Trademark In-Use Investigations

Conducted by licensed private investigators with extensive experience in intellectual property investigations, trademark use investigations provide evidence of a trademark's past and present use in commerce for trademark clearance, registration, litigation and related intellectual property disputes.

Learn more about the process used to conduct a trademark investigation, review our rate and fee structure, and even place your order for a flat rate trademark in-use investigation. We accept all major credit cards.

There is no such thing as a "one size fits all" trademark in-use investigation. While many investigations can be conducted for our flat rate price, the specifics of the investigation are always unique.

Before we open an investigation, we will speak with you about your objectives and the specific questions you need to have answered.

Then, we will develop an investigative strategy to meet those objectives, and present you with our best estimate as to the amount of time needed for the investigation, and, especially in the case of a complex investigation, when you can expect updates from us along the way.

Once you have authorized an investigation, our expert trademark investigators will begin working the case. In most cases, the first step is to develop as much information as possible from database sources, including advanced Internet search tools and restricted sources available to us as licensed private investigators.

Then, we typically use this information to develop an appropriate context in which to contact persons with direct knowledge of the use of a trademark, how long a given brand has been in certain geographic markets, and in many cases information about the future plans for the brand.

This contact is made anonymously and discreetly, using our nationwide infrastructure of front companies. We can also use this network to acquire physical evidence of a trademark's use, either on products or on related company fliers or similar literature.

We will discuss with you what to expect from us when we open the investigation. Usually, this means we will provide verbal status updates to you as appropriate during the investigation. In all cases, we will provide you with a detailed written report at the conclusion of the investigation, unless you specifically waive the written report.

A Note On Disclosure: As licensed private investigators in the state of California, the information you provide to us, and the information we develop during our investigation, are strictly confidential. The California Business and Professions Code includes provisions which allow us to hold information confidential even under subpoena.

Our investigators are always available to answer your questions at any point during the investigation, either by phone or e-mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a trademark investigation take to complete?

In many cases, a trademark in-use investigation will be completed in less than 10 business days. Rush service is available for an additional cost, which can reduce the time required substantially. In particularly urgent matters, we may be able to provide an initial verbal report on a same or next-day basis. However, it's important to note that the number of days required for a trademark investigation depends on the specifics of the matter - and the availability of subjects.

How much does a trademark investigation cost?

Our base rate for a trademark investigation is $500. This flat rate includes time for investigation and reporting. Out of pocket evidence acquisition costs are always additional, as is mileage.

Investigations of a complex nature may not fit under the scope of the flat rate investigation; these cases are billed at an hourly rate of $125 an hour plus expenses.

To order a trademark investigation, click the button below.

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Order an Investigation by Credit Card

Price: $500.00

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