1. Check whether your brand can be registered
In order to avoid wasting time, it is recommended to check on the US Trademark website to confirm whether the trademark has been registered.
2. Prepare materials
If the seller believes that the trademark can be registered after checking, the next step is to prepare materials. The materials to be prepared include the following.
(1) Applicant information (ID card, business license).
(2) Trademark information (trademark name or design logo, the icon must be clear).
(3) Class of registered goods or services.
(4) Evidence of trademark use (documents proving trademark registration in the country, goods, packaging, contract documents, customs declarations, etc. with trademark logos, the earliest date of use in the United States, etc.).
(5) Contact name, telephone number, fax number, Chinese address (English translation).
3. Submit application
The materials must be submitted to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO).
4. Trademark Review
The PTO will conduct relevant reviews to determine whether the basic requirements for trademark registration are met. If they are met, the PTO will issue a publication date and send a notice to the applicant. If they do not meet the requirements, all submitted materials will be returned to the applicant.
If there are any formal or substantive reasons for refusing the registration of the trademark during the review process, the PTO will send a letter stating the reasons for the return or the places that need to be changed. It should be noted that the letter must be replied, and the reply period is 6 months, otherwise the application will be deemed invalid. After the reply is passed, an announcement will be arranged. If it is not passed, it will be rejected in the end.
5. Publication Announcement
If it is not returned or the applicant’s reply reason is established, the trademark will be published in the Trademark Gazette. The PTO will inform the applicant of the announcement date, and the announcement period is 3 months. Anyone can raise an objection to the Trademark Office. If there is no objection, it will enter the registration stage in about 3 months.
6. Registration and Issuance of Certificates
If no one raises an objection during the announcement period, the PTO will issue a registration certificate. At this point, the seller’s trademark application is declared successful and the ? logo can be used. The trademark is valid for 10 years, during which the seller’s trademark will be protected by US law.