Introduction

Securing your federal trademark registration is a huge step in protecting your brand. But here’s something many entrepreneurs don’t realize: the work doesn’t end once you have that ® symbol.

Owning a trademark is only half the battle, you must also enforce your rights. The USPTO will not police unauthorized use of your mark. That responsibility falls on you, the brand owner.

Fortunately, trademark monitoring services can help you keep an eye on potential conflicts and act quickly when infringement arises.

Why Trademark Monitoring Matters

Imagine you run a fast-growing skincare line called “LumiSkin.” You’ve registered the trademark, invested in marketing, and built customer loyalty. Six months later, a competitor launches “LumeeSkin” products online.

Without monitoring, you might not notice until customers are confused or your sales dip. By then, significant damage could be done to your brand.

Trademark monitoring ensures that you:

  • Detect confusingly similar trademarks filed at the USPTO.

  • Identify copycats using similar names on Amazon, Etsy, or social media.

  • Catch domain name registrations that mimic your brand.

  • Stop infringers before they gain traction.

Your brand is everything, don’t let it be diluted by imitators.

How Monitoring Services Work

Trademark monitoring services scan a wide range of sources for potential conflicts. Here’s what they typically cover:

  1. USPTO Filings: Searches for newly filed applications that may conflict with your registered mark.

  2. State Trademark Registries: Reviews marks filed at the state level.

  3. Domain Names: Detects new domain registrations that include your mark.

  4. Business Directories: Tracks company names and registrations.

  5. Online Marketplaces & Social Media: Flags unauthorized uses across major platforms.

When a potential conflict is found, you receive an alert. From there, you can work with your attorney to decide whether to send a cease-and-desist, file an opposition at the TTAB, or pursue another enforcement option.

Can You Do It Yourself?

Technically, yes, you can periodically check the USPTO’s TESS database, monitor social media, and Google your brand name. But here’s the problem:

  • DIY monitoring is time-consuming.

  • You may miss spelling variations, phonetic similarities, or foreign translations.

  • By the time you discover the infringement, it may be too late.

Professional services use advanced software and global databases to catch issues you might overlook.

The Role of a Trademark Attorney in Monitoring

A monitoring service will notify you of possible conflicts, but it won’t tell you whether they actually pose a legal threat. That’s where an attorney comes in.

At Cohn Legal, PLLC, we help clients:

  • Evaluate monitoring reports: Not every similar mark is infringing. We analyze risk under trademark law.

  • Take enforcement action: Draft cease-and-desist letters, negotiate coexistence agreements, or file TTAB oppositions.

  • Develop a long-term IP strategy: We look beyond one-off conflicts to ensure your brand is protected as you grow.

Think of the monitoring service as your radar, and your attorney as the pilot who knows when and how to act.

Costs of Trademark Monitoring

Trademark monitoring is usually offered as a subscription service. Costs vary depending on the scope:

  • Basic monitoring: USPTO filings only, often around $200–$400 per year.

  • Comprehensive monitoring: Covers global databases, domains, and online marketplaces. These packages may range from $500 to $1,000+ per year.

While this is an ongoing cost, it’s far less than the expense of litigating an infringement that went undetected for too long.

International Monitoring

If your business operates globally or plans to, international monitoring is critical. Many monitoring services cover filings through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and national trademark offices worldwide.

This allows you to catch potential conflicts early, before they gain international recognition or block your expansion.

Why Monitoring Protects Brand Value

Trademark registration builds legal rights, but active monitoring maintains brand value. Without enforcement, your mark can become diluted, lose distinctiveness, or even risk cancellation for non-enforcement.

By monitoring and acting swiftly, you:

  • Strengthen your trademark’s reputation.

  • Preserve its value for investors and buyers.

  • Ensure long-term brand exclusivity.

Conclusion

So, can a service help you monitor your trademark after registration? Absolutely. Monitoring services provide early detection, while trademark attorneys provide strategic action. Together, they give you peace of mind and protect the brand you’ve worked so hard to build.

Think big. Create and protect your dreams. And if you’re ready to add trademark monitoring to your brand protection strategy, we’re here to help.

Schedule your free consultation with Cohn Legal, PLLC today.