Intellectual property can be a tricky asset to protect. Since it is not physical in form, individuals may be unsure of how to protect this property or if it is even possible to protect in the first place. First of all, intellectual property is something that can be protected. Your ideas are yours. By going through the process to make this official, it can protect your property so that no one else is eligible to use it unless they have your permission.
In order to claim your intellectual property as a trademark, you will have to complete steps to do so. A trademark can be vital to a company and their success. Some companies have specific logos or items they provide that are trademarked to show that they own this and no one else has authority to use it unless otherwise agreed upon. The first step is to make sure your property is something that is eligible for a trademark. You can contact legal counsel and run your concept by them. Then you can proceed with the rest of the process when it is cleared that your product or idea is unique and not otherwise taken. A trademark application will be filled out and filed.
Once your application is filed, the United States Patent and Trademark Office will examine your trademark idea. They will scrutinize your application to provide a final outcome on approval. Sometimes you may be requested to provide some changes to the application. Other times, your trademark may pass without a hassle. If there is an issue with your trademark, you have six months to provide a response to the office.
What is a publication for opposition?
After your trademark is approved by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, it will be published in the official gazette. This will give others the opportunity to declare a conflict if their trademarked or protected property is infringed upon by your trademark. Any opposition can be claimed at this point. Whoever opposes it has 30 days to speak up about their opposition. The process may extend to 90 days if negotiation is occurring at this time.
The Law Offices of Richard E. Novak, LLC has over 25 years of experience helping clients through tough times when they need it most. If you need assistance with any intellectual property, traffic violations, or business law matters, our firm is here to help. It is critical that you pick the right attorney who can protect your rights. Contact The Law Offices of Richard E. Novak, LLC for a consultation.