Can I Search for a Trade Mark by Application Number?

Emily Young

• 20 August 2021
• 25 August 2021
• 4 min read

As your business grows, the need to protect its intellectual property (IP) increases. Registering a trade mark for elements of your business’ brand is one way to do this. Trade mark registration has a multitude of benefits, including providing you with exclusive rights of use. One of the first steps to apply for trade mark registration is to conduct a trade mark search. This can be a long and complex process due to the sheer volume of trade marks in the register. However, in instances where you have specific trade marks in mind, searching via its application number can be helpful.

To help you better understand trade mark searches and application numbers, this article will take you through what they are and explain how you can search for a trade mark by application number.

Trade Mark Application Numbers

After applying for a trade mark, IP Australia will assign your application a unique trade mark application number. 

Trade mark application numbers are important because they help identify your unique application. Without application numbers, the trade mark system would be complicated to navigate. 

Additionally, if you are following the registration process of a specific trade mark application, having the application number can make searching for the specific trade mark a much more simple process.

Trade Mark Searches 

Before applying for a trade mark, you must conduct a trade mark search. There are a multitude of benefits to conducting a trade mark search. Primarily, trade mark searches can help you check that someone else is not already using your trade mark. If your trade mark is identical to or deceptively similar to a pre-existing one, it will not be available for registration.

Internationally, most intellectual property offices have their own trade mark search tools. There is even an international trade mark search tool available called the Global Brand Database. In Australia, IP Australia’s trade mark search tool ATMOSS provides a free and comprehensive trade mark search. Here, you can search for existing trade marks and their registration status.

Each trade mark search tool has various search options that can help filter your search. On ATMOSS, this includes being able to filter by application number.

Searching for a Trade Mark by Application Number

ATMOSS’ ‘Quick Search’ function allows you to search for a trade mark by application number. This is useful if you know the exact application or applications you are searching for. The search tool functions available for application numbers are outlined in the table below:

Source: IP Australia

For trade marks registered internationally, you can also search using International Registration numbers.

Key Takeaways

Trade mark application numbers are a critical part of trade mark infrastructure. These numbers are essential to the classification of trade marks and everything to do with their administration. When conducting a trade mark search, application numbers are one way you can filter them. A trade mark search is crucial to find out if the trade mark you wish to register:

• is already being used by someone else; or
• will potentially conflict with a pre-existing or pending trade mark.

Searching by trade mark number is a useful way to navigate this search tool, which has the potential to be overwhelming.

If you need help conducting a trade mark search or have more general trade mark related queries, our experienced IP lawyers can help. Get in touch with them on 1300 657 423 or by filling out the form on this page.

Frequently Asked Questions