Copyright, Trademark & Patent Search
Intellectual property (IP) records are publicly searchable through official government databases. Whether you are a creator confirming your copyright registration, a business clearing a trademark before launch, or an inventor checking prior art before filing a patent, the free official tools below give you direct access to USPTO, U.S. Copyright Office, and international IP databases. No subscription required. Updated March 2026.
Trademark Search — USPTO TESS & TMview
Trademarks protect brand identifiers — names, logos, slogans, and trade dress — that distinguish goods and services in commerce. The USPTO's Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) was retired in 2023 and replaced by the newer Trademark Search tool at USPTO.gov.
- USPTO Trademark Search — Search live and dead federal trademark registrations and applications by word mark, owner, goods/services class (IC class), or drawing code.
- TMview International Trademark Search — Covers 70+ national trademark offices including EU, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and more.
- WIPO Global Brand Database — Search international trademark registrations under the Madrid System.
Key status codes: "REGISTERED" = protected mark; "ABANDONED" = application withdrawn; "DEAD" = registration lapsed; "LIVE/PENDING" = application under examination.
Copyright Search — U.S. Copyright Office
Copyright protection attaches automatically at creation, but registration with the U.S. Copyright Office provides legal advantages including the ability to sue for statutory damages and attorney's fees. Registration records are publicly searchable.
- U.S. Copyright Office Public Records Search — Search registrations, recordations, and preregistrations. Covers works registered since 1978 with full digitization; older records (1955–1977) are available in a separate legacy catalog.
- Copyright Office Catalog (pre-1978) — Search registrations from 1955 onward in the Library of Congress catalog.
- For works published before 1928, copyright has typically expired — they are in the public domain. Use Internet Archive or the HathiTrust Digital Library for free access.
Patent Search — USPTO Patent Center
Patents grant inventors a limited monopoly (20 years from filing for utility patents) in exchange for public disclosure. Searching patents before filing — a "prior art search" — is essential to avoid wasted application fees.
- USPTO Patent Center — File, manage, and search patent applications. Replaces EFS-Web and Private PAIR.
- USPTO Patent Public Search (PPUBS) — Advanced full-text search of granted patents and published applications.
- Google Patents — Free full-text patent search covering USPTO, EPO, and 100+ patent offices. Excellent for quick prior-art searches using natural language.
- Espacenet (European Patent Office) — 130 million patent documents from 100+ countries.
Trade Secret & Domain Name Records
Unlike patents, trade secrets are not registered publicly — protection comes from maintaining secrecy. However, domain name registrations are public records under ICANN's WHOIS policy.
- ICANN WHOIS Lookup — Find the registrar, registration date, and (where not privacy-protected) the registrant of any domain name.
- WIPO Brand Database — Covers geographical indications and appellations of origin in addition to marks.
- Copyright Licensing & Permissions — How to obtain a license to use a copyrighted work legally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register my copyright?
Registration is not required for copyright protection, which begins at creation. However, registration is required before you can file an infringement lawsuit in federal court, and works registered within 3 months of publication (or before infringement) are eligible for statutory damages up to $150,000 per work for willful infringement.
How do I check if a trademark is already taken?
Search the USPTO Trademark Search database. Look for marks in the same International Class (IC) as your goods or services. Even unregistered "common law" trademarks can create conflicts — also search Google, social media, and domain registrars.
What is the difference between ™ and ®?
™ (TM) indicates a claimed trademark, whether registered or not. ® (R-circle) may only be used after a trademark has been officially registered with the USPTO. Using ® on an unregistered mark is a federal violation.
How long does a patent last?
Utility and plant patents last 20 years from the filing date, subject to maintenance fee payments. Design patents last 15 years from grant (changed from 14 years in 2023 for patents issued on or after May 13, 2015 under the Hague Agreement implementation).
Can I use a work if the copyright owner cannot be found?
These are called "orphan works." Current U.S. law provides no formal safe harbor for orphan works. The U.S. Copyright Office has recommended legislation but none has passed. Using an orphan work carries legal risk; consult an IP attorney before proceeding.
Page updated: March 2026