Trademarks in the United States

How it works

Information is taken from official sources and is being checked by our specialists.

Trademark office

USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office)

How rights arise

Rights in the US build on use of the mark. You can file because you already use the mark in commerce, or because you intend to use it; in the second case the registration is granted after use is shown.

Typical time

The wait before first examination changes from year to year. After publication, a registration is normally issued about three months later if nobody opposes (for applications based on use).

Opposition period

30 days from publication in the Official Gazette. A third party can ask for more time to oppose.

Local representative

Applicants who live outside the US must be represented by a person licensed to practise law in the US.

Need a filing here?

Tell us the name and what it covers. We reply with the official fee and our fee, shown separately, before anything is filed.

Ask about the United States See the prices

Sources: USPTO: trademark process · USPTO: rule for foreign-domiciled applicants. This page is general information and is not legal advice.