Requirements for the Application for Trademark Registration

Introduction

An application for a trademark registration is the first step in the process of obtaining trademark rights. You must submit an application to the USPTO if you want to register a trademark with them. The USPTO will then examine your application, and if it meets all of their requirements, they will issue a certificate of registration for your mark. If not, they’ll send your application back to you with instructions on how it can be revised or corrected so that it does meet all of their criteria. Once you’re sure that everything is in order, then you can proceed with filing an application for federal registration through an attorney or agent (which we’ll explain further down).

You Must Submit an Application for a Trademark to The USPTO

You must submit an application for a trademark to the USPTO. The USPTO is the government agency that handles trademark applications and registrations.

In order to apply for a trademark, you will need to file an affidavit of use or excusable nonuse (Form TM-9) with the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB). If your application does not meet certain requirements, you may be required to submit additional information or evidence in order for your application can proceed through examination.

You Must Include a Drawing of the Mark or Representative Image

The drawing of your mark must be clear and distinct. That means that it should be legible and not overly complex. The USPTO prefers black-and-white drawings, but if you want to submit a color mark, make sure your colors are very distinct from each other so that they don’t get confused with each other (for example, red and green). If you choose to submit a black-and-white drawing, make sure it’s in a size that the USPTO can read easily. If you’re using electronic media like email or faxes instead of paper copies, then the resolution should be high enough so that no pixelation occurs when printed out at standard size.

The accepted format for trademark drawings is Adobe Illustrator (.ai) files or Portable Document Format (.pdf).

You Must Include the Applicant’s Name and Address

No matter whether you are applying as an individual, corporation or other business entity, you must provide your complete legal name and mailing address (if different from your legal name).

You Must Include the Goods/Services Used with the Mark

The second section of the application is where you must describe the goods and services that will be associated with your trademark. This is an important part of the application because it’s how you indicate whether your mark can be used for a specific product or service. If you aren’t able to use your trademark on a certain good or service, then it won’t be approved by the USPTO.

You’ll also need to list all of these items from memory, so if possible try writing down each item before starting this section in order to save yourself some time later on.

You Must Include a Filing Fee

• The filing fee is $275.
• The filing fee must be paid by credit card or check.
• You may pay the filing fee at the time you file, or if you are unable to do so at that time, may make arrangements to pay it later, but you must do so within six months after your application was filed (or before the expiration date of your extension request). If you do not pay this fee within this time period, your application will be abandoned and cannot be refiled at a later date.
• You must include a statement in your application certifying that all statements made in it are true and correct to best of your knowledge and belief.

Takeaway

Before you can apply for a trademark registration, there are several requirements that must be met. First, you must submit an application at the USPTO. This can be done electronically or by mail using form TM-1. In addition to the completed application form, you will have to include a drawing of your mark or representative image on it as well as an applicant’s name and address. You must also provide information about the goods/services that will utilize this particular registered trademark in order for it to qualify as such (this refers back to what is known as “distinctiveness”).

Conclusion

The application for trademark registration is a very important document. It will determine the future of your brand and whether or not people will recognize it as unique and original. Before you start filling out this form, it’s important to understand the requirements so that everything goes smoothly with no hiccups along the way.