The U.S. Trademark Registration Process, Explained
From first search to final registration.
The path from "I have a brand name" to "I have a registered U.S. trademark" passes through several distinct stages. Here's what each one involves.
1. Preliminary search
Before filing, a basic search helps identify obviously conflicting marks. See our search page for details.
2. Preparation
This is where you finalize your goods/services description, identify the correct class(es), and gather applicant information.
3. Filing
The application is submitted to the USPTO along with the government filing fee. For foreign-domiciled applicants, a U.S.-licensed attorney handles the actual filing and representation.
4. Examination
A USPTO examining attorney reviews the application. This can result in approval for publication, or an Office Action raising questions or objections that must be answered by a deadline.
5. Publication for opposition
If the application clears examination, it's published in the USPTO's Official Gazette. Third parties have a window to formally oppose the registration if they believe it conflicts with their own rights.
6. Registration (or Notice of Allowance)
For use-based applications, registration is issued if no opposition is filed. For intent-to-use applications, a Notice of Allowance is issued instead, followed by a requirement to submit proof of actual use before final registration.
We do not promise a fixed timeline for this process — see our timeline page for realistic expectations. What we do provide is monitoring and updates at every stage.