What is the USPTO?

What is the USPTO?

When I speak to a client about a Trademark, it is impossible to have this conversation without discussing the “USPTO”. Most people do not have any interactions with the USPTO until they go to register their intellectual property or they receive a legal notice. 

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is an agency in the Federal Department of Commerce that handles patents, copyrights, and trademarks.  Quite simply, they are the “police” for intellectual property.  

When you file to register a trademark, you file your application with the USPTO.  The USPTO then looks at the application and decides if your mark can succeed for registration on the federal registry.  The “examiner” of your application is an attorney who will research your mark and potentially reach out with clarifying questions in the form of an “Office Action”.

In addition to handling patents copyrights and trademarks for civilians, the USPTO also advises the President, and other federal cabinet entities on various intellectual property matters, both domestically and globally.

Do you need help with your interactions with the USPTO?  Filing a Trademark? Reach out today to discuss your matter!