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What is the Supplemental Registry and is it Right for your Trademark?

Posted by Dragan Dan Ivetić | Jan 27, 2025 | 0 Comments

What is the Supplemental Registry and is it Right for your Trademark? Filing a trademark is one of the most effective steps a business can take to protect its brand. However, not all trademarks qualify for the same level of recognition and protection under U.S. law. If your trademark doesn’t meet the strict requirements for the USPTO’s Principal Register, the Supplemental Register could be an alternative.  But what exactly is the Supplemental Register? How does it differ from its counterpart, the Principal Register, and is it the right choice for your business? The trademark process can be very confusing and challenging for business owners.  This article breaks down the advantages, limitations, and considerations relating to the Supplemental Register to help you make an informed decision. 

What is a Substantive Office Action Refusal, and How to Overcome It

Posted by Dragan Dan Ivetić | Jan 20, 2025 | 0 Comments

Understanding What is a Substantive Office Action Refusal, and How to Overcome It The process of applying for a US trademark registration can be frustrating and paved with potential setbacks at every phase of the process.  One such potential setback is receiving a non-final or preliminary refusal, known as an Office Action. When filing for a trademark registration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), receiving an Office Action can be both frustrating and intimidating. Non-lawyers who file by themselves or via a " do it yourself" website are more likely than not to encounter an Office Action refusal.  For many, that is the end of the process, as they discover that their cheap "do it yourself" service does not (and indeed cannot) help them with the Office Action, and most people simply do not understand what the Office Action is, what they nee to do, nor that there is a strict 3 month timeline to respond.  While Office Actions can be difficult to overcome, very often a well-drafted response can achieve just that, a reconsideration of the refusal, and approval of the application to the next phase.  This article will help to give an introduction to substantive Office Actions, and the way in which to approach a response.

Is My US Trademark Registration Valid Outside the US?

Posted by Dragan Dan Ivetić | Dec 30, 2024 | 0 Comments

Is My US Trademark Registration Valid Outside the US? Taking the important step to protect your company's brand or brands by filing a US trademark application to attain federal registration is a great strategy.  However, once you have attained your US trademark, what happens when your business grows, and you start using your trademarks to sell the same products or services in another country?  That is a common question that our firm is asked all the time.  With the advent of the internet and e-commerce, the world is a smaller and interconnected place.  However, trademark registration is still very much linked to the jurisdiction of the registration.  This article will try to answer the question and provide the details to help business owners know their options when it comes to expansion to a new jurisdiction or country.

Are you Ready for the USPTO Trademark Fee Increases Coming in 2025? What you Need to Know.

Posted by Dragan Dan Ivetić | Dec 16, 2024 | 0 Comments

Are you Ready for the USPTO Trademark Fee Increases Coming in 2025? What you Need to Know. If you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or anyone navigating the trademark registration process, it’s time to take note. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has announced important updates to its fee structure, effective January 18, 2025. These changes include higher filing fees, along with some notable shifts in the way filings are processed. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know to stay prepared.

What is the USPTO, and what does it have to do with your quest to attain a Trademark?

Posted by Dragan Dan Ivetić | Oct 02, 2024 | 0 Comments

What is the USPTO, and what does it have to do with your quest to attain a Trademark? Small and medium-sized business owners have likely heard that registering their brand as a US trademark is an important step in the process and that a trademark can be the most valuable asset of a company.  However, they likely do not know the ins and outs of the process to attain a trademark and may feel intimidated by a process that seems, at first blush, very technical and daunting.  It does not help that unfamiliar terminology and acronyms are used by resources and attorneys alike, which confuses people.  In addition to legal jargon pertaining to trademarks, one of the most common sources of confusion is when business owners hear about the USPTO.  That acronym stands for the United States Patent and Trademark Office, a governmental entity in charge of both Patents and Trademarks. But for those seeking trademarks, you do not need to be scared off nor concerned about the patent side of things.  The patent side of the USPTO and the trademark side function separately and thus a trademark applicant need only be concerned with the USPTO's Trademark Office.  The USPTO oversees the examination and registration and thus can be a vital ally for entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners looking to protect their intellectual property.

Trademark Wars: Federal vs. State Registration Explained

Posted by Dragan Dan Ivetić | Apr 14, 2024 | 0 Comments

Trademark Wars: Federal vs. State Registration Explained Did you know that you have a choice between State and Federal trademark registration? Which is better for your particular business? What are the costs of each? As a business owner, navigating the multifaceted world of trademarks can often seem like engaging in a complex strategic game, one that requires savvy decision-making to protect your brand effectively. Understanding the difference between state and federal trademark registration is critical for creators, startups, and small business owners alike. But why choose one over the other, and what are the implications of your choice? This blog post will unpack the distinctions between state and federal trademark registrations, articulate their respective benefits, and provide insight into which might be the best choice for protecting your creative or commercial endeavors. It will also highlight the potential impacts on your brand's security, and the legal ramifications of each option.

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Dragan Ivetic, Attorney at Law, LLC, is here to listen to you and help you navigate the legal system.

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