Where to register a trademark in the USA?
In the USA, trademarks are registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The main steps you have to follow in this regard are as follows:
- Determine Eligibility: Confirm whether your mark can be registered. The USPTO has given guidelines regarding what type of marks qualify for protection, such as words, logos, or slogans that distinctly identify your brand.
- Search Existing Trademarks: For confirmation that the proposed mark does not collide with those already in use, the USPTO has made available the Trademark Electronic Search System. This would help avoid potential conflicts and increase the likeliness of approval.
- Submit an Application: This should be submitted through the USPTO Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS). To file, one needs to choose between TEAS Plus and TEAS Standard, depending on one's needs, fill in the fields, and attach an electronic specimen showing the use of the mark.
- Pay Fees: The examination fee for a trademark is determined by the form that one makes use of and how many classes of goods and services are listed. These start at around $250 to $350 per class.
- Monitor Your Application: You can check on the status of your application through a system provided by USPTO entitled TSDR after you have submitted it. The length of time needed for the process to be completed is generally several months and sometimes entails office actions on your part.
To efficiently do this and get strong protection in the United States of America, follow these steps to the dot and seek professional assistance where needed. One IBC USA can guide you through the process of trademark registration with much ease for a smooth and successful application.