Patents & Trademarks

A trademark can be any word, phrase, symbol, design, or a combination of these that identifies goods or services. A trademark/service mark identifies the source of goods or services, provides legal protection for a brand, and helps guard against counterfeiting and fraud. You can read more about trademark basics.

How to select a trademark that is both federally registrable and legally protectable? This USPTO video: Basics Facts: Selecting a Mark can get you started on the right track.

Review the Trademark Process online to get started on the process.

After searching TESS, if you decide to register your trademark at the federal level, use TEAS to apply online. Here are useful resources to help you proceed:

• TEAS filing steps.
• TEAS tutorial 
• Trademark basics: Registration toolkit
• Trademark fees are updated at the USPTO website.
• Videos: 
  • TEAS Nuts & Bolts videos can help answer many of your application related questions.
  • Other trademark related videos by the USPTO that help you understand what you need to do before, during, and after your filing.