Trademark Check Tutorial: POD Sellers, Don’t Get Shut Down 🚫

⚠️ Before you launch your next print-on-demand product, you NEED to know if your phrase is trademarked. In this video, I’ll walk you step-by-step through the USPTO Trademark Database so you can avoid takedowns, account bans, or worse—legal action.

If you’re selling print-on-demand on Etsy, Shopify, or Amazon, understanding trademarks is essential. In this tutorial, I’ll cover:

✅ How to search the USPTO Trademark Database (TESS)
🟢 The difference between registered, pending, and dead trademarks
📦 Why trademark classes (clothing, mugs, candles, etc.) matter for POD
🚫 When you’re safe vs. when you’re not in the clear

📸 Real examples of popular POD phrases and how to check them

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to check trademarks the right way—so you can design and sell without risking your business.

Common Trademark Classes for POD
Class 025 – Clothing, Footwear, Headgear
T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, hats, socks, jackets, shoes, baby onesies

Class 018 – Leather Goods & Bags
Tote bags, backpacks, purses, wallets, duffle bags

Class 021 – Housewares & Glassware
Mugs, tumblers, water bottles, glassware, kitchen items

Class 016 – Paper Goods & Printed Matter
Journals, notebooks, planners, posters, greeting cards, stickers

Class 020 – Furniture & Home Décor
Pillows, cushions, picture frames, wall art, other décor items

Class 024 – Textiles & Fabrics
Blankets, towels, tablecloths, pillowcases, fabric wall hangings

Class 028 – Toys, Games, Sporting Goods
Board games, plush toys, puzzles, novelty toys

Class 004 – Candles & Fuels
Scented candles, tealights, wax melts

Class 014 – Jewelry
Necklaces, bracelets, rings, charms, pins

Class 012 – Phone & Tech Accessories
Phone cases, laptop sleeves, smartwatch bands, pop sockets

💡 Quick Tips for POD Sellers
Always check multiple classes if your phrase could overlap (ex: “Dog Mom” could appear in Class 025 for shirts and Class 021 for mugs).

Just because a mark is registered in one class doesn’t mean you can freely use it in another—famous phrases/brands often file across multiple classes.