Surface-level trademark searches miss 40% of conflicts. International trademarks, dissolved companies, and domain squatters create hidden legal landmines that detonate 12-18 months after launch.
Standard Checks
Companies House (exact + variations). UK IPO trademark database (your industry). Domain availability (.co.uk minimum).
Check Dissolved Companies
Companies House blocks names similar to companies dissolved within 12 months.
Search Domain Marketplaces
Sedo, Afternic, GoDaddy. If your domain is listed for £10,000+, someone thinks it has trademark value.
Check Morphological Variations
"TechHub" exists? They'll reject "TechHubs," "Tech-Hub," "Tech Hub." Trademark Lens checks these automatically.
Google + "Lawsuit"
Search "[your name] lawsuit" and "[similar names] trademark dispute." Warning signal if results appear.
International Trademarks
Planning to expand? Check WIPO Global Brand Database.
If You Find a Conflict
Minor (different industry, low similarity): proceed with legal advice. Major (same industry, high similarity): abandon immediately.