UK and EU Trademark searches an explanation as to why you need to search before you launch a new business. 

If you are about to launch a new business you must be prepared. The name of the business is obviously important, nay essential. Now if you are going to launch a business called 'Furniture' and sell chairs there is little point in thinking about a trade mark because you cannot own the word Furniture in relation to chairs. But if you are launching a distinctive product or service then you need to be aware of what is out there and what is similar as well as identical. A trademark be it a UK trade mark or EU trademark is a powerful right. A trade mark gives the owner a monopoly on that work, image or logo in the goods or services for which it is protected. It is very powerful so protect it. 

If you do have a logo or word in mind you need to be careful and watch out for the folllowing when you do a search:-

1. Identical mark opposed to identical goods or services-DO NOT USE

2. Similar mark opposed to similar goods or services provided likelihood of confusion- WARNING BE CAREFUL TAKE LEGAL ADVICE.

3. Dissimilar mark opposed to dissimilar goods or services- CAUTION but must be aware of who the registered trade mark holder is