Why search comes first
A trademark search should be done before logo design, packaging, domain purchase, marketplace listing, or advertising spend. The goal is not only to find identical marks, but also to understand phonetic, visual, class, owner, and market-use risks.
What to compare
Compare the proposed brand name against similar spellings, translations, abbreviations, prefixes, suffixes, and marks in nearby classes. A mark can still be risky when the exact word is not visible if the sound, idea, or commercial impression is close.
Decision point
If the search shows low conflict, move to class selection and filing details. If it shows similar marks, collect evidence of use, consider changing the mark, or prepare a stronger filing and objection strategy before spending more money.
