I recently took the leap and started building a brand. But like many entrepreneurs, I found myself stuck on the visual identity—I needed a logo and a trademark-worthy symbol. Lucky for me, I stumbled across Tailor Brands, an AI-powered logo and branding tool. It felt like magic! The AI offered me a sleek, modern mark that felt just right. But before I could say, “Let’s put it on everything,” I knew I had to run a proper trademark clearance check to be sure I wasn’t stepping on any toes.
TL;DR
I used Tailor Brands’ AI to generate a symbol for my new business. The design was awesome, but to avoid legal hiccups, I ran a clearance checklist before settling on it. I checked for conflicts in the trademark database, explored usage in social media and websites, and confirmed I could register the symbol. Now, I’m the proud owner of a logo that’s legally mine and looks great too!
Finding the Perfect Symbol With AI
Tailor Brands makes logo design easy. You choose your industry, type in your business name, and boom—dozens of logo ideas appear. Each design comes from AI trained on thousands of brand styles.
The AI suggested a clean, bold lettermark using the initials of my business name. It looked sleek and felt professional. I could instantly imagine it on business cards, packaging, and even swag like mugs or hoodies.
Of course, loving a design isn’t enough. If I wanted to build a solid brand, I had to make sure this symbol was legally available. That meant doing the homework first.
Trademark Trouble Isn’t Fun (Trust Me)
Ever seen businesses go through messy lawsuits over logos? It happens more than you think. If a company claims your logo is too similar to theirs, they can send a cease and desist or even sue.
Lesson: Never skip the trademark clearance check.
So, I rolled up my sleeves and created a simple, effective checklist to make sure my Tailor Brands symbol was good to go.
My AI Trademark Clearance Checklist
Here’s the checklist I used to make sure my symbol was original, unique, and ready to be trademarked:
1. Search the USPTO Database
This is the US Patent and Trademark Office’s online tool. It lets you search trademarks already filed or registered in the U.S.
- I searched for my business name.
- I checked for anything that looked or sounded close.
- Then, I looked at designs that used similar shapes, styles, or letters.
Conclusion? Nothing conflicted. Big win!
2. Use Google (Yes, Really!)
This might sound simple, but it’s powerful. I searched my name and symbol on Google, just to see where else it might appear.
- I tried image searches using keywords.
- I checked Google Images for designs that looked like mine.
- I even searched by uploading the logo and using “search by image”.
Still unique. Another green light.
3. Check Social Platforms
Next up: social media. Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook can all reveal if someone is already using your desired brand or logo.
I entered my brand name, initials, and similar hashtags to scan for duplicates.
Good news! No match anywhere. No risks in the social sphere.
4. Domain Name Lookup
A good trademark should match with an available domain. Even better if your logo ties into that digital identity.
- I checked Namecheap and GoDaddy for matching domain names.
- Even if some were taken, I checked if they were actually in use.
Outcome? The .com was taken, but the .co and .studio versions were free. I grabbed both!
5. Run a Reverse Image Search
Tools like TinEye and Google Reverse Image are great for this. You upload your symbol file, and it tries to find where else you can see it online.
I didn’t find anything. Not even something close. Unique as can be. Score!
6. Ask a Legal Pro (Highly Recommended!)
Even though I felt confident, I wanted peace of mind. I did a low-cost online consultation with a trademark attorney through LegalZoom.
She reviewed my symbol and said it was highly distinctive and ideal for US trademark registration. That gave me the green light I needed.
Logo Locked In and Ready to Register
After all the research, I finally felt confident enough to say YES to my Tailor Brands symbol. I downloaded all the files, chose my brand fonts and color palette, and designed my website headers, email footers, product packaging—you name it.
The final step? Filing the trademark with the USPTO. I used the TEAS Standard application, which cost me about $350, and submitted everything smoothly. (Pro tip: be ready to describe your design and attach sample uses.)
Bonus Tips for Using AI to Choose a Trademark Symbol
- Pick something simple: AI can get fancy, but simple logos are easier to remember.
- Think scalability: How will it look on a billboard? On a phone screen?
- Test the waters: Ask friends or online communities for feedback.
- Be cautious of trendy styles: What looks hot now might fade fast. Go for timeless.
- Read the fine print on Tailor Brands: They give you commercial rights, but trademarks are YOUR job.
Would I Use Tailor Brands Again?
Absolutely. The ease and speed were unbeatable. I didn’t need to hire a designer or stress over blank pages in Photoshop.
The blend of AI smarts and user control worked perfectly. The brand symbol I ended up with speaks my vision, feels fresh, and is legally mine.
So if you’re thinking of starting a business or just updating your brand, give Tailor Brands a try. Just don’t forget your “legal homework.” A stunning logo with a lawsuit behind it? No thanks!
Final Thoughts
Creating your brand identity can feel overwhelming at first. But with AI tools like Tailor Brands and a solid trademark clearing plan, it’s totally doable—even fun! Take your time, check your boxes, and build something that’s truly your own.
You’ve got the tools. Now go make something amazing.