Filing a Federal Trademark Application FAQ
Apply for protection for your trademark under federal law.
» How do I apply for federal trademark registration?
How does a trademark qualify for federal registration?
If the USPTO decides that a mark is eligible for federal registration, what happens next?
What types of trademarks are ineligible for federal registration?
What are the benefits of having a trademark on the USPTO's Principal Register?
How long does federal trademark registration last?
Can a business register its trademark at the state level?
How do I apply for federal trademark registration?
You can file your trademark application online at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website by using the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS). You can also call the USPTO for a paper form, but the USPTO cautions that paper forms will not be processed as quickly, and paper applications cost $50 more to file.
To begin the electronic registration process, go to the USPTO website (www.uspto.gov). On the home page, click the "Trademarks" link, and then, on the next screen, click "FILE online."
For most trademark applicants, federal registration is a relatively straightforward process. When completing the application, you need to:
- describe your trademark or service mark (often referred to as "marks," for short)
- state when it was first used
- describe the products or services on which the mark will be used, and
- suggest the classification under which the mark should be registered (there are approximately 40 classifications for goods and services; the online help provided by the USPTO can help you figure out which classification is right for your mark).
In addition, your application must be accompanied by:
- a "drawing" of your mark (for word marks, simply type the word; for graphic marks, you can include a photo file of graphic images)
- samples of how your proposed mark is being used, and
- the registration fee -- currently $325 per class when filing online.
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