What is the legal and procedural review process of trademark and service mark applications?
After the USPTO determines that you have met the minimum filing requirements, the application is forwarded to an examining attorney at the USPTO. This will take several months. The examining attorney reviews the application to determine whether it complies with all applicable rules and statutes and includes all required fees. Federal registration of trademarks is governed by the Trademark Act of 1946, 15 U.S.C. 1051 et seq., and the Trademark Rules of Practice, 37 C.F.R. Part 2. A complete examination includes a search for conflicting marks, and an examination of the written application, the drawing, and any specimen. If the examining attorney decides that a mark should not be registered, the examining attorney will issue a letter (Office Action) explaining any substantive reasons for refusal, and any technical or procedural deficiencies in the application. If only minor corrections are required, the examining attorney may contact the applicant by telephone or e-mail (if the applicant
