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?

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 initial application. A lack of your disclaimer does not cost your extra USPTO fees. It costs extra time and some work, but if you started early, you can afford waiting for a few months more before you start print out brochures and build signs for your business with ®, sitting on your priority date (filing date).

Acceptable identifications of goods and services

There are good reasons you should stick to the Trademark ID Manual when you describe your goods and services in your trademark application. Picking one outside Trademark ID Manual not only cost you more but also may delay the registration process. Why is the description important? First, you need to understand there are two different… Continue reading Acceptable identifications of goods and services

TEAS Plus vs. Standard Explained

By carefully filling out all the required blanks and agreeing to go paperless in communicating with the USPTO, you can reduce your application fees from $325 to $225 (TEAS plus). TEAS RF Standard allows you to enter goods/services description in your own words for a slightly heftier fee, but it is not recommended if you want the examination process… Continue reading TEAS Plus vs. Standard Explained