Trademark Registration 101

There are a few different ways to search for trademarks. You can use the USPTO’s Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS), which is available free of charge. You can also hire a professional to do a trademark search for you.

If you decide to do a trademark search yourself, keep in mind that it’s important to search for both similar and identical marks. You should also search for mark types that are similar to your proposed mark. For example, if you want to trademark the name of your company, you should also search for logos and slogans that use the same or similar words.

Trademark Registration – Protect Your Brand, Product, Business Or Website From Being Duplicated.

What Is A Trademark?

A trademark can be a word, phrase, logo, image, or another distinctive mark that identifies the source of goods or services. It can also help distinguish your products or services from those of other companies in the marketplace.

Why Register A Trademark?

There are many benefits to registering your trademark, including:

1. Establishing a legal presumption of ownership nationwide

2. Giving you the exclusive right to use your mark on or in connection with the goods and services specified in your registration

3. Allowing you to bring a lawsuit against anyone who uses your mark without your permission

4. Helping you stop the importation of infringing goods

5. Enabling you to use the ® symbol to indicate that your mark is registered and warn potential infringers that you’re serious about protecting your trademark

How To Register A Trademark

The process of registering a trademark can be complex. But we can help you every step of the way, from searching for existing trademarks to filing your application and maintaining your registration.

1. Search For Existing Trademarks

Before you apply to register your trademark, you should search the USPTO’s trademark database (Trademark Electronic Search System, or TESS) to see if any mark has already been registered or applied for that is similar to yours.

If you find a conflicting mark, you may decide to choose a different name or design for your mark. Or, you may decide to proceed with your application and let the USPTO’s examining attorney decide whether your mark can be registered.

2. File Your Application

If you decide to apply for registration, you will need to apply with the USPTO. The application must include:

• Your name and address
• A clear drawing of your mark
• The goods or services on which you will use your mark
• The filing fee

3. Respond To Office Actions

Once your application is received, it will be assigned to an examining attorney. The attorney will review your application to make sure it meets all the legal requirements for registration. If it does not, the attorney will issue an office action, which is a letter explaining the problem and what you can do to fix it. You will have six months to respond to the office action.

4. Publish Your Mark

If your application meets all the legal requirements for registration, it will be published in the USPTO’s Official Gazette. This is a weekly publication that contains information about newly registered trademarks.

5. Register Your Mark

If there are no objections to your mark, you will be able to register it. You will then be able to use the ® symbol to indicate that your mark is registered and warn potential infringers that you’re serious about protecting your trademark.

6. Renew Your Registration

You will need to renew your registration every ten years. The USPTO will send you a notice reminding you to renew your registration six months before it expires.

Visit trademark registration search for more info.