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I got a letter from my trademark lawyer, John A. Clifford of Merchant & Gould, re: Secret Trademark Searching Tool.  I had always wondered how he researched the millions of marks. He even enclosed a copy of the tool for my use!

"For many years we have tried to keep our methods of performing preliminary trademark screening services as a trade secret," Jack wrote. "However, there was a significant breach of security at the recent International Trademark Association annual meeting in Chicago where thousands of people learned how we perform preliminary screenings. In case you missed the publication of that secret I am happy to share it with you now."

You simply ask the "Magic M&G Predictor Ball" a question and it responds with:

• "Worth a Try"
• "Opposition Likely"
• "Unmarketable"
• "YES"
• "Nice Strong Mark"
• "You can do better"
• "Available in U.S."
• "File Now"
• "Are You Kidding"
• "Ask Again Later"

and my favorite: "Who the Hell Knows."