reason, at the naming stage it is helpful to run the search for several alternatives together, if possible.
How is trademark similarity assessed?
Trademark similarity is based not on a single criterion but on assessing several elements together. The Office and the courts look largely at the likelihood of confusion: Would consumers perceive the two trademarks as coming from the same source?
Visual and phonetic similarity
The spelling, letter sequence and pronunciation of the words are compared. Phonetic similarity matters especially in sectors where sales are made through spoken communication.
Conceptual similarity
Even if two trademarks are written differently, they may be considered similar if they evoke the same concept or image. Meanings in foreign languages are also taken into account.
Similarity of goods and services
The same trademark can coexist in different fields; however, if the goods and services are close to each other, the risk of similarity increases. For this reason, class selection and the list of goods are an integral part of the search.
What does the risk report include?
At the end of the search, a written report is prepared containing the records found, the grounds for similarity, the distinctiveness assessment and our recommendations. In the report, the risk level is expressed under the following headings:
| Risk level | Meaning | General recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Low | No identical or similar earlier trademark was found, or the difference is clear | You can proceed to filing; the class and goods list are finalized |
| Medium | There are similar records that can be distinguished | A distinctive element can be added, the goods list can be narrowed, the logo can be developed |
| High | An identical or very similar trademark exists in the same or a similar field | A change of name or logo, a settlement, or abandoning the application is considered |
These levels are an expert assessment, not a statistic; each file is handled under its own circumstances.
What are the limits of a search?
Note: A trademark search does not guarantee registration. The results are based on the records as of the search date; new applications may be filed between the search and your filing. The Office puts the application through its own examination, and with respect to relative grounds, earlier right holders may oppose the application. In addition, trademarks that are not registered but are actually in use may in some cases give rise to rights.
For this reason, it is right to see the search as a risk reduction tool. You can find more detail on what the grounds for refusal are in our article on reasons for trademark application refusal.
How does the TÜRKPATENT trademark search screen work?
The Trademark Search screen on the website of the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TÜRKPATENT) lets you search registered and applied-for trademarks. Queries can be made by trademark name, applicant, trademark announcement bulletin number, registration publication bulletin number, person number, and Nice classes. A trademark-name search requires at least 3 characters (for one- or two-letter trademarks, the "equal to" option is used), and the match type is selected as "contains", "starts with", or "equal to". If no class is selected, the search covers all classes; the search can also be narrowed with the trademark type filter and by selecting "well-known trademark" as the protection type.
Official tools for the list of goods and services
On TÜRKPATENT's Nice page, you can search by typing a name within the list of goods and services in the 2026 Classification Communiqué; the classes and subgroups in which the typed good or service appears are listed. WIPO's Madrid Goods and Services Manager (MGS) and EUIPO's TMclass application can also be used with a Turkish interface. To help with class selection, you can also use our trademark class guide.
Why is the official search not enough on its own?
- Similarity is not only an identical name: Signs that are similar in sound, spelling, meaning, or overall visual impression may not appear on the screen under the same name; likelihood of confusion requires a legal assessment.
- Unregistered rights are invisible: Unregistered signs on which rights were acquired through use in trade before the filing date may be a ground for opposition (SMK Art. 6/3) but do not appear in the trademark register.
- Specially protected signs: Well-known trademarks, signs belonging to international organizations, and signs belonging to the state and public institutions are under special protection. Applications similar to these signs carry a risk of refusal.
- The decision is not yours but that of the Office and of opponents: While the Office examines the application, earlier right holders may also oppose after publication. A search reduces this risk but does not eliminate it.
For detailed steps, you can read our article on how to conduct a trademark search.
What happens after the search?
- The report is reviewed together, and a decision is made according to the risk level.
- If necessary, alternatives for the name or logo are developed and screened by the same method.
- The classes to apply for and the goods list are finalized.
- Once a decision is made, the trademark registration application is prepared.
- If you have plans abroad, an international trademark registration strategy is set up.
To define the scope and timing of your search together, contact us or fill in the quote form.
What the service includes
- Screening for identical and similar trademarks in national trademark records
- Assessment of visual, phonetic and conceptual similarity
- Nice class and similar goods/services analysis
- Preliminary assessment of absolute grounds for refusal (distinctiveness, descriptiveness)
- Written risk report and roadmap
- Comparison of name and logo alternatives
- Preliminary screening in international records if requested (scope per quote)
The application process, step by step
-
1
Defining the trademark and field of activity
We listen to the name or logo to be searched, your products and services, and your business plan.
-
2
Planning the classes and search scope
We identify the relevant Nice classes and similar goods/services groups, and define the scope of the screening.
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3
Record screening
We screen for identical trademarks, spelling variations, trademarks with similar pronunciation or meaning, and logo similarities.
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4
Similarity and risk analysis
We assess the records found in terms of likelihood of confusion and distinctiveness, and determine the risk level.
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5
Written report and discussion
We present our findings and recommendations in a written report, and review the results with you.
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6
Filing strategy
Depending on the risk level, we decide together whether to proceed to filing, develop the name further, or look for an alternative.
Required information and documents
- The trademark name and logo to be searched (image file)
- Field of activity and a description of the products and services
- Target classes (determined together if unclear)
- Target countries (if an international search is requested)
- Alternative name and logo suggestions (if any)
- The applicant's trade name details (for the report and a future application)
Frequently asked questions about Trademark Search and Clearance (Similarity Report)
Is it mandatory to have a trademark search done?
It is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended before filing. A search lets you foresee the risk of refusal or opposition in advance. If it is not done and a conflict emerges only after the application has been filed and the investment in the name and logo has been made, time and cost may be lost.
Does a search guarantee registration?
No. A search is a risk assessment based on the records as of the date of the search. The Office examines the application separately, and earlier right holders can file an opposition after publication. For this reason, no search provides a guarantee of registration.
How does it differ from searching the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TÜRKPATENT) database myself?
You can run your own search in the publicly accessible database; however, a similarity assessment does not look only at exact matches. Visual, phonetic, and conceptual similarity, classes, and relationships between similar goods and services require expertise. The report presents this analysis in writing.
How long does a trademark search take?
The duration varies according to the number of names and logos to be searched and the scope of classes and countries. The scope and delivery time are communicated in writing at the quotation stage. A quick preliminary assessment and a detailed report differ in scope.
Which records are checked in a search?
Primarily, Turkish trademark registrations and applications are searched. Optionally, additional checks such as a preliminary screening of international registrations and of trade names can also be included in the scope. The scope is determined at the quotation stage according to your needs.
What happens if the trademark turns out to be risky in the search?
Depending on the level of risk, it is possible to add a distinctive element, narrow the list of goods and services, develop the logo, look for a different name, or consider the option of reaching a settlement with the earlier right holder. We present in the report, as a recommendation, which path is suitable.
Is the TÜRKPATENT trademark search screen enough?
The search screen is useful for searching registered and applied-for trademarks by name, owner, bulletin number, and class; however, similarity is not limited to identical names. Phonetic, spelling, meaning, and visual similarity, as well as unregistered rights of use, may not appear on the screen. For this reason, the screen should be treated as a tool for initial screening and an expert assessment as the basis for the filing decision, and the two should be considered together.
