Author: Vic Lin

What is trademark abandonment?

What does it mean to abandon a trademark? Trademarks differ from patents in at least one fundamental way. Trademarks require continuous usage. Otherwise, trademark rights…

What is a multi-class trademark application?

Can you file a multi-class trademark application in the US? Yes, the USPTO allows applicants to file a single trademark application covering goods and/or services…

What is trademark fair use?

When is it OK to refer to someone else’s trademark? Trademark law allows for third parties to refer to use terms in certain situations without…

How to Speed Up Patent Applications

How can you speed up your utility patent application? The road to getting a US utility patent is often a long and expensive journey. There…

Can you add new matter to a PCT application to be filed in the US?

What is a bypass application? A PCT application that designates the US may be considered a pending US application from the international application filing date…

Who is the trademark owner?

Who owns the trademark? It’s not uncommon for first-time trademark applicants to raise questions concerning ownership of the trademark. A trademark owner must be identified…

Likelihood of Confusion: How to Win the Not Similar Argument

What is the purpose of a trademark? A trademark serves to indicate the source of goods or services (for simplicity, I’ll refer to both goods…

What are TTAB Initial Disclosures?

What are TTAB Initial Disclosures in a trademark opposition or cancellation? Each party in a trademark opposition or cancellation must disclose certain information to the other…

When does a trademark registration expire?

Do trademark registrations expire? Trademarks differ from patents in at least one critical way. Patents must expire. Trademark registrations can last indefinitely if they are…

US National Stage Entry Based on PCT Application: What to Know

US National Stage Application: The Basics For most international patent applicants, the US is one of the top national phase PCT countries to be considered.…

CIP vs. New Stand-Alone Patent Application: What are tradeoffs?

CIP or new patent application? When it comes to new subject matter that is related to a pending utility patent application, should you file a…

How long does it take to register a trademark?

How long does a trademark registration take? Many variables can prolong the US trademark application process. Generally, the fastest path to a registration would be…

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