·12 min read
How Phonetic Trademark Matching Works: From Soundex to Production Systems
Phonetic trademark matching catches conflicts that spelling misses. How the algorithms work, why trademarks break them, and what production systems do.
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Blog
Insights and updates from Signa
Maya Tan
·20 min read
The 5 Most Contested Trademark Classes: Data From 204K TTAB Oppositions
Trademark opposition statistics from 204,486 TTAB proceedings. Which classes face the most disputes, how long cases take, and why challengers win just 1.2%.
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·13 min read
TESS Alternatives: The Best Trademark Search Tools in 2026
The TESS trademark search system was retired in 2023. Compare 5 alternatives by coverage, price, and API access, from the free USPTO replacement to global APIs.
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·11 min read
Can You Trademark a Name? What the Law Actually Requires
Can you trademark a name? Yes, but only if it meets the distinctiveness threshold. Learn what qualifies, what gets refused, and how the filing process works.
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·10 min read
Adding a Trademark Clearance API to Your Domain Registration Flow
Add a trademark clearance API to your domain registration flow in under an hour. Screen 147M+ trademarks before checkout to reduce UDRP disputes and churn.
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·13 min read
Trademark Application Mistakes: Why Nearly Half of All Filings Fail
Nearly half of USPTO trademark applications fail. Learn the most common trademark application mistakes behind refusals and how to avoid each one before filing.
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·11 min read
How Long Does a Trademark Take? Timelines by Office
How long does a trademark take? USPTO registration averages 12-18 months, EUIPO 6-9 months. Timelines by office, what causes delays, and how to file faster.
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·13 min read
Descriptive Trademarks: When Your Name Can't Be Registered
A descriptive trademark tells consumers what you sell, which is exactly why it can't be registered. Learn the legal framework, key cases, and your options.
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·13 min read
Trademark Fair Use: When You Can Use Someone Else's Mark
Trademark fair use has two distinct doctrines that most people conflate. How descriptive fair use and nominative fair use actually work, with key cases.
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