Is WIPO enough?

Google.

Kate said:

Google.

Click to expand...

Thanks for your input.

A simple search for "(name) + trademark" will often suffice or do you go for a more sophisticated search? Also, is Google your one and only strategy for avoiding trademark issues?

It is a start. If the name is somewhat established it should show up in Google and from there you dig further. TM rights can be enforced without a registered TM so checking TM databases does not suffice. Likewise, most TMs are usually limited in scope or territory. It's perfectly conceivable to use a name that is already used (as a stand-alone or compound word) in a different industry or country.

So my tenets are:

• use common sense
• don't buy a name without a good reason. For a start, would you use it ?