Securing your brand’s identity through trademark registration is vital.

Let’s breakdown the trademark application process.

What is a Trademark Application?

• A formal request submitted to the trademark office to register a logo, name, or slogan that represents your brand.
• Filing a trademark application means you want exclusive rights to the mark and to prevent anyone else from using something confusingly similar.

Before Filing a Trademark Application:

Due Diligence: Before applying, consider a trademark search to ensure your desired trademark (or something confusingly similar) is not already in use or registered.

Select a Strong Mark: Generic or descriptive marks can be hard to protect. Aim for suggestive, arbitrary, or fanciful marks for stronger protection.

Trademark Application Components:

• Detailed Description: Clearly describe the mark.
• Class of Goods/Services: Specify the category of goods or services the mark will represent.
• Specimen: Provide a real-world example of the mark in use, such as on a product label or website.
• Declaration: A sworn statement that you intend to use or are currently using the mark in commerce.

After Filing a Trademark Application:

USPTO Examination: An Examining Attorney at the United States Patent and Trademark Office will review the application.

Office Action: If there are issues or clarifications needed, the USPTO will issue an office action, requiring a response.

Publication: If your trademark is approved by the Examining Attorney, it will be published in the official gazette, allowing any third party to oppose to your trademark if they feel it infringes on their rights.

Registration: If no opposition arises, or if the opposition is unsuccessful, your trademark is registered.