Answer first: For a trademark live vs dead status check, use the official trademark database and read the current status, owner, goods or services, filing history, and abandonment or cancellation notes. A live record does not automatically mean the mark is safe to use.
Last checked: June 4, 2026. Registry Check Guide is not a government agency, regulator, certification body, law firm, or official registry. Use this page as a practical guide to read official records before you rely on them.
Official sources to start with
| Official source | Use it for |
|---|---|
| USPTO TSDR status and documents | Trademark application and registration status, documents, maintenance deadlines, and official USPTO guidance. |
| Trademark Status and Document Retrieval (TSDR) | Direct USPTO status and document lookup by serial number or registration number. |
What to check first
- Search TSDR by serial number or registration number when available.
- Check the status field, status date, owner, goods or services, and class.
- Open the documents tab to see recent office actions, responses, registration documents, or maintenance filings.
- Check maintenance deadlines for registered marks.
- Do not assume dead means the phrase is free to use without broader clearance.
How to read the record
| Field or claim | How to interpret it |
|---|---|
| Live | The application or registration is active in USPTO records at the time checked. |
| Dead | The USPTO application or registration is no longer active, but other rights or uses may still exist. |
| Status date | Shows when the status was applied or updated. |
| Owner | Must match the party you are checking, including assignments or name changes. |
What this record does not prove
- It does not prove a brand is safe to use.
- It does not prove there are no state, common-law, or international trademark issues.
- It does not replace attorney review for a serious launch or filing decision.
Red flags
- The owner name differs from the seller or claimed brand owner.
- The mark is live but goods or services do not match the claimed product.
- A deadline or office action appears in the document history.
Related checks
Trademark status check guide Trademark serial vs registration number
FAQ
Does dead mean I can use the trademark?
No. It only means the USPTO application or registration is not active. Other rights may still matter.
Does live mean the mark is registered?
Not always. A live record can be a pending application or an active registration.
How often should I check TSDR?
USPTO recommends checking status regularly while an application or post-registration filing is pending.