What is a trademark and why do I need one?

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A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol, or design that identifies your goods or services and distinguishes them from others in the marketplace. A registered trademark protects your brand, builds credibility, and gives you legal tools to stop others from using a confusingly similar name or logo.

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What types of trademarks can you help me register?

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We can help register word marks (like business or product names), stylized logos, slogans, and even sound or color marks in certain cases—any mark that meets USPTO requirements and represents your brand.

 

What’s included in the free 30-minute consultation?

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Our free 30 minute consultation ⧉↗︎ gives you the opportunity to ask questions, share your goals, and get a general assessment of your trademark needs. We also include a complimentary quick word-mark search to identify any obvious conflicts.

 

What is the difference between a quick search and a comprehensive search?

 

A quick search looks for identical or nearly identical trademarks in the USPTO database. A comprehensive search digs deeper, identifying similar-sounding, misspelled, or conceptually similar marks—and includes a detailed legal opinion on your chances of successful registration.

 

How much does it cost to file a trademark application?

 

Our filing fees vary based on the number of classes of goods/services and the type of filing basis. We'll provide a clear breakdown of all costs before we begin, including both our legal fee and the USPTO filing fee.

 

How long does the trademark registration process take?

 

Typically, it takes 8 to 12 months from the date of filing—sometimes longer if the USPTO issues an Office Action. We'll monitor your application throughout and keep you updated at every stage.

 

What happens if I receive an Office Action from the USPTO?

 

An Office Action is a letter from the USPTO identifying issues with your application. We can help prepare and submit a response to overcome the refusal or objection, whether it's procedural or substantive.

 

Do I need to use my trademark before applying?

 

Not necessarily. If you're not using the mark in commerce yet, you can file based on your intent to use it. Once approved, you'll need to file a Statement of Use to complete registration.

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What services do you offer after my trademark is registered?

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We assist with post-registration maintenance, including Section 8 and 9 renewals, as well as monitoring and enforcement actions such as cease-and-desist letters. We also provide ongoing brand protection advice.

 

Will you monitor my trademark once it’s registered?

 

Monitoring isn't automatic, but we can recommend tools or services to help you keep an eye on potential infringement. If someone is using a confusingly similar mark, we can help you take action.

 

Do you only work with clients in Washington State?

 

No. While we’re based in Washington, we work with clients across the United States on federal trademark matters before the USPTO.