How to check if a service name is copyrighted?

[Dave Vanian]

I recall a while ago that First Active somehow registered the Irish rights to the term "Current Account Mortgage" as they always had the little (R) symbol after that name in their promotional literature. (They changed the name later to Offset Mortgage but that's irrelevant to my query.)

If I'm thinking of launching a new service and giving it a snazzy name, is there any way I can check that no other Irish firm has already registered that name?

I'm not talking about registering a business name which I know you can do at the CRO; just advertising a service, like First Active with their "Current Account Mortgage".

 

[Caveat]

Initially, you could just try googling the phrase and see what comes up?

Also, you could do a search for domain names which might reveal something useful.

 

[Dearg Doom]

The (R) means means registered trademark as opposed to the (c) that means copyright. You can search for registered trademarks on the Patents Office website (or you could if was working, which is currently is not).

 

[Dave Vanian]

Thanks - very helpful.