Filing a trademark application is quite easy. However, the online process of filing is more convenient. You can use the TEAS (Trademark Electronic Application System) after logging into the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) website. Application in paper forms is not quickly processed and costs 50 dollars or more.

The definition of a trademark is the following: a symbol or a title which represents a product or a business. When it is officially registered, the owner has full right and nobody can use it without their approval. This system makes sure that different businesses have different trademarks, to prevent people's confusion regarding their products. The international abbreviation of a trademark is TM.

First, log into the website of the USPTO. Click the "Trademarks" on the home page, and then click "FILE online" on the succeeding screen. Applicants should never forget that federal registration of trademarks is a very straightforward process. You need to comply with the following: Describe your service mark or trademark, state the date you first used the marks, and describe the services or products where the marks are intended to use.

There are many classifications for trademarks on the USTPO website so make sure you choose the one that suits your business best. They also have an online system if you happen to be confused about the classifications.

Don't forget to submit your trademark design. You should also add word marks and graphic marks or other proposed marks; just submit photos for this step. You have to pay the $325 fee for any classification you select.

Before being accepted, the trademark has to meet certain requirements. In order to register with the USPTO you have to choose your trademark as "interstate commerce", meaning that you will sell your products or services outside the sate borders. I will give you an example: an online business which can be used by anyone in the world is an interstate commerce.

When you have been approved by the USTPO they will make a notification in the official publication called Official Gazette. The notification will approve that your trademark is qualified for the next registration steps. If someone thinks that you have stolen the trademark or finds any reasons not to be registered they can object and you will begin an examination where your trademark will be discussed by both parts. If nobody objects, however, you should wait for a response. The response usually comes in approximately one year. But this depends mostly on any legal matters that may show up during the registration process.

To maintain your trademark status, you should file a statement to use the trademark continuously or renew your application. In this way, you can acquire additional rights especially if incontestability statement is filed. Keep in mind that the USPTO will not notify you if your statements are due. Your federal registration is ten canceled once you fail to renew or pass a statement. Make sure that you understand all the terms and conditions upon your registration.