Note: This page is not the official, USPTO-hosted version of TESS Help. It is a copy hosted on cockybot.com for convenience, as the official version requires an active session with TESS to view and cannot be directly linked. This version reflects the TESS help page as of 13 June 2018.
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    Trademarks > Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) Help
  

TESS Help Menu

Introduction  
Search OG Publication Date or Registration Date New User Form Searching
Record List Display Phrase Searching
Navigational Icon Help Special Search Features
Search Fields Common Search Strategies
Truncation Operators Dictionary Browse
Sample Truncation Searches Search History
Logical Operators Frequently Asked Questions
Plurals (Plurals Table) Known Issues
Pattern Matching Multiple Searches
Search Principles Glossary

The TESS Online Help is maintained by the Office of Trademark Program Control. If you have thoroughly reviewed this help, and still have a question (or comment or suggestion), you may e-mail TESS@uspto.gov. While we cannot promise to answer all messages, your feedback will be considered and may lead to future improvements on TESS.


Introduction

The Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) supports the trademark application process by providing for searching the existing trademark application and registration information via an Internet browser. TESS provides access to the same text and image database of trademarks as currently provided to examining attorneys at the US Patent and Trademark Office via the X-Search system.

The date of the last update to TESS is prominently displayed on the search screens. Updates are performed prior to the start of business for the date indicated. Updates are scheduled daily on Mondays through Saturdays. Marks registered and published in the Official Gazette -- Trademarks preceding the date of the last update should be available in this search database. Consult our News for the latest complete filing date available on TESS. Trademark records with a Mark Drawing Code of 2, 3, 4, or 5 should include an image of the trademark.

The TESS start-up page allows the user to choose from four search forms. The New User Form Search provides for basic searching for Word Marks with commonly requested options. The Structured Form Search provides a simple search form for submitting a query, probably the best choice for novice users. The Free Form Search, nicknamed the Advanced Search, allows users to enter more complicated searches. Finally, the Browse Dictionary choice allows users to scan through the search indices to see indexed terms around a specific search term and provides the counts of occurrences for those indexed terms. User can toggle between the three search forms during the search session.

NOTE: The USPTO will generate an image for all standard character marks filed through TEAS Plus. After filing, the "word mark" field displayed in the Office's various databases may reflect a slightly different mark than what you actually filed, because some standard characters must be converted to other characters, or slightly modified, to ensure proper communication across different databases. Specifically, (1) the € symbol is converted to ‘Euro’; (2) the ‰ symbol is converted to ‘0/00’; (3) Œ is converted to ‘OE’; (4) œ is converted to ‘oe’; and (5) some characters having a diacritical mark (e.g., an umlaut, accent, or cedilla) are converted to remove the diacritical mark; e.g., Ú is converted to U, ÿ is converted to y, and ç is converted to c. For a complete listing of characters requiring conversion, click here.

For applications filed via TEAS Plus (i.e., on or after July 18, 2005) that claim standard characters and include any of the characters identified in (1)-(4) above, the USPTO-generated image of the mark is the most reliable data source for information about the exact mark. For searching purposes, you should not rely on the “word mark” field if any of those specific characters are part of the mark (It is not a problem for the characters identified at (5), above). For specific searching instructions, click here.

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Search OG Publication Date or Registration Date

The Search OG Publication Date or Registration Date search form was designed to assist new users in performing effective searches of marks recently published for opposition.

The View Search History link provides a listing of searches performed in your session. The drop down box provides an alternative view of the searches already performed.

By default, the plurals option is turned off. To retrieve both singular and plural forms of your search terms, select YES for the drop down box next to the Plurals label. With the Plurals option set to NO (the default), the search will be restricted to matches the search term; for example, a search of DOGS will retrieve occurrences of DOGS but not occurrences of DOG. With the plurals option set to YES, a search of DOG will return occurrences of DOG or DOGS.

Use the $ for truncation in any field. For Combined Word Mark searches, the * is a more efficient truncation operator for left and/or right truncation. For example, the search term *DOG* with the Combined Word Mark will retrieve marks with common variations of the word DOG in the word mark or translation statements. Use of the $ truncation operator sometimes results in a truncated hit list.  

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The New User Form Search

The New User (Basic) search form allows for searching of the most commonly searched fields: word marks, serial or registration numbers, and owners. A final ALL search field choice allows for searching all search fields.

The View Search History link provides a listing of searches performed in your session. The drop down box provides an alternative view of the searches already performed.

By default, both singular and plural forms of your search terms are return (via the Plural and Singular button). For example, a search of DOG will return occurrences of DOG or DOGS. Alternatively, selecting the Singular button will restrict the search to match the search term. For example, if the Singular button is selected, a search of DOGS will retrieve occurrences of DOGS but not occurrences of DOG.

By default, both all relevant hits (both live and dead) are returned for searches. Alternatively, you may select to retrieve only live records or only dead marks.

The Combined Word Mark is the default search field and includes the word mark and translation fields. Specifically, the BI - Basic Index, TI - Translation Index, MP - Mark Punctuated (word mark), and TL - Translation Statement indexes are searched. (The MP and TL indexes are included as a redundacy to enable highlighting of the search term in the results, as the BI and TI fields are not displayed.) The Result Must Contain menu allows you to select how the search terms appear in the hits returned. The default choice, All Search Terms (AND), requires that each of your search terms appear in the records returned by the search. The alternate choice Any Search Terms (OR) requires that at least one of the search terms will appear in each record returned by the search. The final choice, Exact Phrase, requires that all the search terms occur in the results in the same order as occurring in the search.

Use the $ for truncation in any field. For Combined Word Mark searches, the * is a more efficient truncation operator for left and/or right truncation. For example, the search term *DOG* with the Combined Word Mark will retrieve marks with common variations of the word DOG in the word mark or translation statements. Use of the $ truncation operator sometimes results in a truncated hit list.

For serial number or registration number searches, enter the 8-digit serial number (e.g. 75123456) or 7-digit registration number (e.g., 1234567) and select Serial or Registration Number as the Field for the search. If multiple serial or registration numbers are searched, separate the numbers by spaces and change the Results Must Contain value to Any Search Terms (OR). (Alternatively, separate the number by the Boolean OR operator without adjusting the Result Must Contain value.)

Do NOT include the apostrophe for contractions. For example, search for the word DON'T by searching "DON T" or DON ADJ T. Including Boolean operators (e.g., AND, OR, or NOT) or proximity operators (e.g., ADJ, NEAR, SAME, or WITH) in your search will override the Result Must Contain setting for the search. To actually search for these Boolean or proximity operators, include quotes around the operator. For example, search MADE AND "WITH" to find records containing the two words MADE and WITH.  

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The Record List Display

There are two views of the hit list for your search, the standard Record List and a newer Image LIst.

The Record List Display, or the Hit List, provides a listing of the Serial Numbers, Registration Numbers, Word Marks, links to TSDR (the Trademark Status and Document Retrieval system) to check the current status of the trademark, and Live/Dead flags for those trademarks retrieved by the search. There are options for jumping to different sections of the total hit list if your search retrieved more trademarks than currently listed. The search text is listed. The search query text can be modified and resubmitted directly from this Record List Display screen, but the free form search syntax must be used for the resubmitted query.

A second Image List provides an alternate view of the hits by displaying the drawings for the hits. Images are displayed in three columns. By selecting a drawing via a mouse click, you then toggle to the document display for that record. Returning to the Current List from the document display returns you to the last used view of the hit list, the text view or the images view.  

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Search Fields

This page contains definitions of search fields and tips on the use of fields in your TESS searches.

The TESS database contains many searchable fields. By narrowing your search to terms in a field that you specify, you can greatly decrease the likelihood of retrieving extraneous documents.

This page shows a list of all the available fields, defines each field, shows the abbreviated field name or code, and provides examples of how do field searching.

[AD] Abandonment Date
[AF] Affidavits
[AR] Assignment Recorded
[AT] Attorney of Record
[BI] Basic Index
[CB] Current Basis
[CC] Coordinated Class
[CD] Cancellation Date
[CR] Change in Registration
[DC] Design Search Code
[DD] Design Description
[DE] Description of Mark
[DM] Decimal Mark
[DS] Disclaimer
[FD] Filing Date
[FM] Full Mark
[GS] Goods and Services
[IC] International Class
[IR] International Registration
[LD] Live/Dead
[MD] Mark Drawing Code
[MI] Mark Index
[MN] Mark Non-Punctuated
[MP] Mark Punctuated [Word Mark]
[OB] Original Filing Basis

Note: A special COMB index can be searched for the Combined Word Mark index introduced with the New User search screen. The Combined Word Mark includes the word mark and translation fields. Specifically, the BI - Basic Index, TI - Translation Index, MP - Mark Punctuated (word mark), and TL - Translation Statement indexes are searched. (The MP and TL indexes are included as a redundacy to enable highlighting of the search term in the results, as the BI and TI fields are not displayed.)

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Abandonment Date [AD]

This field contains the date the mark was abandoned. This field only applies to dead marks.

Dates are stored in the format YYYYMMDD for the four-digit year YYYY, the two digit month MM and the two digit day DD. The $ (unlimited) and ? (single character) truncation operators are appropriate for use in date searches.

For example, the following search will retrieve all marks with an abandonment date of June15, 1999.

19990615[AD]

Either of the following searches will retrieve all marks with an abandonment date any time in June, 1999.

199906$[AD]

199906??[AD]

Alternatively, the ` operator can be used for numeric range searches on date fields. The following search will retrieve all marks with an abandonment date in January 1999 or later.

`AD > "19990000"

The following search will retrieve all marks with an abandonment date from January 1980 through December 1989.

`AD > 19800000 < 19900000

 


Affidavits [AF]

This field contains notations on the types of affidavits filed on registrations. It refers to either or both Sec. 8 and Sec. 15 of the trademark law (Lanham Act, as amended), or to Section 12(c) for pre-1946 registrations.

Section 8: These affidavits are required for both the Supplemental and Principal Registers to show continuous use of the mark since registration. A Section 8 Affidavit must be filed between the fifth and sixth year anniversary of the registration date in order to maintain the registration.

Section 15: These affidavits apply only to the Principal Register. They must be filed within one year of any five-year period of continuous use to confer a status of incontestability in the registration.

Section 12(c): This affidavit may be filed for a registration that registered under trademark legislation that was in effect prior to the Lanham Act which was enacted in 1946. By filing this affidavit the registration takes on the benefits as well as the responsibilities (such as the requirement to file a Section 8 affidavit) of the 1946 Lanham Act.

TIP: Enter one of the following terms (using quotation marks) in the text entry box: "8"[AF] , "12C"[AF] or "15"[AF] .

(This field applies only to Registered marks.)

 


Assignment Recorded [AR]

This field contains the words Assignment Recorded for those records that having an assignment recorded at the US Patent and Trademark Office. The search ASSIGNMENT[AR] will retrieve marks that have an assignment recorded.

 


Attorney of Record [AT]

This field contains the name of the attorney as specified in any power of attorney submitted with the trademark application. Note that the power of attorney expires when an application matures into a registration.

TIP: Since this information may be not updated in the database and is often changed prior to registration, you should contact the US Patent and Trademark Office or examine the application file to ensure retrieval of current information.

 


Basic Index [BI]

The Basic Index field contains the word mark and pseudo mark information indexed for optimal searching efficiency. This field (along with the [TI] field) uses a special * truncation operator for more efficient left and/or right truncation searches. Please note that the * truncation operator cannot be used for internal truncation. The $ or ? truncation symbols are used for internal truncation, but their use may result in truncation overflow.

The search *DOG*[BI] will retrieve marks that have the word segment DOG anywhere in the word mark or pseudo mark. Alternatively, the search *DOG*[BI,TI] will retrieve the word segment DOG occurring anywhere in the word mark, pseudo mark or translation.

This field is not displayed; consequently, search terms for searches of this field will not be highlighted.

The TESS search system has the capability to respond quickly to searches that employ either left or right truncation, but using left and right truncation together presents a problem for any text search system. If you search for WAX$ ($ is the standard TESS multi-character substitution character) the system can go quickly to the part of the index containing words beginning with WAX. If you search for $WAX the system has a reversed index of the words contained in the documents and is smart enough to reverse the search term and go to the reversed index. So it will look for words beginning with XAW in the reversed index. This means a rapid response time to either left OR right truncated search terms.

In the case of a search using left AND right truncation, for example, $WAX$, the system cannot go to a specific in entry in either index because anything could precede or follow WAX. In this case the system must start at the first entry in the index, see if the first entry contains the search term WAX and then proceed to the next entry in the index, and continue this process until it has examined every word in the index. Even with a very fast computer system, this is a time-consuming procedure that results in slow responses to this type of search.

The permuted index accelerates the response time to a combined left and right truncation search by loading the index with all possible left and right truncation variations or permutations of the words in the mark. For example, when the word WAX is permuted the result is the following list of permuted terms:

*W* W* *WA* WA* *WAX* WAX* *WAX *A* *AX* *AX *X* *X

To search for WAX with both left and right truncation, your search would be *WAX*[BI]. The asterisk substitutes for the usual multi-character wildcard character $. In this case the search system goes immediately to the part of the index file that contains terms starting with *WAX* resulting in a much faster response to the query. You can, of course, search for any of the permutations of the word as shown above and get a fast response. If you really want to search for any word mark or pseudo mark that contains the letter A you can search for *A*[BI].

The permuted indexing technique was used only on the Basic Index [BI], Mark Index [MI], Pseudo Mark Index [PI] and Translation Index [TI] fields because of the amount of disk space involved. If it is necessary to use left and right truncation to search the Goods and Services [GS] field, for instance, you will have to use the standard TESS syntax of $WAX$, and the query response time will be longer. Single truncation searches should execute quickly on all fields, but the asterisk is still the preferred method for a single truncation search on the Basic Index [BI], Mark Index [MI], Pseudo Mark Index [PI] and Translation Index [TI] fields.

When it is desirable to specify adjacency of searched terms in a search of the Basic Index (or the other permuted indeses), as in a phrase search, and it is desired to utilize truncation with one or more of the search terms, use of the * truncation operator is not appropriate.

Use of the * truncation operator in the Basic Index is appropriate when searching for single terms. It is also appropriate to use the * in the Basic Index when searching multiple terms within the same search statement and when the desired results do not require that the terms occur adjacent to each other in the mark. Use of the * truncation operator in the Basic Index is not appropriate if it is required that the multiple terms searched utilizing the * truncation operator appear in the mark adjacent to each other as is commonly desired when executing a phrase search.

Searches involving internal truncation in combination with left and right truncation on the Basic Index would employ the standard TESS truncation characters for internal character replacement. For example, *TE$OLOGY*[BI], would return TEKNOLOGY, TECNOLOGY, TELEOLOGY, etc. Another example is *TE?NO*[BI], which uses the single character replacement truncation character, the question mark (?) character. This search returns TEKNOBAG, TECNOBAG and INTERNODE, etc.

For all searches employing left and right truncation on the Basic Index [BI] field using the asterisks as the left and right character substitution operators is always preferable to the standard dollar sign operator.

 


Current Basis [CB]

The Current Basis field contains the current basis information. Possible entries for this field include:

    Entry                  Meaning
    1A                     Section §1(a) {use in commerce}.
    1B                     Section §1(b) {intent to use}.
    44D                    Section §44(d) {foreign application}.
    44E                    Section §44(e) {foreign registration}.
    66A                    Section §66(a) (Madrid Protocol).
    NO FILING BASIS        No basis claimed.

More than one basis may occur.

Example: the search 1A[CB] will retrieve all records currently based on use of the mark in commerce under section 1(a).

Note: Section 44(d) provides a basis for receipt of a priority filing date but is not a basis for publication or registration. Section 1(b) is a basis for publication but is not a basis for registration.

Please refer to the TMEP Ch. 800 for additional information on the different filing and registration bases.

 


Coordinated Class [CC]

Search the Coordinated Class field to retrieve marks from International Classes related to a specific International Class. The search "009"[CC] will retrieve marks in coordinated class 009, i.e., marks related to International Class 009. Usually, this search field is used in conjunction with other search fields.

This field is not displayed; consequently, search terms for searches of this field will not be highlighted.

The Coordinated Class Table (revised April 2006) was designed to automatically include related International Classes in the search results when the primary International Class is searched. For example, a search for the International Class 007 utilizing the Coordinated Class index to designate that the search is for the Coordinated Classes associated with International Class 007 will include results containing any of the following International Class designations: 007, 008, 011, 012, 035, 037, 040, 042, A, B, 200.

Primary	
International	
Class		Related International Classes
001		005, 017, 035, 042, 044, A, B, 200
002		017, 019, 035, 037, 040, 042, A, B, 200
003		005, 021, 035, 042, 044, A, B, 200
004		001, 035, 037, 042, A, B, 200
005		001, 003, 010, 035, 042, 044, A, B, 200
006		011, 017, 019, 020, 035, 037, 040, 042, A, B, 200
007		008, 011, 012, 035, 037, 040, 042, A, B, 200
008		007, 021, 035, 037, 040, 042, 045, A, B, 200
009		010, 016, 028, 035, 038, 041, 042, 044, A, B, 200
010		005, 035, 042, 044, A, B, 200

011		006, 007, 009, 019, 020, 035, 037, 040, 042, A, B, 200
012		007, 035, 037, 042, A, B, 200
013		028, 035, 042, 045, A, B, 200
014		025, 026, 035, 037, 040, 042, A, B, 200
015		028, 035, 041, 042, A, B, 200
016		009, 035, 041, 042, A, B, 200
017		001, 002, 006, 019, 035, 037, 040, 042, A, B, 200
018		014, 025, 035, 042, 044, A, B, 200
019		002, 006, 011, 017, 035, 037, 040, 042, A, B, 200
020		006, 021, 028, 035, 042, A, B, 200

021		003, 008, 020, 035, 042, 044, A, B, 200
022		023, 024, 035, 042, A, B, 200
023		022, 024, 026, 035, 042, A, B, 200
024		023, 025, 026, 035, 042, A, B, 200
025		014, 018, 024, 035, 042, A, B, 200
026		023, 024, 035, 042, A, B, 200
027		019, 024, 035, 037, 042, A, B, 200
028		009, 016, 020, 025, 035, 041, 042, A, B, 200
029		005, 030, 031, 032, 033, 035, 042, 043, A, B, 200
030		001, 005, 029, 031, 032, 033, 035, 042, 043, A, B, 200

031		005, 029, 030, 032, 035, 042, 043, 044, A, B, 200
032		005, 029, 030, 031, 033, 035, 042, 043, A, B, 200
033		005, 029, 030, 031, 032, 035, 042, 043, A, B, 200
034		004, 035, 042, A, B, 200
035		036, 037, 038, 039, 040, 041, 042, 043, 044, 045, A, B, 200
036		035, 037, 038, 039, 040, 041, 042, 043, 044, 045, A, B, 200
037		035, 036, 038, 039, 040, 041, 042, 043, 044, 045, A, B, 200
038		035, 036, 037, 039, 040, 041, 042, 043, 044, 045, A, B, 200
039		035, 036, 037, 038, 040, 041, 042, 043, 044, 045, A, B, 200
040		035, 036, 037, 038, 039, 041, 042, 043, 044, 045, A, B, 200

041		035, 036, 037, 038, 039, 040, 042, 043, 044, 045, A, B, 200
042		035, 036, 037, 038, 039, 040, 041, 043, 044, 045, A, B, 200       
043		035, 036, 037, 038, 039, 040, 041, 042, 044, 045, A, B, 200       
044		035, 036, 037, 038, 039, 040, 041, 042, 043, 045, A, B, 200       
045		035, 036, 037, 038, 039, 040, 041, 042, 043, 044, A, B, 200       
A		B, 200
B		A, 200
200		041, 042, A, B

 


Cancellation Date [CD]

Search the Cancellation Date field to retrieve marks that were cancelled on a particular date.

Dates are stored in the format YYYYMMDD for the four-digit year YYYY, the two digit month MM and the two digit day DD. The $ (unlimited) and ? (single character) truncation operators are appropriate for use in date searches.

For example, the following search will retrieve all marks with a cancellation date of June15, 1999.

19990615[CD]

Either of the following searches will retrieve all marks with a cancellation date any time in June, 1999.

199906$[CD]

199906??[CD]

Alternatively, the ` operator can be used for numeric range searches on date fields. The following search will retrieve all marks with a cancellation date in January 1999 or later.

`CD > "19990000"

The following search will retrieve all marks with a cancellation date from January 1980 through December 1989.

`CD > 19800000 < 19900000

 


Change in Registration [CR]

This field indicates that a change in the registration of a mark has occurred.

The most common changes are:

  • a change in the ownership of the mark;
  • a change in the name of the owner (for example, International Harvester changes its name to Navistar);
  • a change in address; and/or,
  • a change in the goods or services classes in which the mark is used.

TIP: This field contains the words "Change in Registration Has Occurred". Enter any of the words in the expression in this field to retrieve all records for which a change in registration has occurred. For example, the search CHANGE[CR] might be performed.

This field applies only to Registered marks.

 


Design Search Code [DC]

This field contains a six-digit code (do NOT include the periods) used to identify design elements that comprise a mark that contain a design (drawing). A mark may have more than one design code associated with it. Design search codes are defined in the Design Search Code Manual. (This manual is available on the USPTO Web site, at the Trademark Search Library in Arlington VA, and at all Patent and Trademark Depository Libraries.)

Trademarks which have data design search code field or that have a mark drawing code of 2, 3, 4 or 5 should have an image associated with them. Please note that due to the production processes involved, the availability of trademark images may lag several months behind the availability of text.

Example: Enter 150501[DC] to retrieve records for trademarks incorporating typewriters in the design.

Example: Enter 020119[DC] to retrieve records for trademarks incorporating athletic men in the design.

Example: Enter 080112[DC] to retrieve records for trademarks incorporating pizzas in the design.

 


Design Description [DD]

For any design code occurring in the record, the DD field include the corresponding entries from the Alphabetical Index of the Design Search Code Manual for that design code. While the DD index can be used for searching design codes, the intention was to display the design code descriptions from the Alphabetical Index with the full text display so that users will more readily see the significance of each design code entry. Additionally, the DD field includes the design code entries with the period format (e.g., 03.01.08 for dogs), so searches can be perform on design code using either the purely numeric format (e.g., 030108[DC]) or the traditional design code format with periods (e.g., 03.01.08[DD]), but note that the DD index must be specified for the traditional design code format with periods (or omit the [DD] index specification, as the tradition design code format with the periods is fairly unique to design code entries).

Example: Enter LION[DD] with the plurals option set to retrieve records for trademarks having design code entries associated with lion or lions in the alphabetical index of the Design Search Code Manual.

Example: Enter HUMANS[DD] with the plurals option set to retrieve records for trademarks having design code entries associated with humans in the alphabetical index of the Design Search Code Manual.

 


Description of Mark [DE]

This field contains words contained in the written description of the mark.

Example: For the three musical notes that make up the sound mark registered to NBC, this field states, "The mark comprises a sequence of chime-like musical notes ..."

 


[DM] Decimal Mark

Decimal Mark [DM]

Suppose you’re interested in punctuation symbols like ( ) [ ] | \ " that have special meanings for the search engine and are not available for searching. The DM – Decimal Mark – index provides a means of searching those characters or strings of characters occurring in the word mark entry. The catch: you’ll have to get the decimal value of any character you intend to search in the word mark entry. Those decimal values are readily available in the Standard Character Set listing on the USPTO website at http://www.uspto.gov/teas/standardCharacterSet.html.

For example, the decimal value of the [ character is 91 and the decimal value of the ] character is 93. The search

"91"[DM] NEAR2 "93"[DM]

will retrieve word marks like [M] or [A], where the character [ and the character ] must occur in the word mark in any order but with at most a single character between them.

The Decimal Mark index is meant to be a last resort option for word mark searching when traditional search methods fail because the desired search term includes characters like [ or " that are not indexed for traditional searches.

 


Disclaimer [DS]

This field contains words in a statement waiving exclusive rights to specific words or elements of a mark. Without this disclaimer, the USPTO would not register the mark.

Example: The trademark for Florida Gold states "no claim is made to the exclusive use of 'Florida' apart from the mark as shown."

 


Filing Date [FD]

This field contains the date when a complete application was received by the US Patent and Trademark Office, following receipt of all filing material requirements. Contingent upon registration, it constitutes date of constructive use (legal equivalent of actual use).

Dates are stored in the format YYYYMMDD for the four-digit year YYYY, the two digit month MM and the two digit day DD. The $ (unlimited) and ? (single character) truncation operators are appropriate for use in date searches.

For example, the following search will retrieve all marks with a filing date of June15, 1999.

19990615[FD]

Either of the following searches will retrieve all marks with a filing date any time in June, 1999.

199906$[FD]

199906??[FD]

Alternatively, the ` operator can be used for numeric range searches on date fields. The following search will retrieve all marks with a filing date in January 1999 or later.

`FD > "19990000"

The following search will retrieve all marks with a filing date from January 1980 through December 1989.

`FD > 19800000 < 19900000

 


Full Mark [FM]

For this index, each Word Mark is a single index entry with any blank space converted to a hyphen. A search for the mark GOOD AS GOLD might be submitted as GOOD-AS-GOLD[FM]. This field provides for exact match searches. Truncation operators such as $ or ? are valid used in this search field,but this index has not been optimized for truncation searches and their use is not recommended. The asterisk (*) can be used for right truncation to help circumvent truncation overflow errors for searching this field. For example, the search GOOD-AS*[FM] could be used to search for marks beginning GOOD AS.

 


Goods and Services [GS]

This field contains a written description which clearly identifies the nature of the goods and/or services as set forth in the application or registration. See Acceptable Identification of Goods and Services Manual for guidance and suggestions of acceptable descriptions of goods and services. (This manual is available at the Trademark Search Library in Arlington, VA and at all Patent and Trademark Depository Libraries.)

 


International Class [IC]

This field identifies the class(es) assigned to a mark under the International Classification of Goods and Services (Nice Agreement) based upon the goods or services on which the mark is used. The International Classification has been the primary classification for marks in the United States since September 1, 1973.

TIP: Enter a numeric international class in quotes with leading zeros, if necessary.

Example: Enter "032"[IC] to retrieve documents classified in International Class 032.

Note: This International Class field is included for searching convenience, but the displayed International Class information is actually part of the Goods and Services [GS] text to allow for the searching of specific GS text terms occurring in a specific International Class. For example, the search ((IC WITH "032") SAME FRUIT)[GS] will retrieve only marks containing the word FRUIT occurring for International Class 032 in the Goods and Services statement.

A list of International Trademark Class Numbers and Short Titles follows. Note that these short titles are not an official part of the International Classification. They are provided here as a means by which the general content of numbered International Classes can be quickly identified. See Section 6.1 of the Trademark Rules of Practice for the full names of the International Classes and Chapter 1400 of the Trademark Manual of Examining Procedure for additional trademark classification information.

 

International Trademark Class Numbers and Short Titles

GOODS
001  Chemicals
002  Paints
003  Cosmetics and Cleaning Preparations
004  Lubricants and Fuels
005  Pharmaceuticals
006  Metal Goods
007  Machinery
008  Hand Tools
009  Electrical and Scientific Apparatus
010  Medical Apparatus
011  Environmental Control Apparatus
012  Vehicles
013  Firearms
014  Jewelry
015  Musical Instruments
016  Paper Goods and Printed Matter
017  Rubber Goods
018  Leather Goods
019  Non-metallic Building Materials
020  Furniture and Articles Not Otherwise Classified
021  Housewares and Glass
022  Cordage and Fibers
023  Yarns and Threads
024  Fabrics
025  Clothing
026  Fancy Goods
027  Floor Coverings
028  Toys and Sporting Goods
029  Meats and Processed Foods
030  Staple Foods
031  Natural Agricultural Products
032  Light Beverages
033  Wines and Spirits
034  Smokers' Articles

 

SERVICES
035  Advertising and Business
036  Insurance and Financial
037  Construction and Repair
038  Communication
039  Transportation and Storage
040  Material Treatment
041  Education and Entertainment
042  Computer, Scientific and Legal
043  Hotels and Restaurants
044  Medical, Beauty and Agricultural
045  Personal

 

Other
200Collective Membership Mark
AGoods Certification Mark
BServices Certification Mark

International Registration [IR]

This field includes the International Registration number for applications filed under §66(a).


Filed ITU [IU]

This search field no longer exists. With the implementation of the Madrid Protocol, filing basis information was reorganized into the Current Basis [CB] and Original Filing Basis [OB] fields.

 


Live/Dead [LD]

The field contains either LIVE or DEAD.

The search LIVE[LD] can be used to obtain all live records.

Use this search field in conjunction with other searches to retrieve only live or dead records. For example, the search *DOG*[BI,TI] AND LIVE[LD] will retrieve all live marks containing the word segment DOG in the word mark, pseudo mark, or translation fields, including instances of the word DOG embedded within a word such as HOTDOGS, DOGGIE, DOGHOUSE, BULLDOG, GUARDDOG, DOGMAIL or WATCHDOG.

What does a status of "dead" or "abandoned" mean?

 


Mark Drawing Code [MD]

This field provides a code to indicate the type of mark drawing.

The following table provides the approximate occurrences of each of the 7 mark drawing codes with their text descriptions.

Occurrences Code Description
38,939 0 UNKNOWN
2,504,964 1 TYPED DRAWING
137,960 2 DESIGN ONLY
724,107 3 DESIGN PLUS WORDS, LETTERS, AND/OR NUMBERS
285,604 4 STANDARD CHARACTER MARK
295,015 5 WORDS, LETTERS, AND/OR NUMBERS IN STYLIZED
270 6 FOR SITUATIONS FOR WHICH NO DRAWING IS POSSIBLE, SUCH AS SOUND

To search in this field, enter the desired mark drawing code number in quotes with the [MD] search field tag.

Example: Enter "2"[MD] for design only marks. Enter "6"[MD] for sensory marks (such as sound and fragrance marks).

 


Mark Index [MI]

 

Similar to the Basic Index, the Mark Index field contains word mark, in both punctuated and non-punctuated form, but not the pseudo mark information. MI is indexed for optimal searching efficiency. This field uses a special * truncation operator for very fast left or right truncation searches. Please note that the * truncation operator cannot be used for internal truncation. The $ or ? characters are used for internal truncation but their added use may result in a truncation overflow condition. The MI index was added with the Fall 2005 update to allow for * truncation searches of word mark entries independent of the pseudo mark entries that are included in the BI index.

The search *DOG*[MI] will retrieve marks that have the word segment DOG anywhere in the word mark. Alternatively, the search *DOG*[BI] will retrieve the word segment DOG occurring anywhere in the word mark or pseudo mark.

This field is not displayed; consequently, search terms for searches of this field will not be highlighted.

 


Mark Non-Punctuated [MN]

 

This index contains the text for the Word Mark. Punctuation characters have been removed and replaced by a space. This means that a word mark like ARE-TWO is indexed as two separate indexed terms ARE and TWO. G*R*I*T is indexed as the four separate letters G, R, I and T.

This field is not displayed; consequently, search terms for searches of this field will not be highlighted.

We recommend using the Basic Index field for word mark searches.

 


Mark Punctuated [MP]

 

This field contains the Word Mark, including any punctuation characters. This is the word mark field displayed in the text output. Search terms for searches of this field will be highlighted in the display of the word mark.

TIP: This field cannot be used to search marks using only a design, fragrance, sound, etc. See field contents for Mark Drawing Code for information on searching these types of marks.

We recommend using the Basic Index field for word mark searches.

 

Original Filing Basis [OB]

The Original Filing Basis field contains the original basis information as of the filing of the application. Possible entries for this field include:

    Entry                  Meaning
    1A                     Filed under Section §1(a) {use in commerce}.
    1B                     Filed under Section §1(b) {intent to use}.
    44D                    Filed under Section §44(d) {foreign application}.
    44E                    Filed under Section §44(e) {foreign registration}.
    66A                    Filed under Section §66(a) (Madrid Protocol).
    NO FILING BASIS        No filing basis claimed.

More than one basis may occur.

Example: the search 1A[OB] will retrieve all records originally filed under section 1(a).

Please refer to the TMEP Ch. 800 for additional information on the different filing bases.

 


Other Data[OD]

This field contains information regarding any concurrent use of the mark, court ordered restriction, or other information which exists for the particular mark.

 


Owner Name [ON]

This field contains the name of the individual, corporation, partnership, association, etc., having controlling interest in the use of the mark. For example, the search WAL-MART[ON] will retrieve marks owned by Wal-Mart (although there may be variations in the spelling of that name that may not be retrieved by that specific search).

This field is included for improving owner searches by not retrieving irrelevant hits for occurrences of the search terms in the owner address; however, this field is not displayed, so search terms for this field will not be highlighted.

 


Owner Name and Address [OW]

Address This field contains the name and address of the owner or applicant for the mark including street, city, state or country and zip code. This field also indicates if an owner is an individual, corporation, partnership, association, etc., and state or country of citizenship or incorporation. This field is displayed and search terms for searches of this field will be highlighted.

 


Priority Date [PD]

This field relates to Section 44(d) applications. It contains the date of filing in a foreign country which becomes the "priority" filing date in the United States.

Dates are stored in the format YYYYMMDD for the four-digit year YYYY, the two digit month MM and the two digit day DD. The $ (unlimited) and ? (single character) truncation operators are appropriate for use in date searches.

For example, the following search will retrieve all marks with a priority date of June15, 1999.

19990615[PD]

Either of the following searches will retrieve all marks with a priority date any time in June, 1999.

199906$[PD]

199906??[PD]

Alternatively, the ` operator can be used for numeric range searches on date fields. The following search will retrieve all marks with a priority date in January 1999 or later.

`PD > "19990000"

The following search will retrieve all marks with a priority date from January 1980 through December 1989.

`PD > 19800000 < 19900000

 


Physical Filing Date [PF]

Dates are stored in the format YYYYMMDD for the four-digit year YYYY, the two digit month MM and the two digit day DD. The $ (unlimited) and ? (single character) truncation operators are appropriate for use in date searches.

For example, the following search will retrieve all marks with a physical filing date of June15, 1999.

19990615[PF]

Either of the following searches will retrieve all marks with a physical filing date any time in June, 1999.

199906$[PF]

199906??[PF]

Alternatively, the ` operator can be used for numeric range searches on date fields. The following search will retrieve all marks with a physical filing date in January 1999 or later.

`PF > "19990000"

The following search will retrieve all marks with a physical filing date from January 1980 through December 1989.

`PF > 19800000 < 19900000

This field is not displayed.

 


Pseudo Mark Index [PI]

Similar to the Basic Index, the PI index contains pseudo mark but not the word mark information. PI is indexed for optimal searching efficiency. This field uses a special * truncation operator for very fast left or right truncation searches. Please note that the * truncation operator cannot be used for internal truncation. The $ or ? characters are used for internal truncation but their added use may result in a truncation overflow condition. The PI index was added with the Fall 2005 update to allow for * truncation searches of pseudo mark entries independent of the word mark entries that are included in the BI index.

For some marks, the USPTO has added a pseudo mark to the search data to assist TESS users in identifying relevant marks related to their search term. Pseudo mark entries are not displayed or printed in the search results and are not part of the official application or registration. Pseudo marks provide an additional search tool for locating documents whose word mark may contain an alternative or intentionally corrupted spelling for a normal English word. The pseudo mark field often contains spellings that are very similar or phonetically equivalent to the word mark.

Examples:

  • A document with the word mark 4U might contain a pseudo mark of FOR YOU.
  • Searching the pseudo index field for *QUICK*[PI] should retrieve marks whose word mark field contains words like KWIK, KWIX, QUIK, etc.

 


Pseudo Mark [PM]

For some marks, the USPTO has added a pseudo mark to the search data to assist TESS users in identifying relevant marks related to their search term. Pseudo mark entries are not displayed or printed in the search results and are not part of the official application or registration. Pseudo marks provide an additional search tool for locating documents whose word mark may contain an alternative or intentionally corrupted spelling for a normal English word. The pseudo mark field often contains spellings that are very similar or phonetically equivalent to the word mark.

Examples:

  • A document with the word mark 4U might contain a pseudo mark of FOR YOU.
  • Searching the pseudo mark field for QUICK should retrieve marks whose word mark field contains words like KWIK, KWIX, QUIK, etc.

We recommend using the Basic Index field for word mark/pseudo mark searches.

 


Published for Opposition [PO]

This field contains the date that the application was published for opposition in the Trademark Official Gazette.

Dates are stored in the format YYYYMMDD for the four-digit year YYYY, the two digit month MM and the two digit day DD. The $ (unlimited) and ? (single character) truncation operators are appropriate for use in date searches.

For example, the following search will retrieve all marks with a published for opposition date of June15, 1999.

19990615[PO]

Either of the following searches will retrieve all marks with a published for opposition date any time in June, 1999.

199906$[PO]

199906??[PO]

Alternatively, the ` operator can be used for numeric range searches on date fields. The following search will retrieve all marks with a published for opposition date in January 1999 or later.

`PO > "19990000"

The following search will retrieve all marks with a published for opposition date from January 1980 through December 1989.

`PO > 19800000 < 19900000

 


Prior Registrations [PR]

This field contains the registration numbers of other US registrations owned by the applicant or registrant.

TIP: Enter as a seven-digit number in quotes with leading zeros if necessary, as in "1800144"[PR] or "0040006"[PR].

 


Registration Date [RD]

This field contains the date on which a mark was registered by the US Patent and Trademark Office.

This field applies only to registered marks; pending marks will have a registration date of 0.

Dates are stored in the format YYYYMMDD for the four-digit year YYYY, the two digit month MM and the two digit day DD. The $ (unlimited) and ? (single character) truncation operators are appropriate for use in date searches.

For example, the following search will retrieve all marks with a registration date of June15, 1999.

19990615[RD]

Either of the following searches will retrieve all marks with a registration date any time in June, 1999.

199906$[RD]

199906??[RD]

Alternatively, the ` operator can be used for numeric range searches on date fields. The following search will retrieve all marks with a registration date in January 1999 or later.

`RD > "19990000"

The following search will retrieve all marks with a registration date from January 1980 through December 1989.

`RD > 19800000 < 19900000

 


Renewals (RE)

This field contains the date on which a renewal for a trademark was registered by the US Patent and Trademark Office. Trademarks may be renewed indefinitely for ten-year periods provided certain conditions are met.

Following are examples of entries for this field.

1ST RENEWAL   19991028
2ND RENEWAL   19970102
3RD RENEWAL   19990920
4TH RENEWAL   19991013

All records with a renewal entry might be retrieved by the search RENEWAL[RE]. Renewals for a particular date can be retrieved by the search of that date. For example, the search 199906??[RE] will retrieve all records with a renewal date in June, 1999. Searches of this field can be performed on any of the keyword, such as "1ST"[RE] to retrieve all records with a 1st renewal entry.

This field applies only to Registered marks.

 


Register [RG]

This field identifies the mark as being either on

  • the Principal Register
  • the Principal Register with a Section 2(f) claim of acquired distinctiveness, or
  • the Supplemental Register.

The Principal Register is where most marks are registered. The Supplemental Register exists to allow registration of marks that are not distinctive but are "capable" of becoming distinctive. Principal Register marks which have acquired distinctiveness through long use are registered based on a claim under Section 2(f) of the Lanham Act. Usually, at least five years of use is sufficient to support a Section 2(f) claim. Registration on the Supplemental Register does not bar later registration on the Principal Register once the mark has become capable of distinguishing the owner's goods or services from those of others.

There are 4 unique entries in this field, namely
(a) PRINCIPAL,
(b) PRINCIPAL-2(F)-IN PART,
(c) PRINCIPAL-2(F) and
(d) SUPPLEMENTAL.

The search PRINCIPAL[RG] retrieves only occurrences of (a) PRINCIPAL.

The search PRINCIPAL-2[RG] AND PART[RG] retrieves only occurrences of (b) PRINCIPAL-2(F)-IN PART.

The search PRINCIPAL-2[RG] NOT PART[RG] retrieves only occurrences of (c) PRINCIPAL-2(F).

The search SUPPLEMENTAL[RG] retrieves only occurrences of (d) SUPPLEMENTAL.

This field applies only to Registered marks.

 


Registration Number [RN]

This field contains the unique number assigned to applications that have received approval for registration. To search this field, use the seven-digit registration number. If the registration number does not contain seven digits, pad with leading zeros.

Examples: "1371604"[RN] or "0916522"[RN]

TIP: The registration number is 7 digits. Do not include any commas in the registration number.

The search `RN > "0" will retrieve all registered marks.

The search `RN = "0" will retrieve all pending marks. Note that marks with serial numbers beginning with the series code 89 are marks protected by treaties or international agreements.

 


Section 44 Indicator [SF]

This search field no longer exists. With the implementation of the Madrid Protocol, filing basis information was reorganized into the Current Basis [CB] and Original Filing Basis [OB] fields.

 


Single Design Code [SD]

The [SD] field has been deactivated. Single Design Search Code searches can be performed using the [TD] search field. See the [TD] Total Designs search field to search for marks based on the number of design codes occurring in the record.

 


[SO] Serial - Other Formats

Serial - Other Formats [SO]

Serial numbers are sometimes displayed in the XX-XXXXXX or XX/XXXXXX formats. To help simplify serial number searching, those alternative formats for the serial number were loaded into this SO field. Searches of serial numbers in the hyphenated or slashed formats may be performed using the [SO] index. For example, "71-060158"[SO] will retrieve the mark with serial number 71060158, as will "71/060158"[SO].

Since the hyphenated and slashed format are fairly unique to serial numbers, you might choose for convenience to omit the [SO] index tag, searching that rather unique serial number format across all X-Search indexes.

 


Serial Number [SN]

This field contains the unique identification number assigned by the US Patent and Trademark Office to trademark applications which have received a filing date. Search for a specific record by entering its full 8-digit serial number, e.g., 70011210[SN] to retrieve the record for serial number 70011210.

The serial number consists of a 2-digit series code and 6 digit application number. If the application number does not contain 6 digits, leading zeros must be entered.

Series Code Designations
70 indicates filing dates ranging from 1881 through 3-31-1905
71 indicates filing dates ranging from 4-01-1905 through 12-31-1955
72 indicates filing dates ranging from 1-01-1956 through 8-31-1973
73 indicates filing dates ranging from 9-01-1973 through 11-15-1989
74 indicates filing dates ranging from 1989-11-16 through 1995-09-30
75 indicates filing dates ranging from 1995-10-01 through approximately 2000-03-20
76 indicates paper filings from approximately 2000-03-20 to present
77 indicates Internet filings from approximately 2006-09-14 to present
78 indicates Internet filings from approximately 2000-03-20 through 2006-09-13
79 indicates §66(a) filings from approximately 2003-11-02 to present
80-81 indicates a pseudo serial number
89 indicates a Non-Registration Document

 


Standard Characters Claimed

This field has the entry STANDARD CHARACTERS CLAIMED for standard character drawings.

The search STANDARD[ST] will retrieve all records with the standard characters claim.

 


Date Amended to Current Register[SR]

This field contains the date that the application was amended for placement on the Supplemental Register.

Dates are stored in the format YYYYMMDD for the four-digit year YYYY, the two digit month MM and the two digit day DD. The $ (unlimited) and ? (single character) truncation operators are appropriate for use in date searches.

For example, the following search will retrieve all marks with an amendment to current register date of June15, 1999.

19990615[SR]

Either of the following searches will retrieve all marks with an amendment to current register date any time in June, 1999.

199906$[SR]

199906??[SR]

Alternatively, the ` operator can be used for numeric range searches on date fields. The following search will retrieve all marks with an amendment to current register date in January 1999 or later.

`SR > "19990000"

The following search will retrieve all marks with an amendment to current register date from January 1980 through December 1989.

`SR > 19800000 < 19900000

 


Trademark Search Facility Classification Code Index [TC] (limited to 8-28-07 through 1-31-11)

WARNING: Searching by TC code will only retrieve registrations coded from August 28, 2007 through January 31, 2011. The USPTO continues to code all pending applications that contain a design element using a numerical design code system modeled after the International Classification of the Figurative Elements of Marks. Searches performed using these codes in the Design Search Code [DC] field retrieves pending applications and active registrations for marks that include the design element(s) searched.

This field has the classification codes used at the Trademark Search Facility for organizing trademarks for searching. The * (asterisk) wildcard character may be used for right truncation with this search field to avoid truncation overflows on TESS. The Table of TC Entries lists the possible codes for the TC index.

     LET*[TC]

This example search uses the TC index to retrieve all marks with TC entries like LETTER.

 


Total Designs [TD]

The TD index in a numeric index of the number of design codes occurring in the record. Search "0"[TD] for marks with no design codes, "1"[TD] for marks with a single design code entry (a theme previous performed via the SD index, such as the 030108[SD] search to retrieve marks with the 030108 design code only), "2"[TD] for marks with two design code entries, etc. Alternatively, perform a numeric range search like the following.

     030108[dc] AND `TD < 4

This example search uses the DC and TD index to retrieve all marks with the simple dog design code 03.01.08 and no more than 2 other design code entries.

 


Distinctiveness Limitation Statement [TF]

This field contains statements such as AS TO "SANTA FE". An example search is "SANTA FE"[TF].

 


Translation Index [TI]

This field contains English equivalents to foreign words or characters used in a trademark.

This field, along with the [BI] field, uses a special * truncation operator for more efficient left and/or right truncation searches. Please note that the * truncation operator cannot be used for internal truncation. The $ or ? truncation symbols are used for internal truncation, but their use may result in truncation overflow. The search *DOG*[BI,TI] will retrieve marks that have the word segment DOG anywhere in the word mark, pseudo mark, or translation.

For example, the search wolf[TI] will retrieve documents containing the words "lupo", "ookami", "lobo", and other language equivalents to the word wolf, provided an appropriate entry has been included in the translation statement.

 


Translation (TL)

 

This field contains English equivalents to foreign words or characters used in a trademark.

For example, the search wolf[TL] will retrieve documents containing the words "lupo", "ookami", "lobo", and other language equivalents to the word wolf, provided an appropriate entry has been included in the translation statement.

 


Type of Mark (TM)

 

This field indicates the type of mark: trademark, service mark, collective mark, collective membership mark, or certification mark.

  • Trademark: Any word, name, symbol or device, or any combination thereof, used or intended to be used by a person to identify and distinguish his goods from those manufactured or sold by others and to indicate the source of those goods.
  • Service Mark: Any word, name, symbol or device or any combination thereof, used or intended to be used by a person to identify and distinguish his services from the services of others, to indicate the source of the services (i.e., banking activities).
  • Collective Mark: Any trademark or service mark used or intended to be used by the members of an association, cooperative, or other collective group to identify and distinguish their goods or services. For example, the FTD mark is used by member florists of the Florists' Transworld Delivery Association.
  • Collective Membership Mark: A mark adopted or intended to be adopted for the purpose of indicating membership in an organized group. For example, the letters AAA inside an oval indicates membership with the American Automobile Association.
  • Certification Mark: A mark which is used or intended to be used to certify that goods or services of others meet certain standards established by the owner. The most common types of certification marks are those which: (1) originate from a specific geographic region, such as Roquefort cheese; (2) meet standards in relation to the quality, materials, or mode of manufacture, such as Underwriters Laboratory approval; or (3) were performed by an individual who has met certain standards or belongs to a certain organization or union, such as a union label in clothing

 


Update/Load Date [UD]

 

This field contains the date of the last update for the serial number record. This field is not displayed.

Dates are stored in the format YYYYMMDD for the four-digit year YYYY, the two digit month MM and the two digit day DD. The $ (unlimited) and ? (single character) truncation operators are appropriate for use in date searches.

For example, the following search will retrieve all marks with a update/load date of June15, 1999.

19990615[UD]

Either of the following searches will retrieve all marks with a update/load date any time in June, 1999.

199906$[UD]

199906??[UD]

Alternatively, the ` operator can be used for numeric range searches on date fields. The following search will retrieve all marks with a update/load date in January 1999 or later.

`UD > "19990000"

The following search will retrieve all marks with a update/load date from January 1980 through December 1989.

`UD > 19800000 < 19900000

Please refer to TSDR to obtain the most up-to-date status for any record retrieved by TESS.

 


US Class [US]

 

This field contains the US class information. You are advised to include any numeric class in quotes. For example , the search "022"[US] might be performed to search for marks in US class 022 [Games, Toys, and Sporting Goods].

US Classes and Short Titles

001  Raw or Partly Prepared Materials
002  Receptacles
003  Baggage Animal Equipments, Portfolios and Pocketbooks
004  Abrasives and Polishing Materials
005  Adhesives
006  Chemicals and Chemical Compositions
007  Cordage
008  Smokers' Articles, Not Including Tobacco Products
009  Explosives, Firearms, Equipments and Projectiles
010  Fertilizers
011  Inks and Inking Materials
012  Construction Materials
013  Hardware, Plumbing and Steamfitting Supplies
014  Metals, Metal Castings and Forgings
015  Oils and Greases
016  Protective and Decorative Coatings
017  Tobacco Products
018  Medicines and Pharmaceutical Preparations
019  Vehicles
020  Linoleum and Oiled Cloth
021  Electrical Apparatus, Machines and Supplies
022  Games, Toys and Sporting Good
023  Cutlery, Machinery, Tools and Parts Thereof
024  Laundry Appliances and Machines
025  Locks and Safes
026  Measuring and Scientific Appliances
027  Horological Instruments
028  Jewelry and Precious-metal Ware
029  Brooms, Brushes and Dusters
030  Crockery, Earthenware and Porcelain
031  Filters and Refrigerators
032  Furniture and Upholstery
033  Glassware
034  Heating, Lighting and Ventilating Apparatus
035  Belting, Hose, Machinery Packing and Non-Metallic Tires
036  Musical Instruments and Supplies
037  Paper and Stationery
038  Prints and Publications
039  Clothing
040  Fancy Goods, Furnishings and Notions
041  Canes, Parasols and Umbrellas
042  Knitted, Netted and Textile Fabrics and Substitutes
043  Thread and Yarn
044  Dental, Medical and Surgical Appliances
045  Soft Drinks and Carbonated Waters
046  Foods and Ingredients of Foods
047  Wines
048  Malt Beverages and Liquors
049  Distilled Alcoholic Liquors
050  Merchandise Not Otherwise Classified
051  Cosmetics and Toilet Preparations
052  Detergents and Soaps
100  Miscellaneous
101  Advertising and Business
102  Insurance and Financial
103  Construction and Repair
104  Communication
105  Transportation and Storage
106  Material Treatment
107  Education and Entertainment
200  COLLECTIVE MEMBERSHIP
A    GOODS CERTIFICATION MARK
B    SERVICES CERTIFICATION MARK

 


Plurals

If the plurals option is selected, TESS will automatically search for the singular, plural and possessive regardless of whether you enter the singular or the plural. A search for DOG and a search for DOGS will return the same hits when you have the plural box checked. The use of any form of truncation or pattern matching in combination with the plurals feature is not recommended.

A search for HOG[BI] with the plurals function turned on will return results containing both the singular, plural and possessive forms of HOG that occur in the Basic Index. Results will include: HOG, HOGS and HOG'S found in the Basic Index.

Caution! The plurals option does not work with pattern matching. For example, the search {A}MIND[BI,TI] with the plurals option selected might be expected to retrieve the mark CMINDS, but CMINDS is not retrieved by that search. This is a limitation of the search engine.

Caution! Right truncation should not be used with the plurals option. For example, the search MOUSE*[BI,TI] with the plurals option selected might be expected to retrieve marks with MICE in the word mark, pseudo mark or translation. Unfortunately, the search engine literally checks for the word ending MOUSE* in the plurals table and fails to recognize MICE as the plural of MOUSE, as there is not an entry in the plurals table for MOUSE*.

Generally, left truncation can be used with the plurals option. For example, the search *MOUSE[BI,TI] with the plurals option selected does retrieve marks with MICE in the word mark, pseudo mark or translation.


Plurals Table

For most searches, selecting the plurals option will provide the desired singular and plural forms for your search. Note that the plurals option work both ways, converting singular search terms to plurals and plural search terms to the singular form for the actual search. If you have doubts about the substitutions being performed for your search, turn the plurals option off and specify the explicit search terms you wish to retrieve.

The TESS search engine employs an exception table to create the singular and plural forms of search words. If the word is not in exception table, an S is appended to the word to form its plural. For example, the plural form of BANANA is BANANAS.

The exception table provides the substitutions that are used to form the plural form or multiple plural forms for select words. The bulk of the entries include a word ending and the list of one or more alternative endings that are substituted to form the plural forms. For example, the plural forms of words ending in Y are provided by the following entry.

Y IES YS

The above entry means that for any word ending in Y, two plural forms are created by substituting IES and YS for Y. The plural forms for LADY are LADYS and LADIES.

When forming the plural forms for a word, the exception table is searched in order. Once a word match is found, then the substitutions specified in that word are performed and searching stops. For example, although BOY ends in Y, the entry OY precedes Y in the table, so the plural form of BOY is BOYS. The substitution IES is not performed for the Y in boy, so BOIES is not a plural form BOY.

An alternative format used in the exception table is for entries beginning with the equal sign (=), which indicates an exact match of the full word must occur for the substitution to be performed. An example of such an entry follows.

=OCTOPUS =OCTOPUSES =OCTOPI

The plural forms of OCTOPUS are OCTOPUSES and OCTOPI, but OCTOPUS is not considered to be a word ending for such substitutions. There are very few uses of this format in the exception table, so there is little likelihood of encountering these exceptions during your searches. If you have doubts about the substitutions being performed for your search, turn the plurals option off and specify the explicit search terms you wish to retrieve.

If an entry in exception table begins with a plus sign (+) then TESS substitutes for the word following the plus sign with all the alternative entries included on the line.

Each line represents the various forms of a given word ending. If the end of an input term matches any of the strings given on a line, then that is expanded to the beginning part of the input term (less the matched ending), plus each of the endings given on that exception line.

ORDER COUNTS! These exceptions will be tested for in the order in which they are defined in this table. Once a matching ending is found, the table lookup stops.


	AEROPLANE       AIRPLANE        AEROPLANES      AIRPLANES
        CATALOG         CATALOGUE       CATALOGS        CATALOGUES
	CENTER          CENTRE          CENTERS         CENTRES
	CHECK           CHEQUE          CHECKS          CHEQUES
	COLOUR          COLOR           COLOURS         COLORS
	COMPUTERIZED    COMPUTERISED
	DISC            DISK            DISCS           DISKS
	ENCYCLOPEDIA    ENCYCLOPAEDIA   ENCYCLOPEDIAS   ENCYCLOPAEDIAS
	FERTILISER      FERTILIZER      FERTILISERS     FERTILIZERS
	INQUIRY         ENQUIRY         INQUIRIES       ENQUIRIES
	JEWELRY         JEWELLERY       JEWELRIES       JEWELLERIES
	KETCHUP         CATSUP          KETCHUPS        CATSUPS
	KNIT            KNITTED
	LICENSE         LICENCE         LICENSES        LICENCES
	MOLD            MOULD           MOLDS           MOULDS
	MOLDING         MOULDING        MOLDINGS        MOULDINGS
	MOUSTACHE       MUSTACHE        MOUSTACHES      MUSTACHES
	ONLINE          ON-LINE         ONLINES         ON-LINES
	ORGANISATION    ORGANIZATION    ORGANISATIONS   ORGANIZATIONS
	PAJAMAS         PYJAMAS         PAJAMA          PYJAMA
	PROGRAM         PROGRAMME       PROGRAMS        PROGRAMMES
	PROPELLANT      PROPELLENT      PROPELLANTS     PROPELLENTS
	THEATRE         THEATER         THEATRES        THEATERS
	TYRE            TIRE            TYRES           TIRES
	WOOLEN          WOOLLEN         WOOLENS         WOOLLENS
	STATIONARY      STATIONERY      STATIONARIES    STATIONERIES
        AMOEBA		AMOEBAE		AMOEBAS
	AMEBA		AMEBAE		AMEBAS
	CHILD		CHILDS		CHILDREN	CHILDRENS
	INDEX		INDEXES		INDICES
	HUMAN		HUMANS
	MAN		MEN		MENS		MANS
	AY		AYS
	MONEY		MONEYS		MONIES
	EY		EYS
	IY		IYS
	INDIA		INDIAS
	INDIUM		INDIUMS
	IUM		IUMS		IA		IAS
	OY		OYS
	UY		UYS
	Y		IES		YS
	SH		SHES
	ACHE		ACHES
	CH		CHES		CHS
	J		JES		JS
	GENUS		GENERA		GENUSES
	ANALYSIS	+ANALYSES
	+ANALYSE	ANALYSES	+ANALYSIS
	=ROSE		=ROSES
	ROSIS		ROSES
	=NOSE		=NOSES
	NOSIS		NOSES
	BASIS		BASE		BASES
	CRISIS		CRISES
	GENESIS		GENESES
	OASIS		OASES
	OSMOSIS		OSMOSES
	ABUSE		ABUSES
	BUS		BUSES		BUSSES
	SS		SSES
	GOOSE		GOOSES		GEESE
	LOUSE		LOUSES		LICE
	MOUSE		MOUSES		MICE		MICES
	ALUMNA		ALUMNAE		ALUMNAS		ALUMNAES
	FORMULA		FORMULAE	FORMULAS
	NUCLEUS		NUCLEI		NUCLEUSES
	ALUMNUS		ALUMNI		ALUMNIS
	FUNGUS		FUNGI		FUNGUSES
	THESAURUS	THESAURI	THESAURUSES
	CACTUS		CACTI		CACTUSES
	RADIUS		RADII		RADIUSES
	=OCTOPUS	=OCTOPUSES	=OCTOPI
	THESIS		THESES
	SE		SES
	YNX		YNGES		YNXES
	ICE		IX		ICES		IXES		IXS
	=OX		=OXEN		=OXES
	X		XES		XS
	Z		+ZES		ZS
	AO		AOS
	EO		EOS
	IO		IOS
	OO		OOS
	UO		UOS
	=CANOE		=CANOES
	=DOE		+DOES
	=DO		+DOES
	=DOES		+DOE		+DO
	=HOE		=HOES
	=FLOE		=FLOES
	=FOE		=FOES
	=OBOE		=OBOES
	=ROE		=ROES
	=SHOE		=SHOES
	=TOE		=TOES
	=TO		+TO
	O		OES		OS		OE
	FOOT		FEET
	TOOTH		TEETH
	PERSON		PERSONS		PEOPLE		PEOPLES
	DATUM		DATA
	STAFF		STAFFS		STAVES
	=DWARF		=DWARFS		=DWARVES
	FF		FFS
	BELIEF		BELIEFS		BELIEVES
	CALF		CALFS		CALVES
	ELF		ELFS		ELVES
	GRIEF		GRIEFS		GRIEVES
	HALF		HALFS		HALVES
	HOOF		HOOFS		HOOVES
	KERCHIEF	KERCHIEFS	KERCHIEVES
	KNIFE		KNIFES		KNIVES
	LEAF		LEAFS		LEAVES
	LIFE		LIFES		LIVE		LIVES
	LOAF		LOAVES
	ROOF		ROOFS		ROOVES
	SCARF		SCARFS		SCARVES
	SELF		SELFS		SELVES
	SHEAF		SHEAFS		SHEAVES
	SHELF		SHELFS		SHELVES
	THIEF		THIEFS		THIEVES
	WHARF		WHARFS		WHARVES
	WIFE		WIFES		WIVES
	WOLF		WOLFS		WOLVES

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Logical Operators

The logical operators for TESS are described in the following table.

Operator Meaning
AND Boolean AND - Records retrieved will contain the each of the search terms specified. The order of occurrence of the search terms in the record is not restricted.
OR Boolean OR - Records retrieved will contain at least one of the search terms specified.
NOT Boolean NOT - Records retrieved will not include the search term following the NOT operator. NOT may be used with the SAME or WITH operators to retrieve documents that contain the first term but do not contain the second term in the same paragraph or sentence.
XOR Exclusive OR - For two search terms, records will include either the first term or the second term, but not both.
SAME The search terms occur in the same paragraph. This operator may be useful for searches of Goods and Services (i.e., searching for two or more terms within the same Goods and Services entry).
WITH The search terms occur in the same sentence.
ADJ# The search terms occur in the adjacent to each other in the order specified in the search. A numeric qualifier (1-99) can be appended to ADJ to allow additional words to be between the two search terms.
NEAR# The search terms occur in the same sentence within the specified number of words of each other. For example, the search DOG NEAR2 CAT will retrieve records for which the words DOG and CAT appear in the same sentence with at most one word between them in any order.

Operator Precedence:

For longer search statements, the precedence order, from highest to lowest, is as follows:

  1. ADJ, NEAR (highest precedence)
  2. WITH
  3. SAME
  4. AND, NOT, NOT SAME, NOT WITH, NOT NEAR, NOT ADJ
  5. XOR
  6. OR (lowest precedence)

For example, the consider the following three search results.

Search Summary:


No.  Search Terms                               Documents   Occurrences
S1   (BANKS OR INVESTMENT AND SERVICES)[GS]         16774         59223
S2   ((BANKS OR INVESTMENT) AND SERVICES)[GS]       13434         58843
S3   (BANKS OR (INVESTMENT AND SERVICES))[GS]       16774         59223


In the first search, TESS applies the its rules for the order of operations, first searching the two terms INVESTMENT and SERVICES in the GS field, and then combining that result via the OR operator with the search of BANKS in the GS field. In the second and third searches, the order of operations is determined by the parenthesis. Note that the counts for the first and third searches match.

We recommend that you include parenthesis in your longer searches to explicitly indicate the order of operations rather than submitting ambiguous queries that may not be interpreted as intended by the search engine.

 

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Truncation Operators

Operator Meaning and Use
$ Matches zero or more continuous characters. The $ truncation operator can be used in any search field to represent 0, 1, or more than one character other than a blank space character. It is recommend that $ not be used to designate left and/or right truncation when searching the Basic Index.
$n Matches between zero and n continuous characters. By including a numeric value following the $ truncation operator, the $ operator is limited to at most n characters.
? Matches a single non-blank character.
* The asterisk (*) is a special truncation operator for the permuted Basic Index [BI], Mark Index [MI], Pseudo Mark Index [PI] and Translation Index [TI] search fields only. The * symbol matches zero or more continuous characters. The permuted BI, MI, PI and TI search fields have been especially constructed to allow for the use of the * truncation operator for very fast double truncation searches. For example, the search *DOG*[BI] retrieves all marks containing the three consecutive character DOG and should perform that search much more quickly than by using the standard TESS truncation search $DOG$[BI]. Note that the asterisk truncation operation is not appropriate for use as an internal truncation operator. For example, the search NUT*AL[BI] will not retrieve hits like nutritional from the BI or TI index. Use the $ or ? truncation operators for internal truncation searches (e.g., NUT$AL[BI]).

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Pattern Matching

Additionally, TESS includes a CLASS concept for searches. You can use classes to specify which of all the searchable characters should or should not be included in your results. For your search, enclose the class operator within braces {}. For example, the class V represents the vowels A, E, I, O, U or Y. The search H{V}T[MN] will search the MN (Mark Non-Punctuated) index for all occurrences of HAT, HET, HIT, HOT, HUT, or HYT.

CLASS

CLASS CONTENTS

A

The alphabet characters A through Z.

C

The consonants (the letters B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, P, Q, R, S, T, V, W, X, Y and Z).

D

The decimal digits 0 through 9.

E

The even digits 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8.

M

The mixed set of characters A through Z and digits 0 through 9.

O

The odd digits 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9. (Use the letter O, not the digit 0.)

V

The vowels A, E, I, O, U, or Y.

The $ and ? truncation operators may be used with a character class in a search statement. Place the truncation operator outside the pattern delimiters, such as {A}$ to search for any letter (A-Z) followed by anything.

The exclamation point (!) can be used with classes to exclude the class from your search. The search A{!D}, for example, will search for the letter A followed by any character other than the digits 0 through 9.

Multiple occurrences of a class might be specified within the {} delimiters by appending a count after the class name or by repeating the class identifier. The searches H{V,V}T[BI] and H{V2}T[BI] are equivalent and should retrieve all records containing the letter H followed by two vowels followed by the letter T, such as HEAT or HOOT but not HALT.

You can combine classes with the plus sign (+). For example, the search DOG{A+O}[BI] will search for DOG followed by either a letter (A-Z) or an odd digit found in the Basic Index search field.

A class followed by a number searches for a string of that many occurrences of the class. For example, the search {D5}[BI] will search for strings of 5 consecutive digits. Alternative, use a colon (:) to specify the run length for the operator. For example, the search {D:6}[BI] will find any six character strings of digits, or the search {A4:6}[BI] will find any string of four to six letters of the range A to Z. The search CPS{M0:1}[BI] will find word mark or pseudo mark entries beginning with the three characters CPS and having either none or one character (alpha or digit) following the S.

You may designate the particular characters that should occur within the braces. For example, a search for *TE{"ckxq"}*[BI] will return results found in the Basic Index where the letter string TE is preceded by any number of characters or zero characters, immediately followed by the letters "c", "k", "x" or "q" with those characters followed by any number or zero characters. Results will include: Technology, Texture, Tech, Tecs, Teq and others.

 

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Sample Truncation Searches

Following is a search history demonstrating the $ and * truncation operators. The first search of DOG[MN] merely searches for the occurrences of the word DOG in the Mark Non-Punctuated field. A similar search DOG[BI] retrieves occurrences of DOG from the Basic index search field, with includes the text for both the Word Mark and the Pseudo Mark fields, resulting in a larger number of hits. For search 03, the $ truncation operator is used, providing all occurrences from the Mark Non-Punctuated field for the three characters DOG followed by any other characters. Search 04 performs the same truncation search as search 03 using the Basic Index and its special * truncation operator. Since the Basic Index also includes the pseudo mark search field, which is not included in the Mark Non-Punctuated field, it is not unexpected to retrieve a higher number of hits with this search. Searches 05 and 06 include double truncation.



#     Hits       Search
1     2005       DOG[MN]
2     2390       DOG[BI]
3     2966       DOG$[MN]
4     3337       DOG*[BI]
5      869       $DOG$[PM]
6     3771       *DOG*[BI]

The use of the vowel class is demonstrated in the following searches. For the first search, the search statement D{V}G[MN] directs TESS to search the MN [Mark Non-Punctuated] Search field for the character D followed by a vowel followed by the character G. The same search is performed by search 02 using the actual possible vowel combinations. Searches 03 and 04 confirm that the two searches are identical.



#     Hits       Search

1 2148 D{V}G[MN] 2 2148 DAG[MN] or DEG[MN] or DIG[MN] or DOG[MN] or DUG[MN] or DYG[MN] 3 0 1 not 2 4 0 2 not 1

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Phrase Searching

TESS does not utilize implied adjacency when searching two or more terms. To designate that two or more search terms should be searched as a phrase, enclose your search in quotes. Enclosing two or more search terms in quotes tells TESS to invoke the adjacency operator. You can also enter the adjacency (adj) operator yourself between your search terms to specify adjacency. If you do not specify adjacency in a search containing two or more search terms, your search results will contain occurrences of either search term. TESS defaults to using the Boolean OR operator if no operator is specified. For example, the search (CAT FOOD)[BI] is equivalent to (CAT OR FOOD)[BI]. For the phrase CAT FOOD, the search "CAT FOOD"[BI] might be entered. Please recall that the Basic Index is the preferred index for word mark searches. Additionally, the Full Mark [FM] index is designed for exact match searches of the word mark; search for phrases in the Full Mark index by substituting a hyphen for any blank space character, as in CAT-FOOD[FM] to retrieve those few records with the word mark having the exact phrase CAT FOOD with no additional text.

When it is desirable to specify adjacency of searched terms in a search of the Basic Index, as in a phrase search, and it is desired to utilize truncation with one or more of the search terms, use of the * truncation operator is not appropriate.

Use of the * truncation operator in the Basic Index is appropriate when searching for single terms. It is also appropriate to use the * in the Basic Index when searching multiple terms within the same search statement and when the desired results do not require that the terms occur adjacent to each other in the mark. Use of the * truncation operator in the Basic Index is not appropriate if it is required that the multiple terms searched utilizing the * truncation operator appear in the mark adjacent to each other as is commonly desired when executing a phrase search.

A search of the Basic Index where adjacency of search terms is required and it is desired to include the use of truncation, use either the $ or ? truncation operators in place of the * truncation operator. For example, a search for marks that contain the two adjacent terms HOT DOG can be successfully entered in the Basic Index and utilizing truncation, as (HOT$ ADJ DOG$)[BI]. An alternative entry method would be HOT$[BI] ADJ DOG$[BI]. Truncation overflow may occur with the use of the $ or ? truncation operators.

Note that the plurals option does not apply to items in quotes. If the use of the Plurals option is desired when searching for a phrase, use the ADJ operator to designate adjacency of search terms. For example, (CAT ADJ FOOD)[BI] with the Plurals option turned on will retrieve CAT FOODS.

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Special Search Features

Quotes SHOULD be used for numeric searches in any search field so that your search will not be interpreted as a reference to a previous search statement, especially for searches of coordinated classes, international classes or U.S. classes. For example, the search for coordinated class 001 should always include quotes around the number, as in "001"[CC], so that the search system cannot mistake 001 as a reference to search statement 1. The numeric ranges for the other numeric fields typically will exceed the maximum number of statements allowed in your session. The following session demonstrates searching for the Serial Number [SN] field. Note that for the second search, the $ truncation operator in quotes was interpreted literally as a dollar sign and not interpreted as a truncation operator, resulting in no hits for the search. The third search retrieves a range of ten serial numbers (73550140 to 73550149), and the fourth search retrieves a range of 100 serial numbers (though only 99 serial number occur in that range from 73550100 to 73550199).



 #     Hits       Search
s1        1       "73550141"[SN]
s2        0       "7355014$"[SN]
s3       10       7355014$[SN]
s4       99       735501$[SN]

Alternatively, the ` operator can be used for numeric range searches, as shown in the following example search of the Filing Date field for all filing date entries for the year 1985.



 #     Hits       Search
s1    59803       `FD > 19850000 < 19860000

The following numeric comparisons can be used with the ` numeric operator in searches.

Numeric Comparison Meaning

=

Equal to

<>

Not equal to

>

Greater than

>=

Greater than or equal to

<

Less than

<=

Less than or equal to

The apostrophe is not a searchable character and is treated like a blank space (end of word indicator) in TESS 1.1. For example, the owner name Landry's Trademark is actually the three words Landry, S and Trademark. Using quotes for implied adjacency, an owner name search for Landry's Trademark would be "LANDRY S TRADEMARK"[ON]. Note that the apostrophe was replaced by a blank space. An alternative search for the same owner using the ADJ adjacency operator would be LANDRY ADJ S ADJ TRADEMARK[ON].

Suppose you wish to retrieve only marks that have a word repeated in the word mark field. For example, suppose the mark of interest was READER TO READER. The search READER[BI,TI] SAME READER[BI,TI] will provide some undesirable hits containing the word READER only once. Instead, use the NEAR operator in the MP (Mark Punctuated) or MN (Mark Non-Punctuated) fields, as in READER[MP] NEAR2 READER[MP] or READER[MN] NEAR2 READER[MN].

The searches ("003" or "005" or "008")[IC]> and "003"[IC] or "005"[IC] or "008"[IC]> provide identical results, as expected; however, the second format is more efficient, providing the search results more quickly than the first format.

For searches for abbreviations, do not include the final period of the abbreviation. For example, consider searching for "E.S. Originals" in the owner name field. While you might expect the search "E.S. ORIGINALS"[ON] to retrieve the desired records, but the final period of "E.S." should NOT be included in the search. The desired search is "E.S ORIGINALS"[ON]. Additionally, consider that data entry is not always consistent, as a blank space may have been entered between the first two initials of the mark. A more complete search for the owner "E.S. Originals" would be (E ADJ S ADJ ORIGINALS)[ON] OR ("E.S ORIGINALS")[ON]. This search retrieves occurrences of "E. S. Originals" or "E.S. Originals" in the single search.

Use periods instead of brackets to designate the search field: As an alternative to using the left and right brackets, periods can be used to designate the desired search fields. For example, the search DOG.BI,TI. could be submitted as an alternative to the DOG[BI,TI] search.

Not Searching a Specific Paragraph: To retrieve documents when a search term does not occur in a specified paragraph, precede the search field with a minus sign if brackets are used for the search field. For example, the search DOG[-GS] finds all records with the word DOG in all fields except the GS field (though DOG may also occur in the GS field). Alternatively, the syntax DOG..GS. could be used (preceding the field tag by two periods instead of one) if you prefer designating the search field with the period character instead of brackets.

Searchable Characters: The following characters are searchable on TESS.

! # $ % & * + - . / 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

: < = > ? @ A B C D E F G H I J K L M N

O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z ^ ` a b c d e f

g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

~ € ‚ ƒ „ … † ‡ ˆ ‰ Š ‹ Œ • – — ™ š › œ

Ÿ ¡ ¢ £ ¤ ¥ ¦ § ¨ © ª " ¬ ® ¯ ° ± ² ³ ´

µ ¶ · ¸ ¹ º " ¼ Ç È É Ê Ë Ì Í Î Ï Ð Ñ Ò

Ó Ô Õ Ö × Ø Ù Ú Û Ü Ý Þ ß à á â ã ä å æ

ç è é ê ë ì í î ï ð ñ ò ó ô õ ö ù ú û ü

ý þ ÿ

Some of the above searchable characters have special meanings on TESS. For example, the asterisk is a truncation character for the BI and TI indexes. For searches, enclose in quotes any characters that have special meanings to TESS. For example, to search for all marks containing the asterisk character in the word mark, the search *"*"*[BI]can be performed. Similarly, the search *"?"*[BI] will retrieve all marks containing the question mark.

Not all characters can be searched on TESS. The following characters cannot be searched on TESS. Search strings that include these characters, such as the search *"|"*[BI], will provide undesirable results.

" ' ( ) , ; [ \ ] _ { | } ‘ ’ “ ” ˜

Other formatting characters that cannot be printed, such as the line feed, tab, and backspace characters, also cannot be searched on TESS.

TESS is not case sensitive. UPPER CASE characters are equivalent to lower case characters for searching. Either UPPER CASE or lower case characters may be used for your search terms.

The Standard Character Table on eTEAS may be a helpful reference. Note that characters with decimal values above 255 in that standard character table are converted to the A-Z character that it most closely resembles. Also note that the USPTO converts word mark entries to UPPER CASE characters only.

The following table lists character equivalents (aside from UPPER CASE to lower case equivalents).

Character Decimal Description Search Equivalents
- 45 minus sign, hyphen - -­
A 65 capital A A a À Á Â Ã Ä Å Æ à á â ã ä å æ
C 67 capital C C c Ç ç
D 68 capital D D d Ð
E 69 capital E E e È É Ê Ë è é ê ë
F 70 capital F F f
I 73 capital I I i Ì Í Î Ï ì í î ï
N 78 capital N N n Ñ ñ
O 79 capital O O o Œ œ Ò Ó Ô Õ Ö Ø ð ò ó ô õ ö ø
S 83 capital S S s Š š
U 85 capital U U u Ù Ú Û Ü ù ú û ü
X 88 capital X X x ×
Y 89 capital Y Y y Ÿ Ý ý ÿ
Z 90 capital Z Z z Ž ž
a 97 small a A a À Á Â Ã Ä Å Æ à á â ã ä å æ
c 99 small c C c Ç ç
d 100 small d D d Ð
e 101 small e E e È É Ê Ë è é ê ë
f 102 small f F f
i 105 small i I i Ì Í Î Ï ì í î ï
n 110 small n N n Ñ ñ
o 111 small o O o Œ œ Ò Ó Ô Õ Ö Ø ð ò ó ô õ ö ø
s 115 small s S s Š š
u 117 small u U u Ù Ú Û Ü ù ú û ü
x 120 small x X x ×
y 121 small y Y y Ÿ Ý ý ÿ
z 122 small z Z z Ž ž
Š 138 capital S caron or hacek S s Š š
Œ 140 capital OE ligature O o Œ œ Ò Ó Ô Õ Ö Ø ð ò ó ô õ ö ø
Ž 142 Latin capital letter Z with caron Z z Ž ž
š 154 small s caron or hacek S s Š š
œ 156 small oe ligature O o Œ œ Ò Ó Ô Õ Ö Ø ð ò ó ô õ ö ø
ž 158 Latin small letter z with caron Z z Ž ž
Ÿ 159 capital Y dieresis or umlaut Y y Ÿ Ý ý ÿ
- ­ 173 soft hyphen ­ - - ­
À 192 capital A grave A a À Á Â Ã Ä Å Æ à á â ã ä å æ
Á 193 capital A acute A a À Á Â Ã Ä Å Æ à á â ã ä å æ
 194 capital A circumflex A a À Á Â Ã Ä Å Æ à á â ã ä å æ
à 195 capital A tilde A a À Á Â Ã Ä Å Æ à á â ã ä å æ
Ä 196 capital A dieresis or umlaut A a À Á Â Ã Ä Å Æ à á â ã ä å æ
Å 197 capital A ring A a À Á Â Ã Ä Å Æ à á â ã ä å æ
Æ 198 capital AE ligature A a À Á Â Ã Ä Å Æ à á â ã ä å æ
Ç 199 capital C cedilla C c Ç ç
È 200 capital E grave E e È É Ê Ë è é ê ë
É 201 capital E acute E e È É Ê Ë è é ê ë
Ê 202 capital E circumflex E e È É Ê Ë è é ê ë
Ë 203 capital E dieresis or umlaut E e È É Ê Ë è é ê ë
Ì 204 capital I grave I i Ì Í Î Ï ì í î ï
Í 205 capital I acute I i Ì Í Î Ï ì í î ï
Î 206 capital I circumflex I i Ì Í Î Ï ì í î ï
Ï 207 capital I dieresis or umlaut I i Ì Í Î Ï ì í î ï
Ð 208 capital ETH D d Ð
Ñ 209 capital N tilde N n Ñ ñ
Ò 210 capital O grave O o Œ œ Ò Ó Ô Õ Ö Ø ð ò ó ô õ ö ø
Ó 211 capital O acute O o Œ œ Ò Ó Ô Õ Ö Ø ð ò ó ô õ ö ø
Ô 212 capital O circumflex O o Œ œ Ò Ó Ô Õ Ö Ø ð ò ó ô õ ö ø
Õ 213 capital O tilde O o Œ œ Ò Ó Ô Õ Ö Ø ð ò ó ô õ ö ø
Ö 214 capital O dieresis or umlaut O o Œ œ Ò Ó Ô Õ Ö Ø ð ò ó ô õ ö ø
× 215 multiplication sign X x ×
Ø 216 capital O slash O o Œ œ Ò Ó Ô Õ Ö Ø ð ò ó ô õ ö ø
Ù 217 capital U grave U u Ù Ú Û Ü ù ú û ü
Ú 218 capital U acute U u Ù Ú Û Ü ù ú û ü
Û 219 capital U circumflex U u Ù Ú Û Ü ù ú û ü
Ü 220 capital U dieresis or umlaut U u Ù Ú Û Ü ù ú û ü
Ý 221 capital Y acute Y y Ÿ Ý ý ÿ
à 224 small a grave A a À Á Â Ã Ä Å Æ à á â ã ä å æ
á 225 small a acute A a À Á Â Ã Ä Å Æ à á â ã ä å æ
â 226 small a circumflex A a À Á Â Ã Ä Å Æ à á â ã ä å æ
ã 227 small a tilde A a À Á Â Ã Ä Å Æ à á â ã ä å æ
ä 228 small a dieresis or umlaut A a À Á Â Ã Ä Å Æ à á â ã ä å æ
å 229 small a ring A a À Á Â Ã Ä Å Æ à á â ã ä å æ
æ 230 small ae ligature A a À Á Â Ã Ä Å Æ à á â ã ä å æ
ç 231 small c cedilla C c Ç ç
è 232 small e grave E e È É Ê Ë è é ê ë
é 233 small e acute E e È É Ê Ë è é ê ë
ê 234 small e circumflex E e È É Ê Ë è é ê ë
ë 235 small e dieresis or umlaut E e È É Ê Ë è é ê ë
ì 236 small i grave I i Ì Í Î Ï ì í î ï
í 237 small i acute I i Ì Í Î Ï ì í î ï
î 238 small i circumflex I i Ì Í Î Ï ì í î ï
ï 239 small i dieresis or umlaut I i Ì Í Î Ï ì í î ï
ð 240 small eth O o Œ œ Ò Ó Ô Õ Ö Ø ð ò ó ô õ ö ø
ñ 241 small n tilde N n Ñ ñ
ò 242 small o grave O o Œ œ Ò Ó Ô Õ Ö Ø ð ò ó ô õ ö ø
ó 243 small o acute O o Œ œ Ò Ó Ô Õ Ö Ø ð ò ó ô õ ö ø
ô 244 small o circumflex O o Œ œ Ò Ó Ô Õ Ö Ø ð ò ó ô õ ö ø
õ 245 small o tilde O o Œ œ Ò Ó Ô Õ Ö Ø ð ò ó ô õ ö ø
ö 246 small o dieresis or umlaut O o Œ œ Ò Ó Ô Õ Ö Ø ð ò ó ô õ ö ø
ø 248 small o slash O o Œ œ Ò Ó Ô Õ Ö Ø ð ò ó ô õ ö ø
ù 249 small u grave U u Ù Ú Û Ü ù ú û ü
ú 250 small u acute U u Ù Ú Û Ü ù ú û ü
û 251 small u circumflex U u Ù Ú Û Ü ù ú û ü
ü 252 small u dieresis or umlaut U u Ù Ú Û Ü ù ú û ü
ý 253 small y acute Y y Ÿ Ý ý ÿ
ÿ 255 small y dieresis or umlaut Y y Ÿ Ý ý ÿ

 

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Common Search Strategies

The following are X-Search 1.1 strategies that may help users when searching the terms Easy, Flex, Master, Matic, Pack, Profession, Quick, Tech, Tron, High, Light, Tele and Magic. These sample searches may assist you in developing your TESS search strategies.

SPECIAL NOTE: Users should evaluate whether the use of one of these search strategies is the best way to search for the mark. In addition, users are cautioned that the blind use of these strategies could result in relevant marks being missed. Users of these search strategies should become acquainted with and routinely review the pattern matching and truncation rules for TESS to ensure that the search strategies selected will return the type of results that the user expects. Trademarks containing unique or corrupt spellings of words may not be retrieved by the search due to odd letter combinations or spacing contained in a mark that may not be addressed by these search strategies.

EASY

*ea{"szc"}{"iey"}*[bi,ti]
*eez*[bi,ti] or *ees*[bi,ti] or ez*[bi,ti]
(e same (z or ze or se or ce))[bi,ti]

FLEX

*fle$2{"ckqx"}*[bi,ti]
*phle$2{"ckqx"}*[bi,ti]

MASTER

*mas$t$r*[bi,ti]

MATIC

*ma$2t{"iy"}{"ckqx"}*[bi,ti]

PACK

*pa{"ckqx"}*[bi,ti]

PROFESSION

*pro*[bi,ti]

QUICK (note: This strategy takes longer than the others to complete. Approx. 2 minutes. This is due to the number of patterns that the search is matching.)

*{"kcq"}{"uw"}i{"ckqx"}*[bi,ti]
*q{"iey"}{"ckqx"}*[bi,ti]

TECH

*te{"ckqx"}*[bi,ti]

TRON

*tron*[bi,ti]

HIGH

(*hi* or *hy*)[bi,ti]

LIGHT

(*light* or *lit* or *lyt*)[bi,ti]

TELE

*tel*[bi,ti]

MAGIC

*ma$2{"gj"}$2{"ckqx"}*[bi,ti]

 

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Dictionary Browse

This tab is used to enter a term, select an index and to see about 10 items in the dictionary around that term. An entry from the resulting items can be selected and, with a right click, copied to the clipboard so that it may later be pasted to your search statement. To restrict the dictionary browse to a specific index, include the index name with your browse term. For example, the browse BOONE[MP] will retrieve dictionary entries around the word BOONE from the MP (word mark with punctuation) index, as shown below.

TERM Docs Hits
BOONDOCKERS[MP] 2 2
BOONDOCKS[MP] 1 1
BOONDOGGLE[MP] 5 5
BOONDOGGLES[MP] 1 1
BOONDOK[MP] 1 1
BOONE[MP] 73 74
BOONEEZ[MP] 1 1
BOONEKAMP[MP] 1 1
BOONENA[MP] 1 1
BOONESBOROUGH[MP] 1 1
BOONET[MP] 1 1

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Search History

The Search History label of the search screen provides for the display of your searches and hit counts for your session. At any point in your session, you may select Search History to display your session summary as an HTML page with the browser and print your session summary via the print options of your browser.

Alternatively, the drop-down box under the Search History label allows you to view your previous searches. Selecting one of those prior searches from that drop-down box and then performing a submit will re-execute that search so that you may view the hits again.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Note:
The following symbols indicate that the registrant/owner has amended the goods/services:

Link: Frequently Asked Questions About Trademarks

Does abandoned or cancelled mean one can register that trademark?

Why is there a different * truncation operator for the Basic Index [BI] and the permuted Translation Index [TI]?

Why aren't the hits sorted in descending serial number order?

Why are there so many indexes for the word mark?

Why isn't Phonetic Searching available?

My search resulted in too many hits to be reviewed. How can I improve my search to reduce the number of hits to review?

How does one use back references?

Why isn't the Attorney of Record available in TESS?

What does a status of dead or abandoned mean?

Every search results in the error, "Bad query -- no language specified. Use P _______ lang = to specify a language." What am I doing wrong?

What does the search result Word Limit Overflow mean?

An assignment was filed with the USPTO to report the change in ownership for a trademark, yet TESS shows the previous ownership for the trademark prior to the assignment. Why isn’t TESS showing the proper ownership? What can be done to get the ownership corrected on TESS?


Does abandoned or cancelled mean one can register that trademark? The USPTO cannot make any determination on a mark's registrability based upon the abandoned or cancelled status of a prior application or registration. Each case must be decided on its own merits at the time of examination. Abandoned applications may be revived and cancelled or expired registrations may be reinstated under certain circumstances. The status of an application or registration may not have any effect on the priority of rights in a mark as determined by a court of law. While an abandoned application or cancelled or expired registration may not form the basis of a refusal by the USPTO to register a subsequently filed application, third parties may assert rights in marks that were the subject of such abandoned applications or cancelled/expired registrations during opposition proceedings filed against the later-filed application.


Why is there a different * truncation operator for the Basic Index [BI] and the permuted Translation Index [TI]? For trademark examination, there is frequent use of both left and right truncation for the search terms. No commercially available search engine could be found that provides the desired response times for double truncation searches. Adding an internal truncation operator further degrades the performance. To circumvent this performance issue for truncation searches, these two indexes (BI and TI) were constructed with the asterisk (*) embedded as a truncation character for all permutations of the words in the word mark, pseudo mark and translation. Any truncation search using the asterisk in the Basic Index or Translation Index becomes an exact match search, a very efficient search that provides the desired performance. The normal dollar sign ($) truncation operator does work in these two indices, but for left, right, or double truncation, using the dollar sign ($) as the truncation operator is far less efficient than using the asterisk (*) truncation operator.


Why aren't the hits sorted in descending serial number order? At this time, the order of the hits is the reverse order of updates performed to the database. When any portion of the record for a serial number is modified, that entire record is updated on TESS, and that updated record is moved to the top of the list for retrieval. We are investigating the implementation of sorting options for TESS.


Why are there so many indexes for the word mark? Multiple word mark indexes were created to address the various searching requirements. In most cases, the Basic Index will provide your desired search results. For some very specific searches, the other word mark indexes may provide better results. For example, the Full Mark index [FM] may be useful for retrieving all marks containing only a single word or very specific character sequences.


Why isn't Phonetic Searching available? The underlying TESS Search software from Dataware does not include a phonetic search option. Phonetic searches generally provide many unwanted records. The pattern matching capabilities of the TESS Search product provide the flexibility of creating your own phonetic searches. We are working towards providing additional hints in the online help for constructing phonetic searches using the existing capabilities of the TESS Search product.


My search resulted in too many hits to be reviewed. How can I improve my search to reduce the number of hits to review? Did you tag each search term for a specific search field? If you're interested in Word Marks, for example, you may wish to search the Basic Index [BI]. Did you specify the International Class associated with your area of interest. For example, you may wish to restrict you hits to International Class 014 if your interest is JEWELRY by appending AND "014"[IC] to your search, or you may achieve the same result by using back references to refine your searches. Did you consider eliminating the dead marks from your result list by appending AND LIVE[LD] to your search?


How does one use back references? There are two common ways of refining your searches by using back references. The simple manner is to take advantage of the Back button of your browser to return to the search screen of your last query, modify your original search, and then submit the new search. Alternatively, you may refer to previous searches by indicating the search statement number, preceded by an S, in your new search. A simple example should clarify both these techniques.

Using the Advanced search screen, suppose your first search was *DOG*[BI,TI] to retrieve all occurrences of the word segment DOG occurring in the word mark, pseudo mark, or translation field. You receive over 4000 hits, probably more hits than you really want to review. Using the BACK button of your browser, you might return to the search screen and modify the search to read *DOG*[BI,TI] AND LIVE[LD]. This new search results about half as many hits as the original search, but you still have too many hits to review. You might then return to the search screen and restrict your hits to a particular International Class, say 014 for jewelry by revising your search to read *DOG*[BI,TI] AND LIVE[LD] AND "014"[IC]. Modifications like these to your original search can reduce your count of hits to a more manageable number. In this case, the total count of hits was reduced to under 30.

Another means of achieving the same result is through back references. Each of the individual search terms of the above example can be performed as separate searches. Search statement 1 would be *DOG*[BI,TI], search statement 2 would be LIVE[LD], and search statement 3 would be "014"[IC]. A fourth search statement of S1 AND S2 AND S3 combines the three searches and results in only those marks that satisfied all three searches.

No. Search Terms Search Terms Occurrences
S1 *DOG*[BI,TI] 4211 4343
S2 LIVE[LD] 1363687 1363687
S3 "014"[IC] 41704 41758
S4 S1 and S2 and S3 21 63

On the Structured Search screen, use the default "ALL" fields as your search field for back reference searches.

 

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Why isn't the Attorney of Record available in TESS?

On August 9, 2000, the attorney of record information was added to TESS as a search and display field. TSDR has been updated to display the Attorney of Record and correspondence address information.

 

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What does a status of "dead" or "abandoned" mean?

If an application shows a status of dead or abandoned, it means THAT specific application is no longer under prosecution within the USPTO, and would not be used as a bar against your filing. However, it does not necessarily mean that there are not OTHER marks which the examining attorney would cite. Also, there is always the possibility that an abandoned application COULD be revived (e.g., if the USPTO declared the application abandoned for failure of the applicant to respond to an Office action, but the applicant establishes that a response was sent, and the USPTO simply failed to match it with the file in a timely manner, then the case will be revived). Also, regardless of the status of an application within the office, the owner may still claim common law rights.

 

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What does the search result Word Limit Overflow mean?

The Word Limit Overfow error message is usually the result of a complicated search that mixes truncation with Boolean or proximity operators, as in the search DOG$ ADJ FOOD$. Restructuring the search with back references may allow an equivalent set of searches to complete.  For this example, the search DOG$[ALL] can be submitted on the structured search screen as an initial search, resulting in approximately 12,500 hits.  A second search of FOOD$[ALL] on the structured search screen returns over 106,000 hits. Given the sizes of these two result list, it's easy to see how an overflow occurred for the search engine. A third search of S1[ALL] ADJ S2[ALL] finds the hits in common for the first two search, returning the approximately 1750 hits desired for the original DOG$ ADJ FOOD$ search. For the Free Format search screen, the syntax is essentially the same, although it is not necessary to specify the [ALL] index as specified in the structured search; the third search can be entered as S1 ADJ S2.

 

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An assignment was filed with the USPTO to report the change in ownership for a trademark, yet TESS shows the previous ownership for the trademark prior to the assignment. Why isn't TESS showing the proper ownership? What can be done to get the ownership corrected on TESS?

These questions concern two separate databases maintained at the USPTO: the TRAM (Trademark Reporting and Application Monitoring) database of all trademarks and an Assignments database of patent and trademark assignments recorded at the USPTO. The public on-line search system, TESS, is reflects data from the in-house TRAM database. Unfortunately, the Assignments database currently is not available for searching on the USPTO website and information from the Assignments database is not automatically transferred into TRAM or TESS. In order to have a recorded change of ownership of an application or registration changed in TRAM and TESS, the owner must make that request separately to the Trademark Operation. For a pending application, the owner must inform the Examining Attorney assigned to its application that there has been a change, that an assignment has been recorded with the USPTO and that the owner wants the registration to issue in the name of the new owner. For a registration, the Post-Registration section of the Office must be informed and, for a fee, the registration will be amended to reflect the name of the new owner.

 

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Known Issues

Bad query -- no language specified. Use P _______ lang = to specify a language.
Adjacency in Basic Index
The Slash Character / Adversely Affects GS Searches!
No Warning If Invalid Back Reference!
Idle Session Terminates After 10 Minutes!
Some Hit Lists For Truncation Searches Are Not Complete!
Search Fails Word Limit Overflow Error
Using the Boolean NOT operator, it is possible to retrieve deleted records.

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Bad query -- no language specified. Use P _______ lang = to specify a language.

Some TESS users have reported receiving the above error message for every search submitted. This is most likely due to using an out-of-date browser that does not support HTML version 3.0. Your browser should support HTML version 3.0 or later to use TESS successfully. See http://www.w3.org/MarkUp/html3/Contents.html for additional details on the HTML version 3.0 standard or consult with your browser supplier to determine if the browser supports HTML version 3.0.

 


Adjacency in Basic Index

The following search history demonstrates a very small bug in the construction of the Basic Index. My example searches are fairly simple, but there may be other consequences that I haven't noticed. Logically, searches S1, S2, and S5 should result in zero hits. [For example, the search condition B[FM] in search S1 dictates that the mark consist of the single letter B, so there is no second letter B to satisfy the adjacency condition.] Apparently, during the construction of BI, the word mark and pseudo mark fields are sequentially added to BI without any delimiter to contradict the adjacency operator. For the first search, TESS typically finds the first B from the Word Mark and the second B from the pseudo mark. Similarly in the second search, TESS apparently finds the first A from the Word Mark and the second A from the pseudo mark. Similar results are obtained in search S5, which demonstrates the condition for marks consisting of more than one letter. (There may be a few hits for searches S1, S2, and S5 for which unusual entries for the pseudo mark account for the adjacency condition.) Searches S6 and S7 were included merely to show the hit counts for the first part of searches S1 and S2. I'm guessing that a delimiter might be included between the Word Mark and pseudo mark terms of the BI text, such as a period followed by two blanks ( ". " ), to correctly terminate the generated entries for BI so that these false adjacency conditions are not created. It might be a good idea to include the delimiter between the permuted terms created for BI, also, just in case the permuted terms of BI make other undesirable adjacency conditions. But that's just my guess and, as I first stated, this is a very small bug (i.e., the fix may be worse than the problem).

#    Hits     Search

S1 124 (B ADJ B)[BI] AND B[FM] S2 245 (A ADJ A)[BI] AND A[FM] S3 24 (A ADJ A ADJ A)[BI] S4 14 (A ADJ A ADJ A)[MN] S5 10 s3 NOT s4 S6 435 (B ADJ B)[BI] S7 478 (A ADJ A)[BI]

 


The Slash Character / Adversely Affects GS Searches!

The / character is indexed. Words separated only by a / are joined as a single index entry. Strings like computer/communication or computer/video or television/radio in the goods and services statements are indexed as a single term. Keyword searches of word composing such strings may to fail to retrieve the record. For keyword searches of the GS index, you may want to double check your results by performing the same keyword search with the $ truncation operator on both ends of the search word. For example, the search $COMPUTER$[GS] might be performed to improve the likelihood of retrieving relevant records containing the word COMPUTER in the GS statement.

 


No Warning If Invalid Back Reference!

Suppose you perform exactly three searches. Then back references S1, S2 and S3 are defined, but S4 would not be a valid back reference to a search that has not been performed. Suppose your next search is S4 AND *DOG*[BI]. Ideally, TESS would tell you that the back reference S4 is invalid. Instead TESS displays an empty page without a warning message. Selecting the BACK button of the browser returns you to the search screen so that you may resume your session.

 


Idle Session Terminates After 10 Minutes!

Currently, if your TESS session is idle for 10 minutes, the session is terminated to free system resources for other searchers. You may then start a new session, but searches from your terminated session will not be available for use as back references. Sorry, but this is a necessary limitation for TESS to support a large number of simultaneous users.

 


Some Hit Lists For Truncation Searches Are Not Complete!

Some truncation searches may appear to have completed but actually provide incomplete results. Sorry, but this a limitation of the search engine. For example, the search {A}$[TI] is intended to retrieve all trademarks with a translation statement. On first inspection, that search appears to complete, but the hit count (approximately 5600 hits) is far from complete. An examination of the hit list shows the message
Your wildcard search has matched too many words
followed by a button to Search for additional matches.

This message occurs if your search is too general but a partial solution can be returned. Perhaps a modification to your search will achieve the desired result. For the {A}$[TI] search, some equivalent searches can be constructed that are successfully completed by the search engine. Two such searches will be described below.

Most translation statements include the phrase the English translation." The search
*THE*[TI] OR *ENG*[TI] OR *TRAN*[TI]
searches for those three words in the permuted translation index, retrieving nearly 54,000 hits, an effective search but not quite complete.

Alternatively, consider searching for any vowel in the permuted translation index. The search
*A*[TI] OR *E*[TI] OR *I*[TI] OR *O*[TI] OR *U*[TI] OR *Y*[TI]
retrieves over 55,000 hits and appears to be complete search of all trademarks with a translation statement except for a very few noise records that have only numeric entries in the translation statememt.


Using the Boolean NOT operator, it is possible to retrieve deleted records.

Using the Boolean NOT operator, it is possible to retrieved null database records that have been flagged as deleted. For example, search s2 of the following strategy falsely suggests that over 3.2 million trademarks do not contain the word DOG (with search s3 showing that the actual count is closer to 2.9 million), and search s5 suggests that there are nearly 1.9 million live marks (with search #6 showing that the actual count of live marks is closer to 1.55 million).

 #      Hits       Search
 s1     8738       dog
 s2  3239631       not s1
 s3  2899411       `SN not s1
 s4  1360629       dead[ld]
 s5  1887740       not dead[ld]
 s6  1547520       live[ld]

Multiple Searches

In the Free Form search screen, multiple searches can be submitted at a single time. Merely separate each search with a semicolon(;). For example, the three searches HELLO[BI,TI]; WORLD[BI,TI]; S1 AND S2; could be submitted as a first search of a session. All three searches will be performed, and an intermediate Multiple Searches screen appears with the results of each search. The user can then select which search results to review.


Glossary

TSDR Trademark Status and Document Retrieval (TSDR) system, the most up-to-date trademark information provided by the USPTO on the Web.
TESS Trademark Electronic Search System.
TMEP Trademark Manual of Examining Procedure.
TRAM Trademark Reporting and Monitoring, the master database of electronic trademark records at USPTO.
USPTO The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
X-Search The TESS equivalent in USPTO using a customized user interface instead of a Web browser to search and display the text and image records.

Also see a glossary of terms used on the USPTO web site at http://www.uspto.gov/main/glossary/index.html.


Search Principles

Following are the likelihood of confusion search principles used by the USPTO that you may want to consider prior to submitting a trademark application. You must decide which of these search principles may be appropriate for your trademark search. Even if you diligently follow all these search principles, that does not necessarily guarantee that you will find all potential citations under Section 2(d) of the Trademark Act.

  1. Conduct a Thorough Search.
  2. Search All Forms of all the Distinctive Elements of the Mark.
  3. Search Each Distinctive Element Alone.
  4. Search Acronyms AND What They Stand For.
  5. Search All the Legal Word Equivalents of Terms.
  6. Search Component Parts of Individual Terms When Necessary.
  7. Searches for Marks Consisting of Two or More Separate Terms Should be Conducted so that the Two Terms Would be Retrieved Whether They Run Together or are Separate.
  8. Search Pictorial Equivalents for Distinctive Terms and Vice Versa When Appropriate.
  9. Search all Phonetic Equivalents
  10. Search all English Equivalents

Table of TC Entries

WARNING: Searching by TC code will only retrieve registrations coded from August 28, 2007 through January 31, 2011. The USPTO continues to code all pending applications that contain a design element using a numerical design code system modeled after the International Classification of the Figurative Elements of Marks. Searches performed using these codes in the Design Search Code [DC] field retrieves pending applications and active registrations for marks that include the design element(s) searched.

Version 05/30/2007 10:20 AM
ART                                     
ART-01                                  Celestial Bodies, Natural Phenomena & Geographical Maps
ART-01.07                               Globes
ART-01.17                               Maps or outlines of continents, countries and other geographical areas"
ART-08                                  Food Stuffs
ART-08.01                               Baked Goods
ART-08.03                               Candies
ART-08.05                               Sandwiches
ART-08.07                               Dairy Products
ART-08.09                               Frozen confections; ice
ART-08.11                               Meat and fish products
ART-08.13                               Other foodstuffs
ART-09                                  Textiles, clothing, headwear, footwear and sewing accessories"
ART-09.03                               Clothing
ART-09.05                               Headwear
ART-09.07                               Footwear
ART-09.09                               Sewing accessories and equipment; patterns for dressmaking
ART-10                                  Tobacco, smokers' materials; Fans, Toilet articles; Medical devices and Apparatus, and Tablets, capsules or powders
ART-10.01                               Tobacco; smoker's materials; matches
ART-10.03                               Fans; canes; umbrellas
ART-10.05                               Toilet articles; grooming devices; mirrors
ART-10.07                               Medical devices and apparatus
ART-10.09                               Medicines; medical and non-medical products in tablet, capsule or powder form"
ART-11                                  Household utensils
ART-11.01                               Knives; forks; spoons; kitchen utensils (Non-electric)
ART-11.03                               Containers for beverages; plates and dishes; cooking and serving ware (Non-electric)
ART-11.05                               Small electric kitchen appliances
ART-11.07                               Cutlery
ART-11.09                               Miscellaneous household utensils
ART-12                                  Furniture and Plumbing Fixtures
ART-12.01                               Furniture
ART-12.03                               Plumbing Fixtures
ART-13                                  Lighting, cooking, heating, cooling or refrigeration equipment"
ART-13.01                               Lighting Equipment
ART-13.03                               Cooking, heating refrigeration equipment"
ART-14                                  Hardware, tools and ladders; Non-motorized agricultural implements, Keys and Locks"
ART-14.01                               Tubes; cables; heavy hardware articles
ART-14.03                               Small hardware articles; springs
ART-14.05                               Tools (hand and power)
ART-14.07                               Non-motorized agricultural or horticultural implements
ART-14.09                               Ladders
ART-14.11                               Keys for locks; locks
ART-15                                  Machines and parts thereof, including industrial, agricultural, home and office machines; Electrical equipment
ART-15.01                               Machines for industry or agriculture; industrial installations; motors; engines; various mechanical appliances
ART-15.03                               Household machines and appliances
ART-15.05                               Office and business machines
ART-15.07                               Wheels; bearings
ART-15.09                               Electrical equipment
ART-16                                  Telecommunications, sound recording or reproduction equipment; Cinematography and optics
ART-16.01                               Telecommunications and sound recording or reproduction equipment
ART-16.03                               Photography; cinematography; optics
ART-17                                  Horological instruments and parts; Jewelry; Weights and measures
ART-17.01                               Time-measuring instruments
ART-17.03                               Jewelry
ART-17.05                               Scales; weights
ART-17.07                               Measuring instruments
ART-18                                  Transport; Equipment for animals and Traffic Signs
ART-18.01                               Vehicles propelled by animal power
ART-18.03                               Land vehicles propelled by human power
ART-18.05                               Land motor vehicles
ART-18.07                               Vehicles for use on water; amphibious vehicles
ART-18.09                               Air or space vehicles
ART-18.11                               Parts of land, water and air vehicles
ART-18.13                               Equipment for animals
ART-18.15                               Traffic signs
ART-19                                  Baggage, containers and bottles
ART-19.01                               Baggage, portfolios, pocketbooks, wallets
ART-19.03                               Animal containers
ART-19.05                               Large containers
ART-19.07                               Small containers
ART-19.09                               Bottles; jars; flasks
ART-19.11                               Parts or accessories of bottles, jars and flasks
ART-19.13                               Receptacles for laboratory use
ART-20                                  Writing, drawing or painting materials; office materials; stationery; books
ART-20.01                               Writing, drawing or painting materials; small office materials
ART-20.03                               Paper goods; documents
ART-20.05                               Books; magazines; newspapers
ART-21                                  Games, toys and sporting articles
ART-21.01                               Games; toys
ART-21.03                               Sporting articles; merry-go-rounds
ART-22                                  Musical instruments and their accessories; Bells; Sculptures
ART-22.01                               Musical instruments and accessories
ART-22.03                               Bells
ART-22.05                               Sculptures
ART-23                                  Arms, ammunition and armor
ART-23.01                               Weapons
ART-23.03                               Firearms; ammunition; explosives
ART-23.05                               Armor (wearable)
ART-24                                  Heraldry, flags, crowns, crosses, arrows & symbols
ART-24.09                               Flags, banners
ART-24.15                               Arrows
ART-25                                  Ornamental framework, surfaces or backgrounds with ornaments
ART-25.01                               Framework
ART-29                                  Miscellaneous Designs
ART-29.01                               Miscellaneous Articles of Manufacturing
MUSIC                                   
MYTH                                    
BLDG-AND-SCEN                           
LETS                                    
LETS-1                                  
LETS-2                                  
LETTER-3-OR-MORE                        
NUM                                     
NUM-0-ZERO                              0 OR ZERO
NUM-FRACTIONS                           FRACTIONS
NUM-1ST                                 1ST OR FIRST
NUM-1                                   
NUM-2                                   
NUM-3                                   
NUM-4                                   
NUM-5                                   
NUM-6                                   
NUM-7                                   
NUM-8                                   
NUM-9                                   
NUM-10                                  
NUM-11                                  
NUM-12                                  
NUM-13                                  
NUM-14                                  
NUM-15                                  
NUM-16                                  
NUM-17                                  
NUM-18                                  
NUM-19                                  
NUM-20                                  
NUM-21                                  
NUM-22                                  
NUM-23                                  
NUM-24                                  
NUM-25                                  
NUM-20TH                                Numeral 20th or the word TWENTIETH
NUM-100                                 Numeral 100
NUM-26-UP                               Other Numerals - 26 and Up
NUM-COMBO                               Numerals Combinations (More than one number)
NOTATION-SYMBOLS                        Notation Symbols
INAN                                    Inanimate objects
CURRENCY                                Includes Dollar, Cent, and Pound Marks
VEG                                     
ANI                                     
ANI-BIRDS                               Birds
ANI-MAMM                                Mammalia
ANI-MISC                                Animal Misc.
ANI-INV                                 Invertebrate
ANI-VERT                                Vertebrate
SHAPES                                  
SHAPES-ASTRO                            ASTRO
SHAPES-GEOMETRIC                        GEOMETRIC
SHAPES-CIRCLE                           CIRCLE
SHAPES-OVALS                            OVALS
SHAPES-COLORS-1                         COLORS 1
SHAPES-COLORS-2                         COLORS 2
SHAPES-COLORS-3-OR-MORE                 COLORS 3 OR MORE
SHAPES-BAR-BANDS                        BAR/BANDS
SHAPES-HERALDRY                         HERALDRY
SHAPES-DIAMONDS                         DIAMONDS
SHAPES-TRIANGLES                        TRIANGLES
SHAPES-CROSSES                          CROSSES
SHAPES-KEYSTONES                        KEYSTONES
SHAPES-HEARTS                           HEARTS
SHAPES-SEALS                            SEALS
SHAPES-CHEVRONS                         CHEVRONS
SHAPES-SCROLLS                          SCROLLS
SHAPES-MISC                             SHAPES MISC.
SHAPES-CLUBS                            CLUBS
SHAPES-SPADES                           SPADES
SHAPES-FLEUR-DE-LIS                     FLEUR DE LIS
HUM                                     
HUM-STATUARY                            STATUARY
HUM-PORTRAIT                            PORTRAIT
CHECKERS                                
GROT                                    
GROT-ANI                                Animal
GROT-BIRD                               Bird
GROT-HUM                                Human
CERTIFICATION-MARKS                     
COLLECTIVE-MARKS                        
CONFIGURATION                           
CONCURRENT-USE                          
SENSORY-MARK                            


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