Tag: trademark

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.… Continue reading 2-min guide to IPs for retail business

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

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… Continue reading Trademark Search Hacks

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

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).

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.… Continue reading Promotional Phrases as Trademark

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.

How IPfever works: the Real Cost of Getting a Trademark

If you’ve reached this article, you’re very likely mindful about those dubious online trademark services. They’re low cost, and they tend to have bad reviews on online communities like BBB and Yelp. Well, I’m not surprised. I’ve recently had a client who was charged for two international classes ($500 in USPTO fees), but for only… Continue reading How IPfever works: the Real Cost of Getting a Trademark