How long does federal trademark registration take?
Most applications take twelve to eighteen months from filing to registration when no office action or opposition arises. Refusals, oppositions, and intent-to-use filings extend that timeline.
Federal registration · interactive overview
Trademark Registration Overview
This overview follows a federal trademark application from early mark selection and clearance through filing, examination, publication, registration, and maintenance. Select a milestone for an explanation, and open a route to see how an Office Action, opposition, or intent-to-use filing changes the path.
Common questions
The short answers.
Do I need to be using a mark before I apply?
No. An intent-to-use application can be filed before use begins, but the mark must be in use in commerce, and a statement of use filed, before the registration issues.
What is the difference between a standard character mark and a design mark?
A standard character mark protects the words alone, in any font or style. A design mark protects a logo or stylized presentation as shown. Many businesses file both when the budget allows.
Does a business need an attorney to file a trademark application?
Applicants domiciled in the United States may file on their own; applicants domiciled outside the United States must use a U.S.-licensed attorney. Either way, the decisions before filing (clearance, the form of the mark, and the description of goods and services) determine most of what the registration will be worth.
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