Your brand is your baby, and you want to protect it at all costs. One of the best ways to do that is to register your trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). In this post, we’ll go over the steps you need to take to register your trademark with the USPTO in a friendly and approachable way.
First Things First: Conducting a Trademark Search
Before you jump into registering your trademark, it’s critical to do some research to make sure that someone else hasn’t already registered a similar trademark. You can conduct a search using the USPTO’s online database, called the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS). You may also want to work with a trademark attorney to do a more comprehensive search.
Preparing Your Trademark Application: It’s All About You!
Once you’ve determined that your trademark is available, it’s time to start putting together your trademark application.There are several different types of trademark applications, including a standard character mark, a design mark, and a combined mark. You’ll need to choose the type of application that’s right for your trademark.
When filling out your application, make sure to describe your goods or services in as much detail as possible. The USPTO wants to see that you’ve really thought about what your trademark will represent.
Filing Your Trademark Application: Crossing Your T’s and Dotting Your I’s
When you’re ready to file your application, you can do it online or through the mail. Make sure you choose the right type of application and include all of the required information. There will be a filing fee, which can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars.
The Nitty Gritty: Responding to USPTO Office Actions
After you file your application, an attorney from the USPTO will review it to make sure everything looks alright. If there are any concerns, the examining attorney will send you an Office Action, which will explain the issues and give you a chance to respond. Don’t panic! It’s totally normal, and we’ll help you figure out what to do.
Keeping an Eye on Your Trademark
Once your trademark is registered, it’s important to keep an eye out to make sure nobody else is using something similar. You can use the USPTO’s online database to monitor your trademark and take legal action if necessary.
Related Post: Trademark Infringement: What is it and how to avoid it
Your Next Steps
By following these simple steps, you can register your trademark with the USPTO and protect your business’s intellectual property. Remember, we’re here to help you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to schedule a meeting with us if you have any questions!
