Once a trademark application is filed, it will be assigned to a trademark examining attorney that works for the United States Patent and Trademark Office. This typically happens six to eight months after the trademark application is filed. *
Once received, the examiner will review and assess whether the trademark application meets all of the requirements for registration. If it does not, an office action will be issued.
What is an Office Action?
An office action is an action, typically a letter issued by the trademark office, outlining a technical issue with a trademark application. Sometimes these issues are minor, and are able to be addressed with ease.
Minor Issues with your Office Action
Examples of technical issues can range from requesting clarity surrounding the trademarks’ goods and services, submitting a disclaimer, or a request for additional evidence.
Major Issues with your Office Action
In contrast, other issues can be much more complex as they deal with the substance of the trademark itself, such as the likelihood of confusion, or merely descriptive refusals.
These office actions are more challenging to overcome, and are best addressed with the support of a trademark attorney for the highest chance of success.
