1. A trademark search helps determine if a proposed trademark is available for use and registration by searching trademark databases and identifying any identical or similar existing trademarks. 2. It is important to conduct a trademark search to minimize the risk of legal issues from trademark infringement and receive cease and desist letters. 3. Trademark searches can identify trademarks that are identical, similar, contain word components, or have visual or phonetic similarities to the proposed trademark. This helps assess the strength and availability of a trademark.

1. TRADE MARK SEARCH FILMA VARGHESE Legal Counsel – ALTACIT GLOBAL

12. ONLINE FREE DATABASES

13. ONLINE COMMERCIAL DATABASES

20. Step 2: Select “SEARCH MARKS” by clicking on it. This will open the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS)

21. Step 3: You will be given the option of selecting from several different "SEARCH LISTS" options. Start with "NEW USER FORM SEARCH" for your first search

22. Step 4: This will open the SEARCH PAGE. Type in the name or title or slogan you wish to search for. After you set your other search criterion, click on the button "Submit Query"

23. Step 5: The next page will give you a list of trademarks, if any, that matches your search term(s)

24. Step 6: The basic search form of the Trademark Electronic Search System, or TESS, generates results according to word marks, serial or registration numbers, owners and other commonly searched characteristics of trademarks.

27. Step 8: If the search yields a mark that might pose a problem, its status can be checked via the Trademark Applications and Registrations Retrieval, or TARR, which requires either a serial number or registration number of the particular mark.