TESS Trademark Search System
Understanding the USPTO's search system — what it can do, what it cannot, and what replaced it.
What Was TESS?
The Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) was the USPTO's free search tool for decades. The USPTO has transitioned to a new Trademark Search system at tmsearch.uspto.gov with improved technology and a modernized interface.
What the System Can Do
Search the federal register by word mark, design code, serial number, registration number, owner name, and other fields. Advanced users can construct Boolean queries. Supports SOUNDEX (phonetic matching), proximity searching, and field-tag searching.
What It Cannot Do
It searches only the federal register — no state databases, no common law marks. It does not evaluate whether an identified mark creates likelihood of confusion. The results depend entirely on the queries you construct.
When to Go Beyond
Use the free system for a quick knockout check. If it appears clear, do not stop there. A professional search covers state registers, common law sources, and advanced matching with attorney analysis — the gaps where conflicts hide.
Three tiers. One standard of rigor.
- Federal + state + common law search
- Risk-ranked results
- Delivered in 2 business days
- Everything in Search Only
- Written attorney opinion letter
- Go / no-go recommendation
- Everything in Search + Opinion
- 60-minute attorney consultation
- Fee credited toward registration