What Qualifies as TEAS+ in Filing for a Trademark?

Introduction

As a business owner, you want to make sure that the trademarks you use are protected. This is especially true for businesses that have given their products or services a name that no one else uses. However, there are many elements involved in filing for trademark protection and it can be confusing to know where to start. In this article, we will go over what makes up the TEAS plus application and how it differs from other types of trademark filings.

TEAS Plus Application

The TEAS Plus application is the most comprehensive trademark filing option available. It allows you to file your trademark with all of the information required by the USPTO in one online submission, including:

• A description of your mark (i.e., what it looks like or how it sounds) and what it is used for
• Your claim of ownership over this mark (if applicable)
• Additional marks that are similar to yours but should not be included in this submission as part of a group/family of related marks (if applicable)

Types of Trademark Filings

There are two types of trademark filings: domestic and international. The first is called TEAS (Trademark Electronic Application System), which is a simpler, less expensive version of the trademark application process. The second type is called TEAS Plus, which is more comprehensive, more expensive, and requires more time to complete. It’s also more complicated because it must be used for filing an international application for a mark that has already been registered in one or multiple countries outside the United States.

Benefits of the TEAS+ filing

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has a trademark electronic filing system called TEAS+. The plus in “TEAS+” means you can use this method to file your application, rather than paying more to file by mail or fax. Even if you already filed your application with the USPTO via TEAS, it’s recommended that you convert your existing applications to TEAS+. This will ensure that all future filings are done electronically and will give you access to immigration information important for foreign applicants.

You have access to all the information you need when filing an application electronically using TEAS+.

When filing electronically using TEAS+, you have immediate access to all of your personal data including:

• Name(s) of applicant(s)
• Address(es) where business is conducted
• Correspondence address if different from above

What does TEAS Plus Include

TEAS Plus includes the following information:

• The name and address of the trademark owner;
• The name and address of the mark’s owner;
• The class of goods or services for which the mark is used;
• A claim of ownership;
• A statement that the mark is in use (if it isn’t, you can still file a declaration to that effect, along with a request for an extension);

When does a TEAS Plus Trademark Filing not Work

There are several circumstances in which you will not be able to file for trademark protection using TEAS Plus:

• You are not a U.S. citizen.
• You do not own the mark in question or have been authorized by its owner to use it (if you don’t know who owns the mark, look at WHOIS records).
• You have no intention of using the mark in commerce (but plan on selling it instead).

Takeaway

Filing for trademark protection with a TEAS plus application ensures you have all the information needed, pay the right fee, and have all your bases covered.

When filing a trademark application, there are two options: Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) or TEAS Plus. The biggest difference between these two is that TEAS Plus requires additional information that is necessary in order to proceed through the registration process. This extra step provides more security in the event of any issues later down the road.

If you choose not to file using TEAS Plus, you may be subject to an additional $100 fee when your application is rejected due to incomplete information or failure to meet basic requirements.

Conclusion

The TEAS Plus application is a great tool for trademark filers. It helps you to make sure that you have all the information needed, pay the right fee and have all your bases covered.