Basic Facts About Trademarks

A trademark is either a word, phrase, symbol or design, or combination of words, phrases, symbols or designs, that identifies and distinguishes the source of the goods or services of one party from those of others. A service mark is the same as a trademark, except that it identifies and distinguishes the source of a service rather than a product.

Federal Trademark Registration of Domain Names

Depending on how it is used, it is possible to register a domain name as a federal trademark.  Trademark attorneys recommend that web site operators register their domain names, provided the domain name is used so as to comply with the USPTO's domain name registration guidelines.

Search for Trademarks & Service Mark's on USPTO's Online Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS)

If you are selecting a new name for a product or service you must first check the USPTO's Trademark Electronic Search System to see if there is a federal trademark or service mark registered or pending. 

Check the USPTO's Database for Status of a Trademark Registration or Application

If you have a registered trademark or service mark or an application for a federal trademark or service mark pending before the USPTO, you can check its status online using the USPTO Trademark Application and Registration Retrieval system.  You will need a valid trademark serial number or registration number.

Trademark Application Fees

USPTO fees to file a trademark or service mark application and related fees.

Madrid Protocol

Trademark FAQs

For those who desire to learn more about trademarks and the nuts and bolts of the application process, the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) website provides a comprehensive and informative FAQ about trademarks and service marks from A to Z.

Benefits of a Registered Trademark & Service Mark

A federally registered trademark can be a very valuable intellectual property asset.  If you currently produce or intend to produce a product, provide a service or operate a web site on the internet, and if you engage or will engage in interstate commerce, you should consider applying for and obtaining a federal trademark or service mark to identify the source of your goods or services.   Trademarks registered on the Principal Register enjoy eight legal benefits.

Official USPTO Forms

The USPTO provides many of its recommended forms online for downloading for free.

Purchase USPTO Products & Services

The USPTO has an on-line catalog that includes patent and trademark related products and services available from the USPTO.

Order Copies of USPTO Documents Online

Copies of USPTO documents are sold through the Office of Public Records, Document Services Division.  You can place an online order for certified or uncertified copies of patents, trademarks, and assignments (ownership documents), as well as other documents related to patent and trademark prosecution history.