What is a trademark?
Trademarks are a form of intellectual property. They can be words, phrases, symbols, designs, or a combination of those elements that identify the source of a particular good or service. They can also help small businesses protect their brand.
Registering a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) can provide legal rights and protections. This includes the exclusive right to use the mark nationwide on or in connection with the goods or services listed in the registration.
This protection is rooted in U.S. law and plays a key role in ensuring consumers can identify the source of goods or services and avoid confusion in the marketplace.
For more details, visit the USPTO's introduction to trademarks.
How to get started
The following resources will help you begin your trademark research and application process:
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The USPTO’s information on trademark basics, including what is a trademark, why it is important to protect it and the federal registration process.
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Explore the process of trademark applications and maintenance.
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See if your trademark is already registered.
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Video and guides on how to search for trademarks.
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Information about what you’ll need to know to file.
Useful websites
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This manual for the USPTO trademark examining attorneys is a helpful reference guide for attorneys and agents as well as applicants.
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answers to common questions about trademark litigation.
U.S. trademark search tools and resources
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Use this tool to search existing registered and pending trademarks in the U.S.
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Look up the status and history of your trademark application or registration.
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A weekly publication that includes trademarks the USPTO intends to register, allowing for public review and opposition.
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Tips on developing trademark search strategy and navigating the USPTO trademark search system along with video tutorials.
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The list of pre-set descriptions of goods and services and the classes they are assigned to. There are 45 classes, classes 1-34 for goods and classes 35-45 for services. Each class covers a wide range of goods or services. For example, class 25 covers all clothing and class 36 covers all insurance and financial services.
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Find trademark ownership and assignment records.
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A searchable list of design codes, or numerical identifiers for visual elements in a trademark design. Each code comprises six digits: the first two indicate the category, the next two, the division, and the final two, the section. For instance, the design code for a five-pointed star is 01.01.03. The manual is also accessible through the USPTO trademark search system in Expert mode.
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The trademark classification system used in the U.S. and over 80 other countries.
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The Trademark Assistance Center is the main support center for trademark assistance from the USPTO. They can answer your questions on a variety of trademark topics.
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Search for and apply for a Trade or Service Mark Registration in the state of Oregon.
International trademark resources
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Learn about trademark applications, search for existing trademarks and file your own application.
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WIPO is a United Nations agency that provides intellectual property services worldwide.
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Apply for and search trademarks across EU countries.
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Information about trademark rights and applications in Canada.
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Access trademark information from ASEAN member countries.