How to Apply for a Federal Trademark
Applying for a federal trademark takes several months. In some cases, it can take years to get approval. It also costs as much as $375 depending on the type of license. The application goes through the United States Patent and Trademark Office or USPTO.
The applicant must pay a separate filing fee for each product or service. The federal paperwork is more involved than a state application requiring the applicant to investigate similar marks in use, list why the company wants the trademark, and disclose detailed remarks about the item. Since a lawyer looks over each federal trademark application, most businesses use a specialized attorney to protect his or her interests and guide them through the process.
Obtaining a State Trademark
Business owners seeking a state trademark may get approval in a few weeks. This process is less involved; therefore, it is more affordable than federal filing fees. To apply for the licensing, a business must have the trademark in its current use. This means that the trademark submission should coincide with the launch date for using the brand, image, sound, video, or other identifying features. However, a person seeking to do business across state lines may apply for the federal coverage before using the mark.
What is the Lanham Act?
This regulation covers who legally holds the trademark when there is a dispute of ownership. A person holding the federal filing may be the owner whether or not a person has a state trademark. The key determining factor is the date of approval for each applicant. The Supremacy Clause dictates that federal trademark rights are the winner when there is confusion regarding who has the rights to use the mark. The trademarks do not need to be identical for this clause to go into effect. A design, implication, or sound too similar to another can fall under scrutiny in these situations.
Understanding Your Rights with a State and a Federal Trademark
A logo or business name can use the registration symbol and make it visible with federal trademark protections. A state license does not offer this feature. People applying with the USPTO office hold exclusive rights to the trademark with federal approval. The process lets holders stop inbound shipments at customs offices and allows the owner to file a legal suit against any party who infringes on the trademark.
Another benefit is that filers do not need to use the name or picture actively to apply for protection. Plus, federal approval serves as a basis for applying for an International trademark to operate globally. Another benefit is the addition of your trademark in the government database, where it is more visible and public, helping your business avoid trademark infringements. In cases of similar marks, your federal registration will serve as proof in court.
Our application checklist recommendations from our trademark application law firm includes:
- Check for trademark likenesses online and in the government database
- Research trademark laws and rights
- Look at eligibility terms to see if you qualify
- Finalize the name, brand insignia, or motto design
- Understand terms like intent to use and use in commerce
- Turn in any documents and perform any deeds the trademark office requires
- Create a specimen to turn in for the federal application
- Classify and provide in-depth details about the trademark
- Pay the filing fee
- Keep trademark current
- Defend your rights as a licensed trademark holder