Trademark Questions & Answers

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DEFINITIONS

BASIC QUESTIONS

APPLICATION PROCESS

BASIC TRADEMARK SEARCH QUESTIONS

BASIC TRADEMARK WATCHING QUESTIONS


Definitions

What is a trademark?

A trademark includes any word, name, symbol, or device, or any combination, used, or intended to be used, in commerce to identify and distinguish the goods of one manufacturer or seller from goods manufactured or sold by others, and to indicate the source of the goods. In short, a trademark is a brand name. For example, some of the well-known trademarks include Coca-Cola for soft drinks, Yahoo! for Internet Search Engine, Kodak for film, and Rolex for watches.

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What is a service mark?

A service mark is any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used, or intended to be used, in commerce, to identify and distinguish the services of one provider from services provided by others, and to indicate the source of the services.

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What is a certification mark?

A certification mark is any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used, or intended to be used, in commerce with the owner’s permission by someone other than its owner, to certify regional or other geographic origin, material, mode of manufacture, quality, accuracy, or other characteristics of someone's goods or services, or that the work or labor on the goods or services was performed by members of a union or other organization.

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What is a collective mark?

A collective mark is a trademark or service mark used, or intended to be used, in commerce, by the members of a cooperative, an association, or other collective group or organization, including a mark which indicates membership in a union, an association, or other organization.

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Basic Questions

What are the benefits of federal trademark registration?

1. Constructive notice nationwide of the trademark owner's claim.
2. Evidence of ownership of the trademark.
3. Jurisdiction of federal courts may be invoked.
4. Registration can be used as a basis for obtaining registration in foreign countries.
5. Registration may be filed with U.S. Customs Service to prevent importation of infringing foreign goods.
For more benefits learn why trademark is important.

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Do I have to be a U.S. Citizen to obtain a federal registration?

No. However, an applicant's citizenship must be set forth in the record. If an applicant is not a citizen of any country, then a statement to that effect is sufficient. If an applicant has dual citizenship, then the applicant must choose which citizenship will be printed in the Official Gazette and on the certificate of registration.

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When is it proper to use the federal registration symbol (the letter R enclosed within a circle -- ® -- with the mark.

The federal registration symbol may be used once the mark is actually registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Even though an application is pending, the registration symbol may not be used before the mark has actually become registered. The federal registration symbol should only be used on goods or services that are the subject of the federal trademark registration. [Note: Several foreign countries use the letter R enclosed within a circle to indicate that a mark is registered in that country. Use of the symbol by the holder of a foreign registration may be proper.]

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Is a federal registration valid outside the United States?

No. However, if you are a qualified owner of a trademark application pending before the USPTO, or of a registration issued by the USPTO, you may seek registration in any of the countries that have joined the Madrid Protocol by filing a single application, called an "international application," with the International Bureau of the World Property Intellectual Organization, through the USPTO. For more information about the Madrid Protocol, click here.

Also, certain countries recognize a United States registration as a basis for filing an application to register a mark in those countries under international treaties. See TMEP Chapter 1000 for further information. The laws of each country regarding registration must be consulted.

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What are common law rights?

Federal registration is not required to establish rights in a trademark. Common law rights arise from actual use of a mark. Generally, the first to either use a mark in commerce or file an intent to use application with the Patent and Trademark Office has the ultimate right to use and registration.

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What do "TM," "SM" & "®" Mean?

The symbols ®, TM and SM provide notice to the world that you are claiming trademark rights in any mark using these symbols. You may use the TM on marks identifying goods, and the SM on marks identifying services. You need not have a federal or state registration to use the TM or SM symbols. However, the ® symbol, which provides "statutory notice" can only be used if your mark is federally registered.

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How Do I Get Trademark Rights?

To own a trademark in the United States all you need to do is be the first to use it in trade and make continuous use of the mark thereafter. In addition, you need to make proper use of it (1) to use it in interstate commerce, and (2) in a way that permits consumers to distinguish your particular goods and services from those of another producer. Trademarks that are registered with the federal government receive federal statutes which provide benefits beyond the protection available under the common law.

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I want to protect the name Blue Widget. Do I need to file "Blue Widget", "Blue Widgets", and "BlueWidget" as three separate marks?

It is not necessary to file all three "Blue Widget", "Blue Widgets", and "BlueWidget" separately since there is a strong correlation by a dominant name, Blue Widget. You, of course, can file all three if you want. However, when a trademark search is performed for conflicting names one looks not only for the exact match, but also anything similar in appearance and sound that might create confusion (i.e. cat, cats, kat, etc). Therefore, when you register a singular name, it is very hard for someone else to register the plural name. For example, if you file and register the wording "Blue Widget" it would be strongly similar to the other two mark names.

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Should I trademark the domain name BlueWidget.com?

The USPTO is stricter in allowing domain names to be registered as trademark. In general, filing "Blue Widget" as a mark is easier to get than "BLUEWIDGET.COM". It can happen in some cases, such as Amazon.com, because that name is perceived by consumers as a source identifier. But in general, the USPTO is strict in allowing domain names to function as trademarks. According to the USPTO's Examination Guide No. 2-99, a mark composed of a domain name is registrable as a trademark or service mark only if it functions as a source identifier. The mark must be presented in a manner that will be perceived by potential purchasers as indicating source and not merely an informational indication of the domain name address used to access a web site. If the proposed mark is used in any way that would be perceived as nothing more than an address at the applicant can be contacted, registration will be refused by the USPTO.

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Application Process

How do I obtain a federal trademark registration?

You can fill out a trademark application online here.

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Who may file an application?

Only the owner of the trademark may file an application for its registration. An application filed by a person who is not the owner of the mark will be declared void. Generally, the person who uses or controls the use of the mark, and controls the nature and quality of the goods to which it is affixed, or the services for which it is used, is the owner of the mark.

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What is a specimen?

A specimen is a real-world example of how the mark is actually used on the goods or in the offer of services. Labels, tags, or containers for the goods are considered to be acceptable specimens of use for a trademark. For a service mark, specimens may be advertising such as magazine advertisements or brochures. Actual specimens, rather than facsimiles, are preferred. However, if the actual specimens are bulky, or larger than 8½" x 11", then the applicant must submit facsimiles, (e.g., photographs or good photocopies) of the specimens. Facsimiles may not exceed 8½" x 11". ONE SPECIMEN IS REQUIRED FOR EACH CLASS OF GOODS OR SERVICES SPECIFIED IN THE APPLICATION.

Specimens are required in applications based on actual use in commerce, Section 1(a), 15 U.S.C. §1051(a), and must be filed with the Amendment to Allege Use, 15 U.S.C. §1051(c) , or the Statement of Use, 15 U.S.C. §1051(d), in applications based on a bona fide intention to use the mark in commerce, Section 1(b), 15 U.S.C. §1051(b). Specimens are not required for applications based on a foreign application or registration under Section 44 of the Trademark Act, 15 U.S.C. §1126, or for applications based on an extension of protection of an international registration to the United States under Section 66(a) of the Trademark Act, 15 U.S.C. §1141f.

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What is the drawing?

The "drawing" is a page which depicts the mark applicant seeks to register. In an application based on actual use, Section 1(a), 15 U.S.C. §1051(a), the drawing must show the mark as it is actually used, i.e., as shown by the specimens. In the case of an application based on a bona fide intention to use, Section 1(b), 15 U.S.C. §1051(b), the drawing must show the mark as the applicant intends to use it. In an application based on a foreign application or foreign registration, Sections 44(d) or 44(e), 15 U.S.C. §§1126(d) or (e), the drawing must depict the mark as it appears or will appear on the foreign registration. The applicant cannot register more than one mark in a single application. Therefore, the drawing must display only one mark.

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If an applicant submits a specimen, is a drawing still required?

Yes. A drawing is required in all applications, and is used by the Office for several purposes, including printing the mark in the Official Gazette, and on the registration certificate. A specimen, on the other hand, is required as evidence that a mark is in actual use in commerce.

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On what bases can a foreign applicant file an application for registration?

1.  Use in interstate commerce or commerce between the United States and a foreign country.
2.  Bona fide or good faith intention to use the mark in interstate commerce or commerce between the United States and a foreign country.
3.  Ownership of an application filed in a foreign country (if within six months of the foreign filing date).
4.  Ownership of a foreign registration (with a copy).

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How long does it take for a mark to be registered?

It is difficult to predict how long it will take for an application to mature into a registration, because there are so many factors that can affect the process. Generally, an applicant receives a filing receipt approximately four weeks after filing the application. The filing receipt will include the serial number of the application and more importantly a filing date. All future correspondence with the U.S. Trademark Office must include this serial number. You should receive a response regarding the application outcome within four to six months from the filing date. The total time for the U.S. Trademark Office to complete an application and issue a Certification of Registration may be anywhere from eight months to a year if everything goes smoothly. However, the important thing is to file the trademark so you receive a filing date. The filing date is important because if anyone submits a similar mark, the applicant with the earliest filing date generally has priority in the filing process.

If you have already received our trademark package and have filed the prepared documents with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), you may contact their office directly at 1-800-786-9199 (or 571-272-9250) to inquire about the current status of your application. You may also view the status of your application online by visiting the USPTO's Trademark Applications and Registrations Retrieval (TARR) website at http://tsdr.uspto.gov. You will need your application serial number to access the TARR database.

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How long does a trademark registration last?

For a trademark registration to remain valid, an Affidavit of Use ("Section 8 Affidavit") must be filed: (1) between the fifth and sixth year following registration, and (2) within the year before the end of every ten-year period after the date of registration.  The registrant may file the affidavit within a grace period of six months after the end of the sixth or tenth year, with payment of an additional fee.

The registrant must also file a §9 renewal application within the year before the expiration date of a registration, or within a grace period of six months after the expiration date, with payment of an additional fee.

Assuming that an affidavit of use is timely filed, registrations granted PRIOR to November 16, 1989 have a 20-year term, and registrations granted on or after November 16, 1989 have a 10-year term.

This is also true for the renewal periods; renewals granted PRIOR to November 16, 1989 have a 20-year term, and renewals granted on or after November 16, 1989 have a 10-year term.

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When did the renewal period change from twenty to ten years?

November 16, 1989. Registrations issued on or after November 16, 1989 have a ten-year term, renewable every ten years.

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How long does an Intent-to-Use applicant have to allege actual use of the mark in commerce?

An applicant may file an Amendment to Allege Use any time between the filing date of the application and the date the Examining Attorney approves the mark for publication. If an Amendment to Allege Use is not filed, then applicant has six months from the issuance of the Notice of Allowance to file a Statement of Use, unless the applicant requests and is granted an extension of time. If the applicant fails to file either an Amendment to Allege Use or a Statement of Use within the time limits allowed, then the application will be declared abandoned. No registration will be granted.

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What are the different classes of goods and services?
 


GOODS

CLASS 1 (Chemicals)

Chemicals used in industry, science and photography, as well as in agriculture, horticulture and forestry; unprocessed artificial resins, unprocessed plastics; manures; fire extinguishing compositions; tempering and soldering preparations; chemical substances for preserving foodstuffs; tanning substances; adhesives used in industry.

Explanatory Note

This class includes mainly chemical products used in industry, science and agriculture, including those which go to the making of products belonging to other classes.

Includes, in particular:

  • compost;
  • salt for preserving other than for foodstuffs.

Does not include, in particular:

  • raw natural resins (Cl. 02);
  • chemical products for use in medical science (CL 05);
  • fungicides, herbicides and preparations for destroying vermin (CL 05);
  • adhesives for stationery or household purposes (CL 16);
  • salt for preserving foodstuffs (CL 30);
  • straw mulch (CL 31).

CLASS 2 (Paints)

Paints, varnishes, lacquers; preservatives against rust and against deterioration of wood; colorants; mordants; raw natural resins; metals in foil and powder form for painters, decorators, printers and artists.

Explanatory Note

This class includes mainly paints, colorants and preparations used for the protection against corrosion.

Includes, in particular:

  • paints, varnishes and lacquers for industry, handicrafts and arts;
  • dyestuffs for clothing;
  • colorants for foodstuffs and beverages.

Does not include, in particular:

  • unprocessed artificial resins (CL 01);
  • laundry bluing (CL 03);
  • cosmetic dyes (CL 03);
  • mordants for seed (CL 05);
  • paint boxes (articles for use in school) (CL 16);
  • insulating paints and varnishes (CL 17).

CLASS 3 (Cosmetics and cleaning preparations)

Bleaching preparations and other substances for laundry use; cleaning, polishing, scouring and abrasive preparations; soaps; perfumery, essential oils, cosmetics, hair lotions; dentifrices.

Explanatory Note

This class includes mainly cleaning preparations and toilet preparations.

Includes, in particular:

  • deodorants for personal use;
  • sanitary preparations being toiletries.

Does not include, in particular:

  • chemical chimney cleaners (CL 01);
  • degreasing preparations for use in manufacturing processes (CL 01);
  • deodorants other than for personal use (CL 05);
  • sharpening stones and grindstones (hand tools) (CL 08).

CLASS 4 (Lubricants and fuels)

Industrial oils and greases; lubricants; dust absorbing, wetting and binding compositions; fuels (including motor spirit) and illuminants; candles, wicks.

Explanatory Note

This class includes mainly industrial oils and greases, fuels and illuminants.

Does not include, in particular:

  • certain special industrial oils and greases (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods).

CLASS 5 (Pharmaceuticals)

Pharmaceutical, veterinary and sanitary preparations; dietetic substances adapted for medical use, food for babies; plasters, materials for dressings; material for stopping teeth, dental wax; disinfectants; preparations for destroying
vermin; fungicides, herbicides.

Explanatory Note

This class includes mainly pharmaceuticals and other preparations for medical purposes.

Includes, in particular:

  • sanitary preparations for medical purposes and for personal hygiene;
  • deodorants other than for personal use;
  • cigarettes without tobacco, for medical purposes.

Does not include, in particular:

  • sanitary preparations being toiletries (CL 03);
  • deodorants for personal use (CL 03);
  • supportive bandages (CL 10).

CLASS 6 (Metal goods)

Common metals and their alloys; metal building materials; transportable buildings of metal; materials of metal for railway tracks; non-electric cables and wires of common metal; iron mongery, small items of metal hardware; pipes and tubes of metal; safes; goods of common metal not included in other classes; ores.

Explanatory Note

This class includes mainly unwrought and partly wrought common metals as well as simple products made of them.

Does not include, in particular:

  • bauxite (CL 01);
  • mercury, antimony, alkaline and alkaline-earth metals (CL 01);
  • metals in foil and powder form for painters, decorators, printers and artists (CL 02).

CLASS 7 (Machinery)

Machines and machine tools; motors and engines (except for land vehicles); machine coupling and transmission components (except for land vehicles); agricultural implements other than hand-operated; incubators for eggs.

Explanatory Note

This class includes mainly machines, machine tools, motors and engines.

Includes, in particular:

  • parts of motors and engines (of all kinds);
  • electric cleaning machines and apparatus.

Does not include, in particular:

  • certain special machines and machine tools (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods);
  • hand tools and implements, hand operated (CL 08);
  • motors and engines for land vehicles (CL 12).

CLASS 8 (Hand tools)

Hand tools and implements (hand operated); cutlery; side arms; razors.

Explanatory Note

This class includes mainly hand operated implements used as tools in the respective professions.

Includes, in particular:

  • cutlery of precious metals;
  • electric razors and clippers (hand instruments).

Does not include, in particular:

  • certain special instruments (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods);
  • machine tools and implements driven by a motor (CL 07);
  • surgical cutlery (CL 10);
  • paperknives (CL 16);
  • fencing weapons (CL 28).

CLASS 9 (Electrical and scientific apparatus)

Scientific, nautical, surveying, electric, photographic, cinematographic, optical, weighing, measuring, signaling, checking (supervision), lifesaving and teaching apparatus and instruments; apparatus for recording, transmission or reproduction of sound or images; magnetic data carriers, recording discs; automatic vending machines and mechanisms for coin operated apparatus; cash registers, calculating machines, data processing equipment and computers; fire-extinguishing apparatus.

Explanatory Note

Includes, in particular:

  • apparatus and instruments for scientific research in laboratories;
  • apparatus and instruments for controlling ships, such as apparatus and instruments, for measuring and for transmitting orders;
  • the following electrical apparatus and instruments:

    a. certain electrothermic tools and apparatus, such as electric soldering irons, electric flat irons which, if they were not electric, would belong to Class 8;
    b. apparatus and devices which, if not electrical, would be listed in various classes, i.e., electrically heated clothing, cigar-lighters for automobiles;

  • protractors; punched card office machines; amusement apparatus adapted for use with television receivers only.

Does not include, in particular:

  • the following electrical apparatus and instruments:

    a. electromechanical apparatus for the kitchen (grinders and mixers for foodstuffs, fruit-presses, electrical coffee mills, etc.), and certain other apparatus and instruments driven by an electrical motor, all coming under Class 7;
    b. electric razors and clippers (hand instruments) (CL 08); electric toothbrushes and combs (CL 21);
    c. electrical apparatus for space heating or for the heating of liquids, for cooking, ventilating, etc. (CL 11);

  • clocks and watches and other chronometric instruments (CL 14);
  • control clocks (CL 14).

CLASS 10 (Medical apparatus)

Surgical, medical, dental and veterinary apparatus and instruments, artificial limbs, eyes and teeth; orthopedic articles; suture materials.

Explanatory Note

This class includes mainly medical apparatus, instruments and articles.

Includes, in particular:

  • special furniture for medical use;
  • hygienic rubber articles (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods);
  • supportive bandages.

CLASS 11 (Environmental control apparatus)

Apparatus for lighting, heating, steam generating, cooking, refrigerating, drying, ventilating, water supply and sanitary purposes.

Explanatory Note

Includes, in particular:

  • air conditioning apparatus;
  • bedwarmers, hot water bottles, warming pans, electric or non-electric;
  • electrically heated cushions (pads) and blankets, not for medical purposes;
  • electric kettles;
  • electric cooking utensils.

Does not include, in particular:

  • steam producing apparatus (parts of machines) (CL 07);
  • electrically heated clothing (CL 09).

CLASS 12 (Vehicles)

Vehicles; apparatus for locomotion by land, air or water.

Explanatory Note

Includes, in particular:

  • motors and engines for land vehicles;
  • couplings and transmission components for land vehicles;
  • air cushion vehicles.

Does not include, in particular:

  • certain parts of vehicles (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods);
  • railway material of metal (CL 06);
  • motors, engines, couplings and transmission components other than for land vehicles (CL 07);
  • parts of motors and engines (of all kinds) (CL 07).

CLASS 13 (Firearms)

Firearms; ammunition and projectiles; explosives; fireworks.

Explanatory Note

This class includes mainly firearms and pyrotechnical products.

Does not include, in particular:

  • matches (CL 34).

CLASS 14 (Jewelry)

Precious metals and their alloys and goods in precious metals or coated therewith, not included in other classes; jewelry, precious stones; horological and chronometric instruments.

Explanatory Note

This class includes mainly precious metals, goods in precious metals and, in general, jewelry, clocks and watches.

Includes, in particular:

  • jewelry (i.e. imitation jewelry and jewelry of precious metal and stones);
  • cuff links, tie pins.

Does not include, in particular:

  • certain goods in precious metals (classified according to their function or purpose), for example:
  • metals in foil and powder form for painters, decorators, printers and artists (CL 02);
  • amalgam of gold for dentists (CL 05);
  • cutlery (CL 08);
  • electric contacts (CL 09);
  • pen nibs of gold (CL 16);
  • objects of art not in precious metals (classified according to the material of which they consist).

CLASS 15 (Musical Instruments)

Musical instruments.

Explanatory Note

Includes, in particular:

  • mechanical pianos and their accessories;
  • musical boxes;
  • electrical and electronic musical instruments.

Does not include, in particular:

  • apparatus for the recording, transmission, amplification and reproduction of sound (CL 09).

CLASS 16 (Paper goods and printed matter)

Paper, cardboard and goods made from these materials, not included in other classes; printed matter; bookbinding material; photographs; stationery; adhesives for stationery or household purposes; artists' materials; paint brushes; typewriters and office requisites (except furniture); instructional and teaching material (except apparatus); plastic materials for packaging (not included in other classes); playing cards; printers' type; printing blocks.

Explanatory Note

This class includes mainly paper, goods made from that material and office requisites.

Includes, in particular:

  • paper knives;
  • duplicators;
  • plastic sheets, sacks and bags for wrapping and packaging.

Does not include, in particular:

  • certain goods made of paper and cardboard (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods);
  • colors (CL 02);
  • hand tools for artists (for example: spatulas, sculptors' chisels) (CL 08).

CLASS 17 (Rubber goods)

Rubber, gutta-percha, gum, asbestos, mica and goods made from these materials and not included in other classes; plastics in extruded form for use in manufacture; packing, stopping and insulating materials; flexible pipes, not of metal.

Explanatory Note

This class includes mainly electrical, thermal and acoustic insulating materials and plastics, being for use in manufacture in the form of sheets, blocks and rods.

Includes, in particular:

  • rubber material for recapping tires;
  • padding and stuffing materials of rubber or plastics;
  • floating anti-pollution barriers.

CLASS 18 (Leather goods)

Leather and imitations of leather, and goods made of these materials and not included in other classes; animal skins, hides; trunks and traveling bags; umbrellas, parasols and walking sticks; whips, harness and saddlery.

Explanatory Note

This class includes mainly leather, leather imitations, travel goods not included in other classes and saddlery.

Does not include, in particular:

  • clothing, footwear, headgear (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods).

CLASS 19 (Nonmetallic building materials)

Building materials (nonmetallic); nonmetallic rigid pipes for building; asphalt, pitch and bitumen; nonmetallic transportable buildings; monuments, not of metal.

Explanatory Note

This class includes mainly nonmetallic building materials.

Includes, in particular:

  • semi-worked woods (for example: beams, planks, panels);
  • veneers;
  • building glass (for example: floor slabs, glass tiles);
  • glass granules for marking out roads;
  • letter boxes of masonry.

Does not include, in particular:

  • cement preservatives and cement-waterproofing preparations (CL 01);
  • fireproofing preparations (CL 01).

CLASS 20 (Furniture and articles not otherwise classified)

Furniture, mirrors, picture frames; goods (not included in other classes) of wood, cork, reed, cane, wicker, horn, bone, ivory, whalebone, shell, amber, mother-of-pearl, meerschaum and substitutes for all these materials, or of plastics.

Explanatory Note

This class includes mainly furniture and its parts and plastic goods, not included in other classes.

Includes, in particular:

  • metal furniture and furniture for camping;
  • bedding (for example: mattresses, spring mattresses, pillows);
  • looking glasses and furnishing or toilet mirrors;
  • registration number plates not of metal;
  • letter boxes not of metal or masonry.

Does not include, in particular:

  • certain special types of mirrors, classified according to their function or purpose (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods);
  • special furniture for laboratories (CL 09);
  • special furniture for medical use (CL 10);
  • bedding linen (CL 24);
  • eiderdowns (CL 24).

CLASS 21 (Housewares and glass)

Household or kitchen utensils and containers (not of precious metal or coated therewith); combs and sponges; brushes (except paint brushes); brush-making materials; articles for cleaning purposes; steel wool; un-worked or semi-worked glass (except glass used in building); glassware, porcelain and earthenware not included in other classes.

Explanatory Note

This class includes mainly small, hand-operated, utensils and apparatus for household and kitchen use as well as toilet utensils, glassware and articles in porcelain.

Includes, in particular:

  • utensils and containers for household and kitchen use, for example:
  • kitchen utensils, pails, and pans of iron, aluminum, plastics and other materials, small hand-operated apparatus for mincing, grinding, pressing, etc.;
  • candle extinguishers, not of precious metal;
  • electric combs;
  • electric toothbrushes;
  • dish stands and decanter stands.

Does not include, in particular:

  • certain goods made of glass, porcelain and earthenware (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods);
  • cleaning preparations, soaps, etc. (Cl. 03);
  • small apparatus for mincing, grinding, pressing, etc., driven by electricity (Cl. 07);
  • razors and shaving apparatus, clippers (hand instruments), metal implements and utensils for manicure and pedicure (Cl. 08);
  • cooking utensils, electric (Cl. 11);
  • toilet mirrors (Cl. 20).

CLASS 22 (Cordage and fibers)

Ropes, string, nets, tents, awnings, tarpaulins, sails, sacks and bags (not included in other classes); padding and stuffing materials (except of rubber or plastics); raw fibrous textile materials.

Explanatory Note

This class includes mainly rope and sail manufacture products, padding and stuffing materials and raw fibrous textile materials.

Includes, in particular:

  • cords and twines in natural or artificial textile fibres, paper or plastics.

Does not include, in particular:

  • certain nets, sacs and bags (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods);
  • strings for musical instruments (Cl. 15).

CLASS 23 (Yarns and threads)

Yarns and threads, for textile use.

CLASS 24 (Fabrics)

Textiles and textile goods, not included in other classes; bed and table covers.

Explanatory Note

This class includes mainly textiles (piece goods) and textile covers for household use.

Includes, in particular:

  • bedding linen of paper.

Does not include, in particular:

  • certain special textiles (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods);
  • electrically heated blankets (Cl. 10);
  • table linen of paper (Cl. 16);
  • horse blankets (Cl. 18).

CLASS 25 (Clothing)

Clothing, footwear, headgear.

Explanatory Note

Does not include, in particular:

  • certain clothing and footwear for special use (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods).

CLASS 26 (Fancy goods)

Lace and embroidery, ribbons and braid; buttons, hooks and eyes, pins and needles; artificial flowers.

Explanatory Note

This class includes mainly dressmakers' articles.

Includes, in particular:

  • slide fasteners.

Does not include, in particular:

  • certain special types of hooks (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods);
  • certain special types of needles (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods);
  • yarns and threads for textile use (Cl. 23).

CLASS 27 (Floor coverings)

Carpets, rugs, mats and matting, linoleum and other materials for covering existing floors; wall hangings (non-textile).

Explanatory Note

This class includes mainly products intended to be added as furnishings to previously constructed floors and walls.

CLASS 28 (Toys and sporting goods)

Games and playthings; gymnastic and sporting articles not included in other classes; decorations for Christmas trees.

Explanatory Note

Includes, in particular:

  • fishing tackle;
  • equipment for various sports and games.

Does not include, in particular:

  • Christmas tree candles (Cl. 04);
  • diving equipment (Cl. 09);
  • amusement apparatus adapted for use with television receivers only (Cl. 09);
  • electrical lamps (garlands) for Christmas trees (Cl. 11);
  • playing cards (Cl. 16);
  • fishing nets (Cl. 22);
  • clothing for gymnastics and sports (Cl. 25);
  • confectionery and chocolate decorations for Christmas trees (Cl. 30).

CLASS 29 (Meats and processed foods)

Meat, fish, poultry and game; meat extracts; preserved, dried and cooked fruits and vegetables; jellies, jams, fruit sauces; eggs, milk and milk products; edible oils and fats.

Explanatory Note

This class includes mainly foodstuffs of animal origin as well as vegetables and other horticultural comestible products which are prepared for consumption or conservation.

Includes, in particular:

  • milk beverages (milk predominating).

Does not include, in particular:

  • certain foodstuffs of plant origin (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods);
  • baby food (Cl. 05);
  • dietetic substances adapted for medical use (Cl. 05);
  • salad dressings (Cl. 30);
  • fertilized eggs for hatching (Cl. 31);
  • foodstuffs for animals (Cl. 31);
  • living animals (Cl. 31).

CLASS 30 (Staple foods)

Coffee, tea, cocoa, sugar, rice, tapioca, sago, artificial coffee; flour and preparations made from cereals, bread, pastry and confectionery, ices; honey, treacle; yeast, baking-powder; salt, mustard; vinegar, sauces (condiments); spices; ice.

Explanatory Note

This class includes mainly foodstuffs of plant origin prepared for consumption or conservation as well as auxiliaries intended for the improvement of the flavour of food.

Includes, in particular:

  • beverages with coffee, cocoa or chocolate base;
  • cereals prepared for human consumption (for example: oat flakes and those made of other cereals).

Does not include, in particular:

  • certain foodstuffs of plant origin (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods);
  • salt for preserving other than for foodstuffs (Cl. 01);
  • medicinal teas and dietetic substances adapted for medical use (Cl. 05);
  • baby food (Cl. 05);
  • raw cereals (Cl. 31);
  • foodstuffs for animals (Cl. 31).

CLASS 31 (Natural agricultural products)

Agricultural, horticultural and forestry products and grains not included in other classes; living animals; fresh fruits and vegetables; seeds, natural plants and flowers; foodstuffs for animals, malt.

Explanatory Note

This class includes mainly land products not having been subjected to any form of preparation for consumption, living animals and plants as well as foodstuffs for animals.

Includes, in particular:

  • raw woods;
  • raw cereals;
  • fertilized eggs for hatching;
  • mollusca and crustacea (live).

Does not include, in particular:

  • cultures of micro-organisms and leeches for medical purposes (Cl. 05);
  • semi-worked woods (Cl. 19);
  • artificial fishing bait (Cl. 28);
  • rice (Cl. 30);
  • tobacco (Cl. 34).

CLASS 32 (Light beverages)

Beers; mineral and aerated waters and other nonalcoholic drinks; fruit drinks and fruit juices; syrups and other preparations for making beverages.

Explanatory Note

This class includes mainly nonalcoholic beverages, as well as beer.

Includes, in particular:

  • de-alcoholized drinks.

Does not include, in particular:

  • beverages for medical purposes (Cl. 05);
  • milk beverages (milk predominating) (Cl. 29);
  • beverages with coffee, cocoa or chocolate base (Cl. 30).

CLASS 33 (Wine and spirits)

Alcoholic beverages (except beers).

Explanatory Note

Does not include, in particular:

  • medicinal drinks (Cl. 05);
  • de-alcoholized drinks (Cl. 32).

CLASS 34 (Smokers' articles)

Tobacco; smokers' articles; matches.  

Explanatory Note

Includes, in particular:

  • tobacco substitutes (not for medical purposes).

Does not include, in particular:

  • cigarettes without tobacco, for medical purposes (Cl. 05);
  • certain smokers' articles in precious metal (Cl. 14) (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods).
     

SERVICES

CLASS 35 (Advertising and business)

Advertising; business management; business administration; office functions.  

Explanatory Note
 
This class includes mainly services rendered by persons or organizations principally with the object of:

1. help in the working or management of a commercial undertaking, or

2. help in the management of the business affairs or commercial functions of an industrial or commercial enterprise, as well as services rendered by advertising establishments primarily undertaking communications to the public, declarations or announcements by all means of diffusion and concerning all kinds of goods or services.

Includes, in particular:

  • services consisting of the registration, transcription, composition, compilation, or systematization of written communications and registrations, and also the exploitation or compilation of mathematical or statistical data;
  • services of advertising agencies and services such as the distribution of prospectuses, directly or through the post, or the distribution of samples. This class may refer to advertising in connection with other services, such as those concerning bank loans or advertising by radio; the bringing together, for the benefit of others, of a variety of goods (excluding the transport thereof), enabling customers to conveniently view and purchase those goods.

Does not include, in particular:

  • activity of an enterprise the primary function of which is the sale of goods, i.e., of a so-called commercial enterprise;
  • services such as evaluations and reports of engineers which do not directly refer to the working or management of affairs in a commercial or industrial enterprise (consult the Alphabetical List of Services);
  • professional consultations and the drawing up of plans not connected with the conduct of business (Cl. 42).

CLASS 36 (Insurance and financial)

Insurance; financial affairs; monetary affairs; real estate affairs.

Explanatory Note

This class includes mainly services rendered in financial and monetary affairs and services rendered in relation to insurance contracts of all kinds.

Includes, in particular:

  • services relating to financial or monetary affairs comprise the following:

    a. services of all the banking establishments, or institutions connected with them such as exchange brokers or clearing services;

    b. services of credit institutions other than banks such as cooperative credit associations, individual financial companies, lenders, etc.;

    c. services of "investment trusts," of holding companies;

    d. services of brokers dealing in shares and property;

    e. services connected with monetary affairs vouched for by trustees;

    f. services rendered in connection with the issue of travelers' checks and letters of credit;

    g. services of realty administrators of buildings, i.e., services of letting or valuation, or financing;

    h. services dealing with insurance such as services rendered by agents or brokers engaged in insurance, services rendered to insured, and insurance underwriting services.


CLASS 37 (Building construction and repair)

Building construction; repair; installation services.

Explanatory Note

This class includes mainly services rendered by contractors or subcontractors in the construction or making of permanent buildings, as well as services rendered by persons or organizations engaged in the restoration of objects to their original condition or in their preservation without altering their physical or chemical properties.

Includes, in particular:

  • services relating to the construction of buildings, roads, bridges, dams or transmission lines and services of undertakings specializing in the field of construction such as those of painters, plumbers, heating installers or roofers;
  • services auxiliary to construction services like inspections of construction plans;
  • services of shipbuilding;
  • services consisting of hiring of tools or building materials;
  • repair services, i.e., services which undertake to put any object into good condition after wear, damage, deterioration or partial destruction (restoration of an existing building or another object that has become imperfect and is to be restored to its original condition);
  • various repair services such as those in the fields of electricity, furniture, instruments, tools, etc.;
  • services of maintenance for preserving an object in its original condition without changing any of its properties (for the difference between this class and Class 40 see the Explanatory Note of Class 40).

    Does not include, in particular:

  • services consisting of storage of goods such as clothes or vehicles (Cl. 39);
  • services connected with dyeing of cloth or clothes (Cl. 40).

CLASS 38 (Telecommunications)

Explanatory Note

This class includes mainly services allowing at least one person to communicate with another by a sensory means. Such services include those which:

1. allow a person to talk to another,

2. transmit messages from one person to another, and

3. place a person in oral or visual communication with another (radio and television).

Includes, in particular:

  • services which consist essentially of the diffusion of radio or television programs.
  • Does not include, in particular:
  • radio advertising services (Cl. 35).

CLASS 39 (Transportation and storage)

Transport; packaging and storage of goods; travel arrangement.

Explanatory Note

This class includes mainly services rendered in transporting people or goods from one place to another (by rail, road, water, air or pipeline) and services necessarily connected with such transport, as well as services relating to the storing of goods in a warehouse or other building for their preservation or guarding.

Includes, in particular:

  • services rendered by companies exploiting stations, bridges, rail-road ferries, etc., used by the transporter;
  • services connected with the hiring of transport vehicles;
  • services connected with maritime tugs, unloading, the functioning of ports and docks and the salvaging of wrecked ships and their cargoes;
  • services connected with the functioning of airports;
  • services connected with the packaging and parceling of goods before dispatch;
  • services consisting of information about journeys or the transport of goods by brokers and tourist agencies, information relating to tariffs, timetables and methods of transport;
  • services relating to the inspection of vehicles or goods before transport.

Does not include, in particular:

  • services relating to advertising transport undertakings such as the distribution of prospectuses or advertising on the radio (Cl. 35);
  • services relating to the issuing of travelers' checks or letters of credit by brokers or travel agents (Cl. 36);
  • services relating to insurance (commercial, fire or life) during the transport of persons or goods (Cl. 36);
  • services rendered by the maintenance and repair of vehicles, nor the maintenance or repair of objects connected with the transport of persons or goods (Cl. 37);
  • services relating to reservation of rooms in a hotel by travel agents or brokers (Cl. 42).

CLASS 40 (Treatment of materials)

Treatment of materials.

Explanatory Note

This class includes mainly services not included in other classes, rendered by the mechanical or chemical processing or transformation of objects or inorganic or organic substances.

For the purposes of classification, the mark is considered a service mark only in cases where processing or transformation is effected for the account of another person. A mark is considered a trade mark in all cases where the

substance or object is marketed by the person who processed or transformed it.

Includes, in particular:

  • services relating to transformation of an object or substance and any process involving a change in its essential properties (for example, dyeing a garment); consequently, a maintenance service, although usually in Class 37, is included in Class 40 if it entails such a change (for example, the chroming of motor vehicle bumpers);
  • services of material treatment which may be present during the production of any substance or object other than a building; for example, services which involve cutting, shaping, polishing by abrasion or metal coating.

Does not include, in particular:

  • repair services (Cl. 37).

CLASS 41 (Education and entertainment)

Education; providing of training; entertainment; sporting and cultural activities.

Explanatory Note

This class contains mainly services rendered by persons or institutions in the development of the mental faculties of persons or animals, as well as services intended to entertain or to engage the attention.

Includes, in particular:

  • services consisting of all forms of education of persons or training of animals;
  • services having the basic aim of the entertainment, amusement or
  • recreation of people.

CLASS 42 (Computer, scientific & legal)

Scientific and technological services and research and design relating thereto:
industrial analysis and research services; design and development of computer hardware and software;
legal services.

Explanatory Note

Class 42 includes mainly services provided by persons, individually or collectively, in relation to the theoretical and practical aspects of complex fields of activities; such services are provided by members of professions such as chemists, physicists, engineers, computer specialists, lawyers, etc.

Includes, in particular:

  • the services of engineers who undertake evaluations, estimates, research and reports in the scientific and technological fields
  • scientific research services for medical purposes

Does not include, in particular:

  • business research and evaluations (Cl. 35);
  • word processing and computer file management services (Cl. 35);
  • financial and fiscal evaluations (Cl. 36);
  • mining and oil extraction (Cl. 37);
  • computer (hardware) installation and repair services (Cl. 37);
  • services provided by the members of professions such as medical doctors, veterinary surgeons, psychoanalysts (Cl. 44);
  • medical treatment services (Cl. 44);
  • garden design (Cl. 44).

CLASS 43 (Hotels and Restaurants)

Services for providing food and drink; temporary accommodations.

Explanatory Note

Class 43 includes mainly services provided by persons or establishments whose aim is to prepare food and drink for consumption and services provided to obtain bed and board in hotels, boarding houses or other establishments providing temporary accommodations.

Includes, in particular:

  • reservation services for travellers' accommodations, particularly through travel agencies or brokers;
  • boarding for animals.

Does not include, in particular:

  • rental services for real estate such as houses, flats, etc., for permanent use (Cl. 36);
  • arranging travel by tourist agencies (Cl. 39);
  • preservation services for food and drink (Cl. 40);

    discotheque services (Cl. 41);

  • boarding schools (Cl. 41);
  • rest and convalescent homes (Cl. 44).

CLASS 44 (Medical, beauty & agricultural)

Medical services; veterinary services; hygienic and beauty care for human beings or animals; agriculture, horticulture and forestry services.

Explanatory Note

Class 44 includes mainly medical care, hygienic and beauty care given by persons or establishments to human beings and animals; it also includes services relating to the fields of agriculture, horticulture and forestry.

Includes, in particular:

  • medical analysis services relating to the treatment of persons (such as x-ray examinations and taking of blood samples);
  • artificial insemination services;
  • pharmacy advice;
  • animal breeding;
  • services relating to the growing of plants such as gardening;
  • services relating to floral art such as floral compositions as well as garden design.

Does not include, in particular:

  • vermin extermination (other than for agriculture, horticulture and forestry) (Cl. 37);
  • installation and repair services for irrigation systems (Cl. 37);
  • ambulance transport (Cl. 39);
  • animal slaughtering services and taxidermy (Cl. 40);
  • timber felling and processing (Cl. 40);
  • animal training services (Cl. 41);
  • health clubs for physical exercise (Cl. 41);
  • scientific research services for medical purposes (Cl. 42);
  • boarding for animals (Cl. 43);
  • retirement homes (Cl. 43).

CLASS 45 (Personal)

Personal and social services rendered by others to meet the needs of individuals; security services for the protection of property and individuals.

Explanatory Note

Includes, in particular:

  • investigation and surveillance services relating to the safety of persons and entities;
  • services provided to individuals in relation with social events, such as social escort services, matrimonial agencies, funeral services.

Does not include, in particular:

  • professional services giving direct aid in the operations or functions of a commercial undertaking (Cl. 35);
  • services relating to financial or monetary affairs and services dealing with insurance (Cl. 36);
  • escorting of travellers (Cl. 39);
  • security transport (Cl. 39);
  • services consisting of all forms of education of persons (Cl. 41);
  • performances of singers and dancers (Cl. 41);
  • legal services (Cl. 42);
  • services provided by others to give medical, hygienic or beauty care for human beings or animals (cl. 44);
  • certain rental services (consult the Alphabetical List of Services and General Remark (b) relating to the classification of services).

Includes, in particular:

  • raw woods;
  • raw cereals;
  • fertilized eggs for hatching;




Basic Trademark Search Questions

What is a trademark search?

A trademark search contains information retrieved from an in-depth research of a proposed mark. It includes searching other marks that have similar sound, spelling, pronunciation, appearance, English translation meaning and commercial impression.

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What are the benefits of a trademark search?

1. Constructive notice nationwide of the servicemark owner's claim.
2. Evidence of ownership of the servicemark.
3. Jurisdiction of federal courts may be invoked.
4. Registration can be used as a basis for obtaining registration in foreign countries.
5. Registration may be filed with U.S. Customs Service to stop importation of infringing foreign goods.

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What is the turnaround time on your search service?

Once we receive all of your application items, we will process your trademark search in 2-3 business days. We also offer a 24-hour expedite service for an additional fee.

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What are pending marks?

Pending trademarks are trademarks that have not been registered with the Patent and Trademark Office. They are either in the process of being registered, awaiting review by an examining attorney, or on hold by an examining attorney to clarify an issue.

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What are dead or abandoned marks?

An abandoned or dead trademark means that the application is no longer pending and, thus, cannot mature into registration. A trademark becomes abandoned or dead when an applicant fails to respond to an objection by the examining attorney, fails to file a statement of use, or when the trademark use is discontinued with an intent not to resume its use. Abandoned or dead marks cannot be used as a bar against registering your proposed mark.

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What are live marks?

Live trademarks are either registered or pending trademarks. Live trademarks will be used as a bar against registering your proposed mark.

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What are common law rights?

Federal registration is not required to establish rights in a trademark. Common law rights arise from actual use of a mark. Generally, the first to either use a mark in commerce or file an intent to use application with the Patent and Trademark Office has the ultimate right to use and registration. However, there are many benefits of federal trademark registration. Learn more about Common Law Search Trademark Search.

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What is a common law search? Is doing a common law search necessary?

A common law search involves searching records other than the federal register and pending application records. It may involve checking phone directories, yellow pages, industrial directories, state trademark registers, the Internet, and more. The purpose of a common law search is to determine if a mark is being used by others when they have not filed for federal trademark registration. A common law search is not necessary but some find it beneficial.

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I want protect the name Blue Widget. Do I need to search and file "Blue Widget", "Blue Widgets", and "BlueWidget" as three separate marks?

It is not necessary to search and file all three "Blue Widget", "Blue Widgets", and "BlueWidget" separately since there is a strong correlation by a dominant name, Blue Widget. You, of course, can perform a search and file all three if you want. However, when a trademark search is performed for conflicting names one looks not only for the exact match, but also anything similar in appearance and sound that might create confusion (i.e. cat, cats, kat, etc). Therefore, when you register a singular name, it is very hard for someone else to register the plural name. For example, if you file and register the wording "Blue Widget" it would be strongly similar to the other two mark names.

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Should I trademark the domain name BlueWidget.com?

The USPTO is stricter in allowing domain names to be registered as trademark. In general, filing "Blue Widget" as a mark is easier to get than "BLUEWIDGET.COM". It can happen in some cases, such as Amazon.com, because that name is perceived by consumers as a source identifier. But in general, the USPTO is strict in allowing domain names to function as trademarks. According to the USPTO's Examination Guide No. 2-99, a mark composed of a domain name is registrable as a trademark or service mark only if it functions as a source identifier. The mark must be presented in a manner that will be perceived by potential purchasers as indicating source and not merely an informational indication of the domain name address used to access a web site. If the proposed mark is used in any way that would be perceived as nothing more than an address at the applicant can be contacted, registration will be refused by the USPTO.

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Basic Trademark Watching Questions

How does trademark watching work?

Our trademark watching experts will create a scanning criteria that fits your needs. You will receive a trademark watching report via e-mail each month showing any similar marks that have been filed or published trademarks.

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Why do I need to monitor my trademark?

As a trademark owner, watching or monitoring a trademark is an important part in protecting your brand name over time. If other third-parties begin to use a similar mark, your mark may become diluted and weakened. In addition, trademark law places the burden of policing use of a mark to the trademark owner, in order to protect and enforce its rights.

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