The basic trade mark search involves a search of the Trade Mark Register for marks which are the same or similar to your mark. However, a search of the Trade Mark Register alone, provides no indication whether others have prior rights to a mark through use of an unregistered mark. For this reason, a full clearance search is recommended.

A full clearance search involves:-

• Formulating the search strategy;
• Researching goods/services classifications for the trade mark and cross-referencing to related fields;
• Conducting a search of the IPONZ Trade Marks database, involving searching for phonetic equivalents of the mark, conceptual equivalents and visual equivalents;
• Conducting common law searches via numerous indexes and databases including the Companies Office database, domain names, telephone directories, various brand indexes and conducting a general Internet search;
• Assessing the data so as to advise on
  a) the availability for registration of the mark,
  b) the availability for use of the mark,
  c) the inherent registrability of the mark,
• Reporting to you with our advice and recommendations.

The cost of a full clearance search is NZ$600 plus GST.

If you require a full clearance search [click here]