0019 - Common Issues in Trademark Applications

Course Description

Entrepreneurs and small business owners work hard to create striking and memorable trademarks - often without fully realizing the value of what they've created or how to protect it. This session explains what a trademark is (and what it is not) while walking you through the trademark application process. The speaker will describe some of the mistakes she most commonly encountered during years of reviewing trademark applications at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. She will also explain some of the key decisions applicants must make along the way. No prior knowledge of trademark law or the application process is necessary.

Course Outline

A. What a trademark is (and what it is not)

B. Trademark application process.

C. Common mistakes on applications

D. Key decisions for applicants

Learner Outcomes

Participants will gain an understanding of:

• Differences of Trademark vs. Copyright vs. Patent
• What are "confusingly similar marks" and how you can help avoid them
• How to use the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS)
• How to choose the correct application.
• How to use wording and class appropriately

Notes