Question 1

How does Imperium IP score trademark conflict risk?

Accepted Answer

Imperium IP uses a deterministic 0 to 100 scoring algorithm based on live USPTO data. Exact mark hits on live registrations add 35 points, similar live marks add up to 45 points, and dead marks contribute up to 10 points. Tiers are LOW (under 25), MEDIUM (25 to 49), HIGH (50 to 74), and EXTREMELY HIGH (75 and above). The algorithm is transparent and reproducible, so you always know why a mark scored the way it did.

Question 2

Is the trademark search free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. USPTO search, risk scoring, and conflict surfacing are free. Premium adds the downloadable Preliminary Trademark Report (a precursor to a full clearance opinion that you take to your attorney), mark monitoring with alerts, and saved workspaces.

Question 3

Does an Imperium IP report replace an attorney clearance opinion?

Accepted Answer

No. Imperium IP is decision-support only. Every report is a first-pass triage, not a clearance opinion. A licensed U.S. trademark attorney must evaluate before you file, invest, or adopt a mark. Clients have been sued over marks that passed automated knockout searches.

Question 4

Where does the trademark data come from?

Accepted Answer

Imperium IP pulls from the USPTO Trademark Status and Document Retrieval (TSDR) API and the USPTO Trademark Search (TMSEARCH) Elasticsearch index. All data shown is verified and time-stamped. Records update continuously at the USPTO, so reports reflect data available at the time of search.

Question 5

What does Live versus Dead mean for a trademark?

Accepted Answer

A live trademark is currently registered or pending at the USPTO and can be enforced by its owner. A dead trademark has been abandoned, cancelled, or expired and no longer carries USPTO protection, although common law rights may still exist. Imperium IP weights live marks more heavily in the Similarity Index.

Question 6

How much does it cost to register a U.S. trademark?

Accepted Answer

USPTO filing fees run approximately $250 to $350 per class of goods or services. Attorney fees vary widely. Imperium IP does not file trademarks. A registered trademark attorney should handle filing and clearance opinion.

Trademark Search Tips

How Long Does a Trademark Search Take? A Realistic Timeline for Founders

The Founder's Guide to Running a Practical Trademark Search Before Launch

Trademark Search vs. Exact Match Search: Why Similar Names Still Matter