Hi ,

I wanted to share something crucial that could save your print on demand business from potential legal headaches.

Are you checking for trademarks before uploading your designs?

If not (or if you're not sure you're doing it right), this email will walk you through my simple process for trademark verification.

[Watch the Video Now]

Why Trademark Checking Matters

Creating a design that violates someone's trademark can lead to:

• Your listings being removed
• Loss of revenue from popular designs
• Potential legal issues
• Account suspensions on some platforms

My 3-Step Trademark Checking System

Step 1: Understand the Right Classifications

For t-shirts, hoodies, and tops, you need to check Classification 025.

Different products have different classifications:

• Pillows, tumblers, pop sockets, etc., all have their own categories
• Each requires separate verification

Step 2: Use the Right Tools

I personally use these three tools:

TMHunt.com (my go-to method):

• Upload up to 10 phrases at once
• Set status to "Live" and type to "Text"
• Look for phrases with 2+ words together
• Click on serial numbers to see full details
• Check if the goods listed include "tops" or "shirts"

Merchant Informer Chrome Extension:

• Quick checks while you work
• Automatically shows trademark alerts
• Covers different product classifications

USPTO Website:

• The official source for all trademark information
• Great for double-checking anything suspicious

Step 3: Know What to Look For

Pay attention to:

• Live vs. dead trademarks (only live ones matter)
• The application stage (drawing applications that aren't fully protected yet)
• Specific mentions of apparel in the goods description
• Two-word phrases (these are more likely to be trademarked than single words)

Real Example: "Drip Season"

I recently checked "Drip Season" and found:

• It has a live trademark in class 025
• The goods specifically list "clothing, hooded sweatshirts and tops"
• Verdict: This is a clear NO for t-shirt designs

Quick Trademark Check Checklist

✓ Check BEFORE creating designs to save time

✓ Be extra cautious with popular phrases and brand names

✓ Do a quick Google search to avoid movie quotes and other copyrighted content

✓ Verify across all product types you sell

✓ Double-check designs periodically (pending trademarks become active)

While trademark checking can be tedious, it's a non-negotiable part of running a successful print on demand business. Trust me, spending a few minutes checking now can save you hours of headaches (and potential losses) later.

Let me know if you have any questions!

RJ Martinez

P.S. If you found this helpful, forward it to another POD seller who might benefit. We're all in this together!