Trademark is the only logo and brand symbol of an enterprise and one of its core assets. In order to ensure the uniqueness of the trademark and protect the interests of the company, many companies choose to register their trademark in the United States. However, the U.S. trademark registration process is cumbersome and complicated, requiring companies to spend a lot of time and energy. So, let’s learn about the U.S. trademark registration process and conditions.
1. Required conditions for trademark registration.
1. The trademark complies with the protection of trademark law.
Trademarks must comply with the protection provisions of the U.S. Trademark Law, including compliance with uniqueness, practicality, non-counterfeiting, and trademark document format requirements.
2. The trademark has not been registered or applied for.
The trademark must not be registered or applied for in the United States Trademark Office (USPTO) database, and must not be identical or similar to other people’s trademarks.
3. Use trademarks.
Enterprises must use their trademarks in commercial activities to prove that their trademarks have commercial functions and practicality.
2. Trademark registration channels.
Enterprises can register trademarks through the official website of the US Trademark Office or US trademark agencies.
1. Register directly.
Enterprises apply for trademark registration directly with the US Trademark Office. The applicant must be the owner or legal agent of the trademark.
2. Agent registration.
The enterprise entrusts a U.S. trademark agency to perform trademark registration application services on its behalf.
3. Trademark registration process.
1. Trademark search.
Before registering a trademark, an enterprise must first conduct a trademark search to determine whether its trademark is identical or similar to other people’s trademarks, or whether it complies with the provisions of U.S. trademark law. Understand the trademark market situation by conducting multi-angle searches on the official website of the US Trademark Office or other trademark information search websites.
2. Trademark application.
Based on the trademark search results, submit a trademark registration application on the official website of the US Trademark Office, including a trademark application, trademark statement, and trademark use statement. Appropriate application fees are required when submitting.
3. Trademark review.
After the trademark registration application is submitted, the US Trademark Office will review the trademark application. During the review process, the US Trademark Office may conduct a preliminary review and formal review of the trademark to determine whether the trademark complies with the provisions of trademark law.
4. Trademark announcement period.
After passing the review, the US Trademark Office will announce the trademark for a period of 30 days. During the announcement period, anyone can object to the trademark.
5. Trademark registration certificate.
If no one raises an objection to the trademark, or the objection is rejected, you can receive a trademark registration certificate to strengthen trademark protection. Trademark registration is valid for 10 years and can be renewed after expiration.
4. Fees required for trademark registration.
The cost of trademark registration varies according to the needs of the business and the service options. Generally speaking, the trademark registration application fee is approximately US$225, the trademark maintenance fee is approximately US$425/category, and the trademark renewal fee is approximately US$400/category. Trademark search fees and trademark agency service fees must be paid separately before registration.
5. Things to note.
1. Whether trademark registration in the United States is applicable worldwide.
US trademark registration is only applicable within the United States and does not include trademark protection in other countries. If an enterprise wants to register a trademark in other countries, it must apply for the corresponding registration and follow the requirements of local laws and regulations.
2. Fill out the trademark registration application form in a standardized manner.
The trademark registration application must be filled out in accordance with the regulations of the US Trademark Office and must not be left blank or altered. Applicants should carefully confirm the authenticity and accuracy of the trademark information, and pay attention to the requirements such as statement and use statement in the trademark application.
3. Renewal of trademark protection period The trademark registration certificate is valid for 10 years and needs to be renewed after expiration. If the trademark renewal application is not submitted in time or the relevant fees are not paid, the trademark rights will become invalid.
4.
Trademark query and update Enterprises need to regularly query trademark information and update trademark registration certificates, trademark use statements and other information. If the trademark information changes, the applicant needs to promptly update, apply for modification or resubmit the trademark registration application.
To sum up, U.S. trademark registration is an important means for companies to protect trademark rights and enhance brand image. Enterprises can register trademarks through the official website of the U.S. Trademark Office or U.S. trademark agencies. They must abide by U.S. trademark laws, fill in the trademark application form correctly, and renew the trademark registration certificate before it expires. At the same time, companies must also pay attention to regularly query trademark information and update and modify it as necessary to ensure that trademark rights and interests are effectively protected.