How to Perform a Trademark Search in 2026? Official Search System Tutorial & Pitfall Avoidance Guide
Preparing to launch a new product, finished designing a brand logo, or just completed company incorporation registration? Before officially committing marketing resources and submitting an application, the most critical step is a trademark search (preliminary trademark clearance search)!
Taiwan’s trademark system adopts the “first-to-file principle.” Submitting an application without a prior search risks rejection by the Intellectual Property Office (TIPO) due to names being “identical or similar” to existing trademarks. This results in wasted application fees and months of time, or even infringement allegations. This article guides you step-by-step through using official systems for 2026 trademark searches and mastering risk assessment techniques.
Core Blindspot Note: “Finding no exact match” does not guarantee approval! TIPO examiners also evaluate “phonetic similarity,” “semantic similarity,” and “graphic visual similarity”—the most common blindspots in self-directed searches.
1. Official Free Tool: TIPO Trademark Search System
All trademark application and registration records in Taiwan are publicly disclosed in the official database of the Intellectual Property Office, MOEA. Always verify the official portal when searching:
- Official System Name: Intellectual Property Office, MOEA – Trademark Search System
- System URL:
https://tmsearch.tipo.gov.tw/ - Search Fee: Completely free to use
2. Step-by-Step Tutorial: 4 Key Steps for 2026 Trademark Searches
Upon accessing the TIPO Trademark Search System homepage, click “Trademark Text Search” or “Text Similarity Search.” This is the primary portal used by most brands when checking names.
Input your brand name into the search field. We recommend querying Chinese names, English names, and pinyin separately. For example, to register “冠羽 Guan-Yu”, search “冠羽” and “Guan Yu” independently to avoid missing existing registrations filed solely in English or Chinese.
Trademark rights are categorized by “Classes” (Classes 1 through 45). Enter your target classes (e.g., Class 35 for retail e-commerce, Class 43 for F&B services) during the search to filter out competing marks in the same category precisely.
Examine the resulting list carefully, paying close attention to entries marked “Registered” or “Under Examination.” Highly similar text strings in identical classes indicate a significant collision risk regarding exclusive rights.
3. 3 Common Trademark Similarity Patterns & Assessment Tips
Many applicants submit applications after finding “no identical names,” only to receive a Notice of Refusal from TIPO. The main cause is failing to consider these “similarity patterns”:
| Similarity Pattern | Description & Common Examples | Search Prevention Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Phonetic Similarity | Different characters with identical or highly similar Mandarin pronunciations or homophones. E.g., “Guan Yu” (冠羽) vs. “Guan Yu” (觀雨) / “GuanYu” |
Perform phonetic searches using Zhuyin symbols or Pinyin alongside Hanzi characters. |
| Semantic Similarity | Chinese and English/foreign words expressing the same concept or meaning. E.g., “Green Field” (綠野) vs. “Green Field” |
If the mark conveys a specific concrete concept, include corresponding English terms in the search. |
| Visual / Graphic Similarity | Highly similar font styling, composite graphics, or visual composition. | Utilize the system’s “Figure Classification Search” to query similar visual symbols. |
4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Trademark Searches
Q1: If a company name pre-examination passed, do I still need a trademark search?
Absolutely! “Company Name Registration (MOEA/Local Government)” and “Trademark Registration (TIPO)” operate under entirely independent legal systems. Company name pre-examination only manages duplicate legal entity names. Without a trademark search and registration, selling products under that name risks infringing upon third-party trademark rights.
Q2: If an identical name exists in a different class, can I register it?
In principle, yes, provided the existing mark is not a “well-known trademark” (e.g., Coca-Cola, TSMC, which enjoy cross-class protection) and the nature of goods/services does not cause consumer confusion. For instance, the mark “Dust-Free” (無塵) used in Class 7 for industrial machinery and Class 25 for apparel may co-exist.
Q3: Can newly filed trademarks be searched immediately in the system? Is there a “time lag”?
There is a database entry window of approx. 1 to 2 weeks (referred to as the trademark blind period) between TIPO receiving an application and making the data publicly search-able. Search risk assessments must account for this time lag.
5. Guan Yu CPA Firm ‧ Helping Businesses Build Worry-Free Brand Shields
While trademark searches appear simple, evaluating “goods class scope,” “distinctiveness strength,” and “similarity risk” requires extensive regulatory and practical experience.
Guan Yu CPA Firm is located in Central District, Taichung City, offering one-stop integrated services: from initial company incorporation registration and preliminary trademark clearance searches, to long-term bookkeeping, tax filing, and corporate tax planning, helping founders establish solid regulatory and financial foundations.
Conclusion: A good start is half the success! Before committing budgets to storefront signage, packaging, and marketing campaigns, completing a professional trademark search ensures your brand grows steadily and securely.
Ready to Perform a Trademark Search and Plan Company Setup for Your Brand?
Schedule a consultation with Guan Yu CPA Firm today. Let our professional team evaluate your brand trademark risks and provide comprehensive tax and company setup advisory services.
Click Here to Add LINE for a Free Consultation