USPTO Trademark Registration
Common questions about trademark registration
How long does it take to register a trademark? In my experience it commonly takes several months to over a year, depending on the USPTO's queue and whether your application receives an office action. I know that feels long when you are building something you care about, and I keep you informed at every stage so you are never left wondering.
Do I need a federal registration or a Connecticut state registration? It depends on where your business is headed, and I am happy to talk it through with you. A state registration protects your name within Connecticut. A federal USPTO registration protects it nationwide, which is usually the better fit if you sell online or across state lines.
What happens if the USPTO raises an issue with my application? Please do not be discouraged; this happens to many good applications. The USPTO sends what is called an office action, and many are resolvable with a careful response. I wrote a clear, step-by-step guide here: responding to a trademark office action.
Where do I start if this is all new to me? That is exactly why I wrote a free step-by-step guide, how to trademark a business name. And if you would rather just talk it through, I am grateful for the chance to help; the consultation is free and there is never any pressure.
Can you register my trademark if I am not in Connecticut? Yes. Trademark law is federal, so I register marks with the USPTO for clients in every state, and everything is handled by phone, video, and email.
How much does it cost? My attorney fee is an affordable flat fee, quoted in writing before any work begins, whether you need a full clearance search plus USPTO filing, filing only, or a search only. The USPTO filing fee is set per class and is passed through at cost. If the USPTO raises an issue, office action responses are also handled for an inexpensive flat fee. Payment plans are available, and you will always know the full number before anything begins. Here is how my fees and payment plans work.