How to apply for a trademark

If you are wishing to apply for a trademark for a word, phrase, symbol, or design or even a combination of words, phrases, symbols, or designs that will identify your goods from others then you will be glad to learn that the process is not as hard as you might imagine. However, if you visit the United States Patent and Trademark Office website, you will more than likely feel quite overwhelmed with all the legal wording found there.

On the other hand, trademark registration is not that hard at all. You can do everything over the internet and submit it online or you have the application mailed to you and then sent back in the same manner. However, filling out the form online is a bit cheaper and will probably be much easier after you know exactly how to apply for a trademark.

The easiest way for applying for trademark is with the Trademark Electronic Application System found at www.uspto.gov/teas/index.html . At this website, you will be able to use an automated system that includes links to help sections for each field on the application, helps avoid leaving out important information, and you will receive an immediate reply in an email, which will include the serial number of your application and a summary of the submission. However, if you prefer to mail in an application the address is EST., Commissioner for Trademarks, P.O.Box 1451, Alexandria, VA 22313-1451

When you fill out the application for trademark registration, you will need to include the following information.

•  The name of the owner of the trademark, which can be an individual, corporation, partnership, or other legal entity.

•  The name and address where you wish all correspondence to go.

•  A precise and clear drawing of the mark you wish to register.

•  The list of goods or services for which the trademark will be used.

•  The basis for filing – This area must include whether you wish to use the trademark for goods or for services in commerce or the intended use for the trademark.

•  A specimen – an actual example of the trademark you wish to register. (Examples include a tag, label for goods, and a photograph of the goods)

•  Finally yet importantly is your signature or the signature of the person who is properly authorized to sign for the applicant.

You will also have to pay to register your trademark. This can be done with a credit card if done over the internet. As of January 31, 2005, trademark fees were $325 per international class if using the Trademark Electronic Application System and $375 per international class if submitting by regular mail.