Tag: trademark

  • How to DIY: USPTO trademark registration

    How to DIY: USPTO trademark registration

    The USPTO provides up-to-date, comprehensive guides and toolkits: Trademark basics | USPTO The USPTO is a virtually 100% SELF-FUNDED AGENCY. So, it’s understandable that they are making an effort to help and prepare you to become a well-informed applicant. Well, it’s in their self-interest because they charge a flat fee for examining your application. Poorly…

  • 2-min guide to IPs for retail business

    2-min guide to IPs for retail business

    Let’s say you were to sell t-shirts. What do you want to protect? A. Words, logos, etc B. Product design C. It’s all in the making. (e.g. special sewing technique) A. Words, logos, etc These are called “trademarks”. Trademark is a way to tell people that products bearing the “words, logos, etc” are from you.…

  • Somebody’s claiming rights under trademark registration, which you believe is bogus?

    Somebody’s claiming rights under trademark registration, which you believe is bogus?

    You may be able to move the USPTO to expunge or cancel a trademark registration for not being commercially used in the U.S. What is Expungement (and Reexamination) of Trademark Registration? Virtually anyone can petition for an expungement of a registered trademark with the evidence of record supporting that the registered mark has never been…

  • Trademark Search Hacks

    Trademark Search Hacks

    Trademark attorneys, like myself, use USPTO’s Trademark Search like everyone else. I will walk you through the entire process with helpful tips you can use right away. First of all, you need to access Trademark Search (uspto.gov) You should see something like this: Now, hit the “Search by all” button on the top left, and…

  • Did you receive an invoice (or a bill) for your trademark?

    Did you receive an invoice (or a bill) for your trademark?

    If you are wondering if the invoice or bill you received by mail is legit, please read on. Scammers consistently target US trademark applicants and registrants. Many of those have names bearing a close resemblance to the name of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) such as Patent and Trademark Office, LLC. First…

  • What Do I Need for Trademark Registration?

    What Do I Need for Trademark Registration?

    To register a trademark, you need to either (1) have used a mark (could be a brand name, a company logo, or even a unique color) in association with your good or service or (2) have a bona fide intent to use it. How does this translate in plain English?

  • USPTO TEAS—What is a disclaimer?

    USPTO TEAS—What is a disclaimer?

    When required, disclaimer works against you. So, an ideal trademark would not have a disclaimer. However, sometimes you want to include certain words that need to be disclaimed no matter what. In that case, I recommend you start the trademark registration process in advance using an ITU application and do not include disclaimer in your…

  • How to Avoid Trademark Refusal

    How to Avoid Trademark Refusal

    Just google trademark registration, and you will see a bunch of under-$100 trademark services online. How is it possible? There is a hidden cost of trademark registration: your mandatory response to the USPTO’s initial conclusion that your mark is not registerable. (See Possible Grounds for Refusal of a Mark | USPTO) By the way, this…

  • Promotional Phrases as Trademark

    Promotional Phrases as Trademark

    Nowadays, in addition to “maker” and “brand”, “product name” is increasingly used as a trademark. There are simply so many product types and variations. Take a look at an example below: GREEN CLEAN is a product name of a cleanser from Farmacy Beauty. My impress is that it is something that naturally cleans your skin.…

  • Change Address on TM registration, DIY

    Change Address on TM registration, DIY

    Businesses move. And their trademarks should come along. Unfortunately, changing your address on your trademark registration(s) (also in your application(s) if it has not been registered) is not as straightforward as changing your profile on Facebook. First, understand what you’re doing. You actually have quite a list of addresses on your trademark registration/application. If you’re…