Registering a trademark or service mark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) makes it easier for the owner to protect it against would-be copiers and puts the rest of the country on notice that the mark is already taken. In this section we fill you in about the registration process and what can and cannot be trademarked.
How Do I Register a Trademark?
Trademarks are critical for businesses to attract consumer recognition and loyalty.
Trademark Classes: Which One Fits the Mark You Are Registering For?
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office divides trademarks into 45 different "classes." You must choose the proper class when applying for trademark registration.
What Good Is an Unregistered Trademark?
An unregistered trademark is a trademark that has not been registered with a government agency.
Registering Your Trademark on the Supplemental Register
The federal Supplemental Register is a secondary list for trademarks and service marks that don't qualify for the Principal Register.
Filing a Federal Trademark Application FAQ
Applying for a federal trademark has many complications. What are some of the basics of the process?
Should You File an Intent-to-Use Trademark Application?
There are two ways to qualify as a first user of a trademark:
My Trademark Is Being Infringed Outside of the United States: What Should I Do?
As markets become increasingly globalized, businesses need to protect their trademarks not just within the borders of the United States, but also around the world.
Trademark: Legal Care for Your Business & Product Name
Trademark your business or product name with all the information you need to choose a distinctive mark, register it with the USPTO, and fight infringement.
Just Do It, as Nike would say. The what, how, when, and why of trademarking a slogan.
Should Your Business Trademark the Color of Its Logo or Font?
Your company's name or logo is always displayed in a specific color. As you file your trademark application, how do you describe this color to guarantee protection?
Words and images are not the only ways to obtain a trademark. You might be surprised to learn that sounds can also function as a trademark. How?
Can We Register a Domain Name as a Trademark?
In some cases, you can register your Internet domain name as a trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.