Trademark Applications

A trademark is a word, phrase, image or other representation that indicates the source of goods or services. You can acquire common law trademark rights simply by using a trademark in commerce. However, common law rights are limited to the geographic area where the mark is used.

Registration solves the problem of limited common law rights by granting the registrant nationwide rights. In order to register, trademark users must submit an application to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Federal trademark registration with the USPTO confers a presumption of nationwide rights to exclusive use of the mark. This is one of several reasons why federal registration is important for establishing strong trademark rights.

Other benefits of federal registration include:

• the ability to bring an infringement action in federal court
• nationwide constructive notice of use
• the ability to use the federal registration symbol ( ® )
• the use of the U.S. Registration as a basis for filing foreign trademarks; and
• policing of the mark on the Federal Register.

RPL has experience securing trademarks in the United States and internationally. Our knowledge and skill for preparing applications ensures meeting all the requirements of the Trademark Office, providing for a streamlined review through the examination process.

Please contact RPL for more information about trademark applications.