Okay, now, what might one do, other than looking at trademark application data, to figure out whether someone is using a trademark to brand their goods or services?
Google is the best way to find out whether someone is using a trademark to brand their goods or services.
It requires some logic and basic knowledge about Google search engine functions.
Search websites, company databases, press releases, social media and everything like that.
For example: SPORTERING
Google says: Nothing. Someone is using this term as a forum name, some misspelled words etc.
I dont need to check database. Even if I find something there, there is a high possibility that certain trademark was abandoned long time ago through non-use.
(One more thing: If you search for a particular term, use quotation marks around phrases to tell Google to match that word precisely.)
sportering.com is available. You can register it if you want.
Another example: SPORTEKI
Google says: Sporteki.com is ranked on the first page.
If you can understand French, you should read everything on this page, especially "about us".
The next thing you can do is to check time filter. Type "sporteki", set the date filter to "Past Year" and see whats going on. I can see some relevant facebook page related to sporteki.com.
I dont understand French, but Im already in doubt someone is using "sporteki" as a trademark.
Than I check:
http://www.wipo.int/branddb/en/ Brand status: Sporteki; Status: Active
The term "sporteki" is distinctive and trademark is capable of distinguishing the goods and services from those of other traders.
https://legalvision.com.au/what-makes-a-trademark-distinctive/
Avoid.
Third example: ATMOSPHERE
Google says: So many things. This is a dictionary word, meaning "a layer or a set of layers of gases surrounding a planet or other material body".
Wipo database says: Many active trademarks using the word: "atmosphere".
Should I be worried? No. Should I check TM databases? No. Why? Because the term "atmosphere" is not associated with a particular good or service that comes from one manufacturer. As long as I dont use my domain (atmosphere.com) in a bad faith, Im not afraid.
Register atmosphere.com if its possible.