Free Trademark Checker

Type a product title or phrase and see if it matches a US trademark before you publish.

Try:
  • 25 free scans a day, no signup
  • Checks USPTO trademark records
  • Screening tool, not legal advice

How to use this trademark checker

  1. 1

    Type your title

    Enter the product title or phrase you plan to use, like "Best Dad Ever". Leave Clothing selected for shirts and hoodies, or change the product type.

  2. 2

    Read the verdict

    You get a clear result for what you typed, then each match with its owner, its risk level and why it came up.

  3. 3

    Fix it, then publish

    Change any flagged words and scan again. Open the USPTO link on any match you're unsure about.

Why every POD seller needs a trademark checker

Trademark problems are a common reason for account suspensions and product takedowns on Amazon Merch, Etsy, Redbubble and other print-on-demand platforms. Using trademarked phrases, brand names or protected terms in your product listings can lead to takedown notices, lost revenue and account bans. This free trademark checker compares your text with USPTO trademark records to help you spot potential conflicts before you publish.

The scanner checks your product titles and descriptions against U.S. trademark records. By filtering results by Nice Class (the international classification system for goods and services), you see the matches for the product type you're selling. The tool assigns a risk level (HIGH, MEDIUM or LOW) based on trademark status and similarity, with the reasoning for each match, so you know what to change.

Best practices for POD sellers: scan new designs before uploading. Avoid exact matches and close variations of registered trademarks, especially in your target Nice Classes. If you see a MEDIUM risk, consider rephrasing or consulting a trademark attorney. This tool is not legal advice. It's a first screening step, and a clean result isn't a guarantee: it doesn't read your artwork, and it doesn't cover other countries or unregistered rights.

Frequently asked questions

What is a trademark checker and why do POD sellers need one?

A trademark checker is a tool that scans product titles, descriptions, and keywords against trademark records in the USPTO database. Print-on-demand sellers need this because using trademarked terms in listings can lead to takedowns, account suspensions, and legal action. Platforms like Amazon Merch, Etsy, and Redbubble have strict policies against trademark infringement. By checking your listings before publishing, you reduce the risk of violations and costly mistakes.

How does the Merch Titans trademark checker work?

You enter your product title or description and select the relevant Nice Classes (the international classification for goods and services), shown here as product types. The tool compares your text with USPTO trademark records and identifies potential conflicts. Each match shows its status, a risk level (HIGH, MEDIUM, LOW) and the reasoning behind it, along with owner information, filing dates, and a link to the USPTO record.

What are Nice Classes and which ones matter for print on demand?

Nice Classes are an international system for classifying goods and services in trademark applications. For print-on-demand sellers, the most important classes are: Class 025 (Clothing and apparel), Class 016 (Paper goods and prints), Class 021 (Household items like mugs), Class 024 (Textiles), and Class 028 (Toys and games). When scanning trademarks, selecting the correct Nice Classes ensures you get relevant results for your specific product category. A trademark registered in Class 009 (Electronics) may not conflict with your t-shirt design in Class 025.

What do the risk levels (HIGH, MEDIUM, LOW) mean?

HIGH risk means the trademark is an active, registered mark with strong similarity to your text in the same Nice Class. You should avoid using these terms. MEDIUM risk indicates partial matches, trademarks in related classes, or marks with pending status, so proceed with caution and consider rephrasing. LOW risk typically means weak similarity, expired trademarks, or marks in unrelated classes. While LOW risk terms are generally safer, always review the reasoning and use your judgment. When in doubt, consult a trademark attorney.

Can I still use a term that shows as MEDIUM risk?

MEDIUM risk doesn't automatically mean you can't use the term, but it requires careful evaluation. Review the reasoning, check the trademark's Nice Classes, and assess how similar your usage is to the registered mark. Consider rephrasing, using different wording, or adding descriptive terms to create distance from the trademark. If the product is high-value or you're unsure, consulting a trademark attorney is recommended. Remember: even MEDIUM risk can result in takedowns if a trademark owner files a complaint.

Does a clean result mean my listing is safe?

No. A clean result means the scan found no high or medium risk matches for the product types you selected. It doesn't cover other product types, trademarks outside the US, unregistered rights, your artwork, copyright, the names and likenesses of real people, or each platform's own content rules. Treat it as a first screening step.

How current is the trademark database?

The scanner works from USPTO trademark records, and they may lag behind the USPTO's own system, so the newest filings and status changes may not appear yet. The records include active, pending, expired, and cancelled trademarks. For critical decisions, cross-check results directly on the USPTO TSDR (Trademark Status and Document Retrieval) system using the links provided in scan results.

Is this trademark checker free to use?

Yes. You get 25 free trademark scans per day with no signup. Unlock free to remove the daily limit, with no card needed. To keep the tool running for everyone, scans are capped at 30 per hour.

Does this replace legal advice?

No. This is a screening tool designed to help you identify potential trademark conflicts, and it does not constitute legal advice. Trademark law is complex, and many factors influence whether a use is infringing (for example likelihood of confusion, descriptive vs. distinctive use, and fair use exceptions). The tool provides risk assessments and data to inform your decisions, but it cannot replace consultation with a qualified trademark attorney. For high-stakes products or unclear cases, always seek professional legal guidance.

Next step

Check every design in a batch, not one title at a time.

In Merch Titans, Easy Mode checks a whole batch for trademarks and fixes flagged listings in one click, then uploads to Amazon Merch, Redbubble, TeePublic, Printify and Printful.

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