Trademark Application: Requirements, Types, Steps to Follow

A trademark application is a request that any person or a group submits to the government to register a logo for any specific product or service at any place. Several brands use trademark applications to protect their unique designs and creatives from getting copied. Let us understand and delve deeper into the important aspects of a trademark application below.

What Is a Trademark Application?

A trademark application is the form and process used to apply for a trademark, which is a type of intellectual property that covers a recognizable sign, design, or expression. Trademark applications are used by brands to protect their designs and creativity so they cannot be copied or used without their permission.

For example, the Nike Swoosh is one of the most recognizable logos in the world. Nike will have a trademark to protect its competitors from using it.

To register your trademark, you will have to fill out a trademark application with the United State Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Once this application is approved, your trademark will be registered and protected for your use only.

Requirements for a Successful Trademark Application

A trademark application has several requirements and just because you apply to register your trademark, does not mean you will get it registered. It is very important to make sure your application meets all the requirements for federal registration to avoid denial.

Before starting the application process, you need to search a trademark database to make sure your trademark is original and doesn’t look too similar to any other registered trademark. You can utilize USPTO’s Trademark Electronic Search System for this task.

Next, you should determine what type of trademark you want to register, a standard character trademark or a special form trademark. These trademarks require different submission requirements and have different protections. Once your application is submitted, you cannot change to a different trademark.

You should familiarize yourself with the different types of trademark applications available and determine which application is right for you. This process can be complicated so if you are having trouble understanding the trademark application process, you should consult with an intellectual property lawyer to assist you.

Read here for more information about the USPTO and trademarks.

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Steps Involved in a Trademark Application

The trademark application process is lengthy and very involved. There are a lot of options to take into consideration and steps to follow.

1. Select a Mark. Selecting a mark is the first step to your application process. You must ensure that your mark will be registrable with the USPTO and that it can be protected. In addition to selecting a mark, you will also have to identify the mark format. This can be a standard character mark, a stylized mark, or a sound mark. Finally, you must clearly identify what goods and services your mark is meant to apply to.
2. Set Up an Account with USPTO. You will need to go to USPTO.gov to create an account to access the Trademark Electronic Application System. This is where you will apply for your trademark.

   Here is a link to the Trademark Electronic Application System.

3. Determine What Form You Need. There are two initial application forms, TEAS Plus and TEAS Standard. You will need to choose which application. The cost for the TEAS Plus application is $250 while the TEAS Standard is $350. These applications offer different protections and have different requirements. It is important that you select the right one.
4. Fill Out the Initial Application. Once you have selected your application type, you are ready to fill out the initial application. Processing times for a new application is generally between 60 and 80 days.
5. Monitor Your Application. You are responsible for monitoring your application. It is important to check the status of your application because there will be more documents and requirements that must be met, and you don’t want to miss an important deadline. You can check the status of your application through the Trademark Status and Document Retrieval System.
6. Undergo Application Review. Your application will be reviewed by USPTO and if it has met all the filing requirements, it will be forwarded to an examining attorney. The attorney will examine the application and your trademark to be sure that it complies with all rules and requirements. This step in the process can take several months. In some instances, the attorney will find an issue with the application and send an “office action” letter detailing the reason for refusal. If you receive this letter, you have six months to respond, or your application will be declared abandoned.
7. Receive Approval and Publication. After the examining attorney approves your trademark application, your trademark must be published in the USPTO “Official Gazette”. This is a weekly publication that publishes trademarks so that any party who thinks they may be harmed by a trademark can oppose the registration of that trademark. An opposing party has 30 days from publication to file an opposition to registration.
8. Achieve Registration. If the application you submitted was for a trademark based on use, as long as there are no objections to the registration of your trademark, the USPTO will register the trademark and send you a certificate of registration. If the application you submitted was for a trademark based on an intent to use, once the trademark is registered you have six months to either use the mark or request an extension to use the mark.
9. Submit Maintenance Documents. You are responsible for filing all specific maintenance documents required to keep your trademark registration valid. Even after your trademark is registered, you should still check your registration status annually to ensure all documents are up to date.

   If you would like information on how to file an international trademark application, click here.

Types of Trademark Applications

There are two types of initial trademark applications. The TEAS Plus Application and the TEAS Standard Application. Although these applications may seem similar, choosing the wrong one could lead to the denial of your application. Each application has specific requirements, uses, and limitations.

TEAS Plus

• Filing fee of $250
• More initial requirements than the TEAS Standard
• Description of goods and services must be selected from preset list

TEAS Plus Positives: The TEAS plus is the less expensive of the two applications and can be very helpful for an inexperienced applicant. Applicants do not have to struggle with coming up with a description of goods and services because they are required to select from a preset list that is provided by Trademark ID Manual.

TEAS Plus Negatives: One of the most common reasons that a trademark application is denied is because it is too similar to another mark and would likely cause confusion. In the application process, being able to use specific language in your description of goods and services could help you distinguish your mark from one that is already registered. Because the TEAS Plus application limits your ability to use custom language, your mark could be denied if it is too similar to an existing mark.

TEAS Standard

• Filing fee of $350
• Option to use custom language on application

TEAS Standard Positives: The ability to use custom language on your application could help distinguish your mark from an already registered mark and avoid refusal of your application.

TEAS Standard Negatives: Using custom language and creating your own description can be difficult because there are very strict guidelines for describing goods and services. You may want to consult a trademark lawyer to help draft your description and help you through the application process.

You can find out more about the types of trademark applications by clicking here.

Benefits of a Trademark

Registering your trademark is a way to protect your intellectual property. There are several benefits that come along with trademark registration.

• You are provided legal protection from having someone else copy or use your design
• Registering your trademark will ensure that your mark is unique and therefore you are not copying or using someone else’s design without permission subjecting yourself to a lawsuit.
• If you register your trademark, your company is the only company allowed to use that trademark or one similar to it.
• You can use the registered trademark symbol next your trademark indicating that your trademark is federally registered. This makes your company look well established and professional.
• Your federally registered trademark can be used for foreign trademark filing should you ever want to expand your business overseas.
• Trademark registration provides nationwide protection to a specific brand. It gives them the right to use the mark anywhere and anytime.
• The trademark works as an important deterrent for all infringers. It enables the trademark owners to pursue legal action at any time. They can also take specific actions for any unauthorized use of intellectual property.
• The trademark is an important asset for different brands over time. It is because the property may witness an increase in worth as the brand eventually gains market reputation.
• The registration allows a person to use a specific symbol, which notifies the public of all federal protection types. It also dissuades other organizations or individuals from using similar marks.
• A brand can leverage more power and authority with a registered trademark. It will gain momentum in various business collaborations and franchising opportunities too. The process will help expand the business reach and revenue potential.

Who Can Get a Trademark?

Anyone can apply for a trademark, even those who are not US citizens. However, there are four basic requirements that must be met to file a trademark application with the USPTO. Please review them below:

• Name: The owner of the trademark must apply for the trademark under their own name. The owner can be an individual, a partnership, a corporation, or an association.
• Type of Entity: The type of entity applying for the trademark must be specified and the national citizenship of the individual or entity must be disclosed on the application.
• Actual Use or Intent to Use: The application for a trademark must be based on the actual use of the trademark or the intention to use the trademark. Depending on the type of use, the applicant will have to follow different requirements.
• Example of the Trademark: If the application is based on actual use, an example (drawing, label, tag, etc.) of the trademark must be submitted with the application.

Final Thoughts on Trademark Applications

A trademark application helps brands secure legal protection. It also helps possess exclusive rights for all businesses. These rights help with unique creatives, phrases, words, designs, or logos. So, a successful trademark helps brands build their identity and reputation while safeguarding their intellectual property against copyright issues or theft. So, the trademark application serves as a specific tool in this context. The application helps brands accomplish such an achievement by fostering customer trust and establishing a presence in the competitive world.

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