Some clients are surprised to learn that if they decide not to move forward after receiving our search report, they are only eligible for a partial refund—not a full one. This is because the search and analysis is the most expensive and valuable part of the process.
If you’re wondering why this is the case, we want to be transparent. In this post, we’ll explain:
- Why the search is a critical part of the trademark process
- Why the search & analysis portion of your fee is non-refundable
- How we help clients move forward, even if a conflict is found
The Importance of the Trademark Search & Analysis
Most trademark applications face challenges, and without a proper search, many get rejected or even lead to legal disputes. Our search and analysis process is designed to minimize risks before filing—saving our clients time, money, and stress.
What Our Search & Analysis Covers
At Indie Law, we don’t just run a basic trademark lookup. Our best-in-class trademark search software comprehensively examines thousands of trademarks across the USPTO and state levels. This allows us to identify similar trademarks that could create legal risks for our clients.
Once we have the search results, our legal team conducts a detailed risk analysis. But instead of just handing over a long, hard-to-read report with hundreds of marks, we create a plain-English, streamlined report that tells busy business owners exactly what they need to know.
Without this crucial step, a business could unknowingly invest in a trademark that is:
- Too similar to an existing mark (leading to a rejection or legal dispute)
- Legally weak and difficult to protect
-  At risk of infringing on another brand’s rights
Skipping this analysis could cost thousands in legal fees or force a business to rebrand later—a nightmare for any entrepreneur. That’s why we include this step in all of our trademark packages.
Why the Trademark Search & Analysis Fee is Non-Refundable
At Indie Law, our trademark packages include the search and analysis as part of the flat fee. If a client decides not to move forward after receiving our search report, they receive a partial refund—but not a full one.
Here’s why:
The search & analysis is the most expensive part of the process – Once we complete our research, legal analysis, and customized report, the bulk of the work has already been done.
It’s a time-intensive legal service – Unlike an automated search, our legal team personally reviews and analyzes the results, providing strategic insights tailored to each client’s situation.
The work has already been delivered – Once the search report is sent, the value has been provided. The expertise, analysis, and time put into it cannot be undone.
This is why we only offer partial refunds if a client chooses not to proceed. The search isn’t just a small part of the process—it’s the foundation of a successful trademark application.
How We Help Clients Move Forward (Even If a Conflict is Found)
We understand that discovering a conflict in a search report can be disappointing. However, a conflict doesn’t mean the process is over—it just means we may need to pivot.
Here’s how we support our clients in finding a strong, protectable trademark:
Alternative Trademark Options – If a high-risk conflict is found, we work with clients to explore variations or similar trademarks that could still work for their brand.
Legal Strategies to Strengthen Your Mark We provide recommendations on how to modify or adjust a trademark to reduce legal risks while keeping it aligned with your brand identity.
Guidance on Next Steps ‚Äì Whether it’s refining the name, adjusting the application strategy, or exploring new directions, we make sure our clients feel confident moving forward.
Our ultimate goal is not just to file a trademark but to help our clients register and protect a name that they can legally own and enforce.
Our Commitment to Client Success
At Indie Law, we value our clients and want them to feel supported throughout the trademark process.
Our search & analysis helps protect clients from costly legal risks.
We are committed to helping clients find a strong, registerable trademark—even if it requires adjustments.
Even if a client chooses not to move forward, they still receive valuable legal insights from the search report.
While the search & analysis portion of our fee is non-refundable, our dedication to helping clients doesn’t end when a conflict is found. We are always here to explore next steps and guide our clients toward a trademark that will serve them for years to come.
Related Resources from Indie Law
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Why Do We Need to Do a Search Before Filing a Trademark?
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Decoding ‘Likelihood of Confusion’: A Guide for Trademark Applicants
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Trademark Attorney vs. DIY: Choosing the Best Approach for Your Search