How to Search for a Pending Application for a Trademark?

Thinking of registering a new trademark? One of the first steps before you invest in branding, packaging, or promotion is to make sure your desired name, logo, or slogan isn’t already taken or pending.

That’s where a trademark search comes in. But what happens if someone else has already applied for something similar? And how can you find that out before it’s too late?

If you're wondering how to search for a pending trademark application in Australia, you're in the right place. At The TradeMark Factory, we help business owners like you protect your brand with confidence by handling everything from start to finish. And that starts with a proper, professional trademark search.

Here’s a breakdown of how it works and how we make the process simple, accurate, and stress-free.

Why Do a Trademark Search?

Trademark registration is competitive. If someone else has already filed for a similar trademark, your application could be rejected, opposed, or challenged costing you time, money, and momentum.

A proper search helps you:

• Avoid conflicts and rebranding down the line
• Understand whether your trademark is available
• Make strategic decisions before filing
• Save thousands in legal fees and delays

At The TradeMark Factory, our comprehensive search identifies not just registered trademarks but pending applications too. That’s critical, because pending applications aren’t yet in the registry, but they can still block your path to registration.

Where Are Trademark Applications Filed in Australia?

In Australia, trademark applications are filed with IP Australia, the official government agency that handles intellectual property rights.

They manage a public online database called ATMOSS (Australian Trade Mark Online Search System), where anyone can search registered and pending trademarks.

How to Search for a Pending Application (DIY Route)

Here’s a quick overview of how you can manually search the database:

1. Visit ATMOSS: Go to https://search.ipaustralia.gov.au/trademarks
2. Enter Your Search Term: Type in your desired brand name, phrase, or key term in the search bar. You can also search by logo using image keywords.
3. Filter for Status: Look for results marked as “Pending” and “Registered” under the application status. This indicates someone has filed or registered the trademark.
4. Check for Similarity: Even if the exact name isn’t taken, trademarks that are visually, phonetically, or conceptually similar can still block your application.
5. Review Classes: See what class the pending mark is filed under. If it’s the same class as your business activity, the risk of conflict is higher.

Sounds Easy? Here’s the Catch

While ATMOSS is a helpful tool, it’s not foolproof for business owners. Why?

• It won’t warn you if something is similar but spelled differently
• It doesn’t give legal advice or risk assessments
• It won’t help you understand trademark classes or future oppositions
• It can miss trademarks filed internationally that may apply to Australia

That’s where we come in.

Why Let The TradeMark Factory Do the Search for You?

At The TradeMark Factory, we don’t just search, we strategically assess and advise.

Our trademark lawyers and attorneys can:

• Run advanced searches across pending, registered, and global databases
• Identify potential conflicts before you file
• Recommend clear paths forward, including name alternatives if needed
• Save you from costly delays and rejection

And best of all? We handle it all for you.
Simple. Transparent. Professional. Done-for-you.

Final Thoughts

Searching for existing pending and registered trademarks is a crucial first step to building a protected, professional brand in Australia. It helps you avoid legal issues, prevent rebranding, and file with confidence.

But doing it alone comes with risks.

At The TradeMark Factory, we help you skip the guesswork and move forward with clarity. Our experts have already helped thousands of businesses secure their trademarks with a 99.3% success rate and a fully managed process from start to finish.

So, if you're wondering whether your brand name is available, let us help you find out the right way.

We’ve got your brand covered no matter where you are in your journey.