Frequently Asked Questions

ATMOSS (Australian Trade Mark & Other Search Service) is an independent gateway that provides fast, direct access to IP Australia's official intellectual property search databases. We help users quickly search Australian trademarks, patents, designs, and plant breeders' rights without navigating complex government website menus.

No, ATMOSS is not affiliated with IP Australia or the Australian Government. We are an independent service that provides convenient access to official IP Australia search tools. All searches are performed on the official IP Australia databases.

Yes, ATMOSS is completely free to use. We provide free access to all our search tools, advanced filters, and educational resources. There are no subscription fees or charges for performing searches.

No, ATMOSS is a search gateway only. To file trademark, patent, design, or PBR applications, you need to go directly to IP Australia's website or use their online filing systems. We recommend consulting with a qualified IP professional for application assistance.

No, we do not store your search queries or search history. When you perform a search, you are redirected directly to IP Australia's databases. We are committed to protecting your privacy and do not track individual searches.

The search results come directly from IP Australia's official databases, ensuring complete accuracy. ATMOSS simply provides a gateway to these official sources - we do not modify or interpret the data in any way.

ATMOSS primarily focuses on Australian IP searches through IP Australia's databases. However, we do provide links to international resources such as WIPO's international patent search and UPOV's plant variety database. For comprehensive international searches, we recommend using these international databases directly.

A trademark search helps you find registered brand names, logos, and slogans that identify goods or services. A patent search helps you find registered inventions and technical innovations. Trademarks protect brand identity, while patents protect inventions and innovations.

While not legally required, conducting a thorough IP search before filing is highly recommended. It helps you identify existing rights that might conflict with your application, potentially saving time and money. Many IP professionals conduct comprehensive searches as a standard part of the application process.

No, ATMOSS cannot provide legal advice. We are a search gateway service only. For legal advice about intellectual property matters, filing applications, or interpreting search results, please consult a qualified trademark attorney, patent attorney, or IP lawyer.

If you find an existing IP right that may conflict with your intended use or application, we recommend consulting with an IP professional. They can assess the potential conflict, advise on your options, and help you determine the best course of action.

IP Australia's databases are updated regularly, typically daily. Since ATMOSS redirects directly to these official databases, you always see the most current information available from IP Australia.

Yes, our advanced search tools include status filters that allow you to search for expired, lapsed, ceased, or revoked IP rights in addition to active registrations and pending applications.

Our advanced search tools offer various field options depending on the IP type. For trademarks, you can search by mark text, owner, class, and more. For patents, you can search by title, abstract, inventor, applicant, and classification. Each search tool includes help information explaining the available fields.

We welcome your feedback! You can contact us through our Contact Us page, send an email to info@atmoss.com.au, or use the feedback form on our website. We continuously improve our services based on user feedback.