The Illinois trademark search gives users access to the Department of Business Services database of registered trademarks and servicemarks. A trademark is defined as a symbol, name, or word used by a person or entity to distinguish goods, while a servicemark is used to distinguish services.[1]
Registration of a mark is optional and lasts for period of fives years before renewal is required (within 60 days of expiration).[2]
Trademark Search
1. Go to “Trademark Search” Page
2. Choose the Type of Search
On the search homepage choose between searching by Registration Number, Name of Mark, or Registrant. Only one option can be selected.
3. Choose Search Method
Below the search type options are the search method radio buttons. If searching by Name of Mark or Registrant, select the appropriate option to indicate whether the search should produce results which match exactly (By Name) or those which merely contain the entered name (By Partial Name).
4. Enter Name or Number
In the empty field on the same page, enter the search term, which can be either the mark name/keyword, the name of the registrant, or the registration number. Click Submit to move to the next page.
5. Review Matching Results
The search results should list each trademark, active or inactive, on file with the Secretary of State. The File Number, Status, and Name of Mark is all the information available at this stage.
Select the blue link to view detailed information about the trademark in question.
6. Review Detailed Report
The final Detail Report page will produce a list of all publicly available information on the selected mark. This information includes:
- Name of mark
- Registration #
- Type of mark
- Class number
- Date of registration
- Expiration date
- Date of first use (anywhere and in Illinois)
- Description of goods/services
- Registrant name, address, type, and state
