Trademark FAQ

1.         How do I get a trademark?

Federal trademarks require registration with the United State Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO). To initiate federal trademark registration, you must file an application either online or by paper with the USPTO. 
 
2.         What is the difference between a State vs a Federal trademark?

​Federal trademark registration offers protection nationally and is a more complicated process whereas state trademark registration only provides protection within the state of registration.
 
3.         How long is the trademark registration process?

The USPTO trademark registration process can take 12-18 months to be completed. “Registering your trademark is a complex procedure that involves your application moving through various stages.” For more detail about the trademark registration process and timeline visit the USPTO website: https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/basics/how-long-does-it-take-register
 
4.         What is a trademark vs a copyright?

Trademarks and copyrights are both types of intellectual property assets. Trademarks can be brand names, logos, designs, or slogans that identify the source of your goods or services. Copyrights protect original works of authorship such as blog posts, sound recordings, and books as soon as the author fixes them in a tangible medium.
 
5.         What is a trademark vs a patent?

Patents, like trademarks, are types of intellectual property. Trademarks identify the source of your goods or services and can be brand names, logos, designs, or slogans. Patents grant ownership rights for new inventions. Read more here on our blog post.
 
6.         How much does it cost to get a trademark?

The USPTO has specified filing fees for trademark registration depending on how the trademark is filed. Click here for filing fees: https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/trademark-fee-information
 
7.         How long does a registered trademark last?

Once registered with the USPTO trademarks do not expire so long as the owner contuse use and renews every 10 years.