Trademark & USPTO Services

When filing for a federal trademark, there seems to be a limited amount of steps that go into the process, yet avoiding any legal hurdles is what the IBC Law Firm can provide for you. It could take a great deal of time from the application process to the examination of the application, with no legal issues arising all will go smoothly. If any legal related problems do arise, you have the comfort of knowing that they will be taken care of as needed. With one of our experienced attorneys, you can guarantee that the status of your long awaited trademark will always be up to date.

In-Depth Trademark Search
Ruling out all possibility of pre-existing trademarks that could hinder the approval of your trademark and will eliminate all legal complications.

Preparation of Trademark Applications
Ensuring all documentation is appropriately filled out.

Filing of Applications to the US Patent & Trademark Office
Sending in all necessary documents to begin the application process.

Tracking of Applications
Keeping up with all USPTO actions on your behalf.

Keeping You Updated
Staying on top of all related activity with your application and allowing you to be in understanding of anything that occurs.

Mailing of Registration Certificate
When received, the certificate of registration will be mailed to you immediately.

Timelines of Federal Trademark Registration Process

Applying for a federal trademark through the USPTO is a meaningful investment of both time and money—the process typically takes 12-18 months and costs several hundred dollars in filing fees alone, not including attorney fees. But for most businesses, the protection a federal registration provides is well worth it. A registered trademark gives you powerful legal tools to protect your brand and build long-term value in your business. Hiring an Attorney to counsel you along the way is valuable to avoid costly time and money mistakes that can cause delays or rejections.

Step 1: Trademark Search (Before Filing)

Before investing in an application, conduct a comprehensive search to identify potential conflicts with existing trademarks. This step can save you significant time and money by revealing issues before you file.

Step 2: Prepare and File Your Application

You’ll submit your application through the USPTO’s Trademark Center, including your mark (word or logo), description of goods/services, the filing basis (use in commerce or intent to use), and a specimen showing how you’re using the mark (if already in use). Filing fees currently start at $250-$350 per class of goods or services.

Step 3: Initial Review and Examination

Current Timeline: Approximately 5-6 months after filing

Your application is assigned to a USPTO examining attorney who reviews it for compliance with federal trademark law. They’ll check for conflicts with existing registered marks, ensure your mark is not merely descriptive, and verify your application meets all technical requirements.

Step 4: Office Action (If Issues Are Found)

If the examining attorney identifies problems, they’ll issue an Office Action detailing the issues. You have three months to respond (with a three-month extension available for a fee). Common issues include likelihood of confusion with an existing mark, descriptiveness refusals, or specimen problems.

Step 5: Publication in the Official Gazette

Timeline: Approximately 1 month after approval

Once your application passes examination, it’s published in the USPTO’s Official Gazette for 30 days. This gives third parties an opportunity to oppose your registration if they believe it would harm their trademark rights.

Step 6: Notice of Allowance (Intent-to-Use Applications Only)

If you filed based on intent to use and no opposition is filed, you’ll receive a Notice of Allowance. You then have six months to file a Statement of Use showing you’re actually using the mark in commerce (extensions are available up to a total of three years).

Step 7: Registration

Timeline: Approximately 2-3 months after publication (or after Statement of Use is accepted)

If no opposition is filed and all requirements are met, the USPTO issues your registration certificate.

After Registration: Maintenance Requirements

Your trademark doesn’t last forever without action:

• Between Years 5-6: File a Section 8 Declaration of Continued Use and Section 15 Declaration of Incontestability
• Every 10 Years: File a combined Section 8 Declaration and Section 9 Renewal Application

Missing these deadlines can result in cancellation of your registration.