Initial skills documentation — 25 categories, all SKILL.md + references + scripts

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+---
+name: brand-name-availability-research
+description: "Research the availability of a brand/game/product name across USPTO trademarks, domain WHOIS, app stores, game platforms, and general web — produce a structured conflict assessment with actionable recommendations."
+platforms: [linux, macos]
+---
+
+# Brand / Name Availability Research
+
+## When to use
+
+When asked to check if a name (game title, brand, product, SaaS name) is available for use — covering:
+
+- **Trademark conflicts** — USPTO registration status for the name in relevant classes
+- **Domain availability** — WHOIS lookup on `.com` and alternatives
+- **Platform conflicts** — Steam, App Store, Google Play, Meta Quest, itch.io, etc.
+- **Existing products** — Board games, tabletop, mobile apps, VR experiences using the same name
+- **Name variants** — Multiple spellings (two-word, one-word, hyphenated, combined)
+
+## Core workflow
+
+### 1. Parallel initial sweep (batch all independent searches)
+
+Fire off all discovery searches simultaneously — they don't depend on each other:
+
+```
+- web_search: USPTO trademark query for "name" game class 9 class 41
+- web_search: "Name" game Steam PC
+- web_search: "Name" mobile game App Store Google Play
+- web_search: "Name" trademark
+- web_search: "Name" game board game card game
+```
+
+### 2. USPTO trademark deep-dive
+
+Two complementary approaches:
+
+**Approach A: TSDR direct lookup** (if you have a serial/registration number from step 1)
+- Navigate to `https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=<SN>&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch`
+- Key fields to extract: Mark, Serial/Registration Number, Filing/Registration Date, Status (Live/Dead/Cancelled), Status Date, Goods/Services description, Class
+- **DEAD/Cancelled** marks pose no conflict. Focus on **LIVE/Registered** marks in Classes 9 (software/games) and 41 (entertainment services).
+
+**Approach B: USPTO Trademark Search system** (for names without known serial numbers)
+- Navigate to `https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/search`
+- Click the "Trademark Search system" link (ref @e43 in the snapshot)
+- Select "Wordmark" from the search refinement dropdown
+- Type the name into the search combobox and click search
+- Use the LIVE filter (default) to see active marks; the DEAD count shows total historical filings
+- Filter by class: Class 9 (Electrical and Scientific Apparatus — includes game software) and Class 41 (Education and Entertainment — includes game services)
+- Click result lines to expand details
+
+**Approach C: Justia Trademarks** (alternative, often easier)
+- Search `site:trademarks.justia.com "Name" class 009 OR class 041`
+- Or browse by serial number if you have one
+
+### 3. Domain WHOIS check
+
+Run WHOIS on multiple name variants:
+
+```bash
+# Check primary name and alternatives
+for domain in name.com namegame.com playname.com names.io; do
+  whois "$domain" 2>/dev/null | head -20
+  echo "--- $domain ---"
+done
+```
+
+Key info to extract: Registrar, Create Date, Expiry Date, Status (taken/available), Nameservers.
+
+**Pricing reference for domain recommendations:**
+
+| Registrar | .com price | Notes |
+|-----------|-----------|-------|
+| **Cloudflare** | ~$10.46/yr | At-cost, no markup, recommended |
+| **Namecheap** | ~$10.69/yr | Includes free WhoisGuard privacy |
+| **GoDaddy** | ~$12.17/yr | Markup + upsells, avoid if possible |
+| **Porkbun** | ~$9.67/yr | Cheapest, good API, rising in popularity |
+
+- Domains registered through Cloudflare can't be transferred out for 60 days, but renewals are always at cost
+- All registrars above include free WHOIS privacy
+- Premium domains (short, dictionary words) are priced independently by the registry and can be $100-$10,000+ — always verify pricing on the checkout page before recommending
+
+### 4. Platform-specific searches
+
+For each relevant platform, search for the name:
+
+- **Steam**: `site:store.steampowered.com "Name" game`
+- **SteamDB**: `site:steamdb.info "Name"`
+- **Google Play**: `site:play.google.com "Name" app`
+- **App Store**: Search via web search (no direct site: query works well)
+- **Meta Quest / VR**: Search for "Name VR" or "Name Quest"
+- **Itch.io / Game Jolt**: General web search including the indie platforms
+- **BoardGameGeek**: `site:boardgamegeek.com "Name"`
+
+### 5. General web conflict assessment
+
+Search for the name as a standalone product/entity:
+
+```
+- "Name" game (general existence)
+- "Name" trademark (additional filings)
+- "Name" trademark live active entertainment services
+```
+
+Also search for related name variants (one-word, two-word, hyphenated, "captain name", etc.)
+
+### 6. Compile structured report
+
+Organize findings into these sections:
+
+#### Trademark Summary
+Table with: Mark, Serial Number, Classes, Status (Live/Dead), Goods description, Key conflict assessment.
+
+Add a **Trademark Risk Assessment** line:
+- **LOW** — No live marks in relevant classes
+- **MEDIUM** — Live marks in adjacent classes or similar names exist
+- **HIGH** — Live marks in same class for the exact name
+
+#### Existing Products / Conflicts
+Table with: Name variant, Platform, Developer, Type, Similarity, Risk level.
+
+#### Domain Availability
+Table with: Domain, Available? (Yes/No), Status details, Notes.
+
+#### Recommendations
+- **Domain priority list** — order by desirability, with registration cost estimates
+- **Trademark recommendations** — whether to file, which classes, when
+- **Name risk summary** — assess each name variant against the main conflict
+
+### Verdict patterns
+
+| Finding | Recommended action |
+|---|---|
+| No trademarks, no conflicts, domains available | Go ahead, register domains + file trademark |
+| No trademarks, but existing product with same name | Consider a distinctive variant or adjust name |
+| No trademarks, domains taken | Try alternative TLDs (.io, .gg, .games) or modify name |
+| Dead trademark in unrelated class | No conflict — proceed |
+| Live trademark in same class | High risk — change name or get legal opinion |
+
+## Example output structure
+
+See `references/sharkbait-domain-research-report.md` for a complete worked example.
+
+## Pitfalls
+
+- **Dead trademarks still show in search results** always check the Status field for "DEAD/REGISTRATION/Cancelled/Invalidated" — a dead mark poses no obstacle
+- **Don't mistake USPTO offline publication PDFs** for current status — the PDFs listed in search results (like `tmog/20030401_OG.pdf`) are historical opposition publications, not current registration status. Always check TSDR directly.
+- **Multiple class filters matter** — a trademark in Class 25 (clothing) does NOT block use in Class 9/41 (games). Filter by relevant classes.
+- **Domain squatters hide availability** — some domains show as "taken" but are parked/squatted. Check the nameservers: `PDNS*.DOMAINCONTROL.COM` is typically GoDaddy parking.
+- **Beware "Shark Bait" as a generic phrase** — many games use it as a level/achievement/item name, not a game title. Distinguish standalone game titles from in-game content.
+- **WHOIS rate limiting** — some registrars throttle multi-domain WHOIS queries. Space out checks or run them in parallel.
+- **USPTO search system is JS-heavy** — use the browser rather than curl/web_extract for the search interface. The TSDR status page (static content after search) can be read with browser_snapshot.
+
+## Verification
+
+For each data point in your report, verify:
+1. Trademark status is current (not historical PDF)
+2. Domain WHOIS data is recent (check "Last update" timestamp)
+3. Existing products are real (not placeholder/abandoned)
+4. Platform listings are current (not removed/taken down)
+
+## Reference material
+
+- `references/sharkbait-domain-research-report.md` — Complete worked example: researching "Shark Bait" / "Sharkbait" as a game name and domain
@@ -0,0 +1,199 @@
+# Shark Bait / Sharkbait — Domain & Name Availability Research
+
+**Date:** July 9, 2026
+**Project:** Research availability of "Shark Bait" / "Sharkbait" as a game name and domain
+**Method:** This is a worked example of the brand-name-availability-research skill
+
+---
+
+## 1. USPTO Trademark Search
+
+### "SHARK BAIT" — Computer Program (Class 9 — Software)
+| Field | Value |
+|---|---|
+| **Serial Number** | 78154729 |
+| **Registration Number** | 2729288 |
+| **Filed** | Aug 15, 2002 |
+| **Registered** | Jun 24, 2003 |
+| **Status** | **DEAD — Cancelled** (Jan 31, 2010) |
+| **Reason** | Registrant did not file Section 8 declaration |
+| **Goods/Services** | Computer program for analyzing real estate related data (NOT games) |
+| **Link** | https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=78154729 |
+
+**Verdict: No conflict.** Dead/cancelled, and was never for games/entertainment.
+
+### Other "SHARK BAIT" / "SHARKBAIT" Trademarks (non-game)
+| Mark | SN | Goods | Status |
+|---|---|---|---|
+| SHARK BAIT | 85098948 | Clothing (shirts, hats, swimwear, etc.) | Dead (estimated — no Class 9/41) |
+| SHARK BAIT SUPPLY CO. | 87716475 | Clothing | Unknown |
+| SHARK BAIT | 75511495 | Decals | Dead |
+
+**No LIVE/ACTIVE trademark for "SHARK BAIT" or "SHARKBAIT" was found in the game-related classes:**
+- **Class 9:** Downloadable computer game software, video game software
+- **Class 41:** Entertainment services, providing online games
+
+### Trademark Risk Assessment
+- **Risk: LOW** — No active game-related trademark for either name
+- A new "SHARK BAIT" trademark for a game could be filed with the USPTO
+- Existing dead marks in unrelated classes (clothing, real estate) do not pose a conflict
+
+---
+
+## 2. Existing Games Named "Shark Bait" or Similar
+
+### 2a. "Shark Bait" — Mobile Dating Sim (Dorian app)
+| Field | Value |
+|---|---|
+| **Platform** | Dorian app (iOS & Android on Google Play) |
+| **Developer** | RoseMagpie (Robin Pendragon) |
+| **Type** | Visual novel / dating sim with shark gods |
+| **Release** | 2023 |
+| **IMDb** | https://www.imdb.com/title/tt35046178/ |
+| **TikTok** | @rosemagpiestudios |
+| **Similarity** | **Exact match** — "Shark Bait" |
+| **Risk** | **HIGH** — A published game already uses this exact name on iOS/Android |
+| **Sequel** | "Shark Bait: Riptide" exists (doesn't seem trademarked either) |
+
+### 2b. "Captain Sharkbait: Voyage for Treasure" — Steam
+| Field | Value |
+|---|---|
+| **Platform** | Steam (App ID 4085510) |
+| **Developer** | Dylan Gray / Extra Pickle Studios |
+| **Type** | 3D platformer |
+| **Release** | Nov 4, 2025 |
+| **Similarity** | **Close** — includes "Sharkbait" in the full title but is a character name |
+| **Risk** | **MEDIUM** — Uses "Sharkbait" as part of the full name, not the standalone game title |
+
+### 2c. "SharkBait" — VR Game (Meta Quest)
+| Field | Value |
+|---|---|
+| **Platform** | Meta Quest store |
+| **Developer** | Alt Lab VR |
+| **Type** | Spearfishing VR |
+| **Similarity** | **Exact match** (single word) |
+| **Risk** | **MEDIUM** — VR-only, different platform from typical mobile/PC games |
+| **Link** | https://www.altlabvr.com/sharkbait |
+
+### 2d. "Shark Bait" — Unit in Clash Mini (Supercell)
+| Field | Value |
+|---|---|
+| **Game** | Clash Mini (mobile) |
+| **Developer** | Supercell |
+| **Similarity** | **Exact match** — a character/unit name, not the game title |
+| **Risk** | **LOW** — Character within a larger game, not a standalone game |
+
+### 2e. "Sharkbait" — Weapon in Borderlands 4
+| Field | Value |
+|---|---|
+| **Game** | Borderlands 4 |
+| **Developer** | Gearbox / 2K Games |
+| **Similarity** | **Exact match** — weapon name, not game title |
+| **Risk** | **LOW** — Named item, not a game |
+
+### 2f. "Shark Bait" — Board Game (Melissa & Doug)
+| Field | Value |
+|---|---|
+| **Type** | Children's board game (touch-and-feel with plush shark) |
+| **Retailer** | Walmart, Amazon |
+| **Similarity** | **Exact match** |
+| **Risk** | **MEDIUM** — Physical board game, different market from digital games |
+
+### 2g. "Shark Bait" — Other uses in gaming
+| Context | Game | Type | Risk |
+|---|---|---|---|
+| "Shark Bait" | Raft | In-game item/tool | LOW |
+| "Shark Bait" | The Jackbox Party Pack 2 | Achievement name | LOW |
+| "Shark Bait" | Gambillion | Achievement name | LOW |
+| "Shark Bait" | Snake 3D Adventures | Achievement name | LOW |
+| "Shark Bait" | Shark Tale (2004) | Level/chapter name | LOW |
+| "Shark Bait" | Persuasive Games Bogost | Flash advergame (2000s) | LOW |
+
+---
+
+## 3. Domain Availability
+
+### Summary Table
+
+| Domain | Available? | Status | Notes |
+|---|---|---|---|
+| **sharkbait.com** | **NO** ❌ | Taken (GoDaddy) | Apparel brand site; registered 1996, expires Sep 23, 2027 |
+| **sharkbaitgame.com** | **YES** ✅ | Available | Best option |
+| **sharkbattleague.com** | **YES** ✅ | Available | Odd mashup; only if "Shark Bait League" is intended |
+| **sharkbaits.com** | **NO** ❌ | Taken (GoDaddy) | Registered May 2021, expires May 19, 2027 — likely parked |
+| **playsharkbait.com** | **YES** ✅ | Available | Good secondary option |
+
+### Domain Details
+
+#### sharkbait.com — TAKEN
+- **Registrar:** GoDaddy.com, LLC
+- **Created:** 1996-09-23
+- **Expires:** 2027-09-23
+- **Nameservers:** NS41.DOMAINCONTROL.COM, NS42.DOMAINCONTROL.COM
+- **Use:** Shark Bait Apparel (clothing brand)
+- **Acquisition:** Would likely require purchase from owner; backorder at expiry possible but unlikely
+
+#### sharkbaitgame.com — AVAILABLE
+- Best option for a game-specific domain
+- Clean, descriptive, memorable
+- **Estimated cost:** ~$10-12/year at standard registrars
+
+#### sharkbattleague.com — AVAILABLE
+- Only useful if you want "Shark Bait League" branding
+- Similarity to "sharkbattleague" is high, which could be confusing
+
+#### sharkbaits.com — TAKEN
+- **Created:** 2021-05-19
+- **Expires:** 2027-05-19
+- **Status:** Parked (likely squatted)
+- **Note:** Could attempt to purchase, but the plural form is less desirable
+
+#### playsharkbait.com — AVAILABLE
+- Good secondary/redirect option
+- **Estimated cost:** ~$10-12/year
+
+---
+
+## 4. Recommendations
+
+### Domain Priority (Grab immediately)
+
+| Priority | Domain | Reason |
+|---|---|---|
+| **1st** | **sharkbaitgame.com** | Available, descriptive, perfect for a game |
+| **2nd** | **playsharkbait.com** | Available, good action-oriented name |
+| **3rd** | **sharkbattleague.com** | Only if league/battle branding is relevant |
+
+### Estimated Annual Domain Costs
+- New registrations: ~$10-12/year each at standard registrars (Namecheap, Cloudflare, Porkbun)
+- Cloudflare is recommended for at-cost pricing (~$8-9/year)
+- Avoid GoDaddy for new registrations due to high renewal prices
+
+### Trademark Recommendations
+- **No legal obstacles** to using "Shark Bait" or "Sharkbait" as a game name
+- The existing "Shark Bait" mobile dating sim (RoseMagpie/Dorian) is the primary conflict — it uses the exact name and is actively marketed
+- Recommend strongly considering a more distinctive name to avoid confusion with the existing "Shark Bait" mobile dating sim (which has ~2 years of market presence)
+- If proceeding, **file a US trademark application** in Classes 9 and 41 as early as possible
+
+### Risk Summary by Name Variant
+
+| Name | Main Conflict | Risk Level |
+|---|---|---|
+| **"Shark Bait"** | Mobile dating sim (RoseMagpie/Dorian, 2023) and Melissa & Doug board game | **HIGH** |
+| **"Sharkbait"** | VR game (Alt Lab VR, Meta Quest); weapon in Borderlands 4 | **MEDIUM** |
+| **"Captain Sharkbait"** | Steam game (2025) | **MEDIUM** |
+| **A more distinctive name** | None | **LOW** |
+
+---
+
+## 5. Sources
+
+- USPTO TSDR: https://tsdr.uspto.gov/ (SN 78154729)
+- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt35046178/ ("Shark Bait" dating sim)
+- Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/4085510/ ("Captain Sharkbait: Voyage for Treasure")
+- Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dorian.playtogether (Dorian app)
+- Alt Lab VR: https://www.altlabvr.com/sharkbait
+- Clash Mini Wiki: https://clashmini.fandom.com/wiki/Shark_Bait
+- Borderlands Wiki: https://borderlands.fandom.com/wiki/Sharkbait
+- WHOIS query via terminal (sharkbait.com, sharkbaitgame.com, sharkbattleague.com, sharkbaits.com, playsharkbait.com)
+- Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Melissa-Doug-Shark-Bait/50389618