Look Before You Leap

I would seriously suggest people do a search of their own before considering applying for a trade mark, design or patent, or even before approaching a patent attorney. This will save time and costs in the short term.

The IP system is based on uniqueness, so the further your IP is from what is already out there, the better it is for you, your business, costs and register-ability of your IP.

The UKIPO and Irish Patent Office have good national patent, trade mark and design databases.
Patentscope is very user friendly for International Patent Applications , espacenet is also useful for mulitnational patent applications and OHIM is excellent for searching European Trade Marks and Designs.