Registering your business name or program name means that you own the right to use that mark in your particular area of business (in the classes you registered under). You then have the right to stop others from using the mark in their business if they are selling similar products or services. You won’t be able to stop someone from using the name or a similar name in a different industry or with completely different goods or services.

A trademark class is the category of goods or services that you offer in connection with your mark. For example, if you’re a life coach, you might fall into the education class or the personal services class. If you’re a digital marketer, you’ll be in the business services & marketing class. I'll help you choose your classes during the application process.

Most of my clients register their marks in 1-3 classes. One class fee per mark is included in your investment, and additional classes are $500 each. 

Yes, if you do business in the US. It’s important to protect your brand everywhere you use it, so if you have US customers or clients, you’ll want US trademark protection.

Yes! I offer Office Action Responses as an a la carte service that starts at $500. Send me an email ([email protected]) to let me know you'd like help with a pending Office Action and we can chat about next steps.

To complete any trademark registration, you have to be using the trademark in connection with goods or services available to the public.

If you aren't using your mark in business yet but have a legitimate intention to start using it, we can file a different type of application called a 1(b) Intent-to-Use application. Filing an Intent-to-Use application puts others on notice that you intend to claim ownership of your mark and holds your place in line while you get your new business or offer up and running.

Once you start using your mark, we file a Statement of Use showing how you are using your mark in business and your registration will be finalized.

It makes sense to file an Intent-to-Use application if you are confident you will start using your trademark within 18 months of applying.

The trademark registration process takes an average of 14 months, but it can take longer depending on the circumstances. The timeline depends on multiple factors, including how quickly you provide the information we need to run the search and file the application, whether the mark is currently in use, whether the USPTO issues any Office Actions, and if anyone else opposes the registration.

Unfortunately, I can’t guarantee that your trademark will be registered. I take every step I can to increase the chances of registration and determine the risks ahead of time, including a comprehensive search.

If you decide not to move forward with registration after I run the search because the trademark is likely to be rejected, I’ll issue a refund minus $850 for the cost of the search and opinion letter. However, even with low-risk applications, there’s always the possibility that a conflict will arise later.

Forever! A trademark registration will last indefinitely as long as you continue to use the mark in business and file the required maintenance forms. You’ll need to file an Affidavit of Use five years after registration, and additional forms every 10 years after registration to keep the trademark registration active. I’ll remind you of these deadlines so you don’t miss a beat.

Anyone can file an application for a trademark they own. However, the application process is complicated and it’s easy to make a mistake. If the USPTO has any questions and responds with an initial refusal or an office action, it can be overwhelming for someone who doesn’t have the training to deal with it. Unfortunately, a lot of people will just give up when all they need to complete the registration is a good legal argument!

Yes! That’s one of the benefits of registration. You can use the ® symbol so everyone knows you own your mark. You can’t use this symbol with your trademark until it’s actually registered.

You can use the ™ symbol with any trademark, regardless of registration. Using the ™ symbol next to your business name, program name, or logo is a great way to let other people know that you claim ownership of that mark while your application is pending.