How Long Will it Take to Register My Trademark?

The time it takes to register a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the complexity of the application and the workload of the USPTO. On average, the process can take between 10-14 months to several years from the time the application is filed to the time the trademark registration is granted.

One reason that it takes so long to register a trademark is that the USPTO is currently receiving a large number of trademark applications compared to past years, and the office has a limited number of trademark examining attorneys to review them. This can lead to a backlog of trademark applications that need to be processed.

Another reason that it takes so long to register a trademark with the USPTO is that the examination process itself can be quite detailed and time-consuming. Once an application is filed, an examiner will review it to ensure that it meets all of the legal requirements for registration, including that the mark is not too similar to existing trademarks and that it is not misleading or deceptive. The examiner will also conduct a search of existing trademarks to ensure that the mark is available for registration.

Additionally, there may be issues that arise during the examination process which the applicant will need to address with the USPTO, such as objections or office actions that are issued by the trademark examining attorney. This can add additional time to the registration process.

Finally, it is important to note that the process of registering a trademark is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process that requires periodic maintenance and renewal, which can also add to the overall time it takes to register a trademark.

That said, if you are seeking to enroll in the Amazon Brand Registry program, you do not need to wait for the USPTO to complete the trademark registration process.  Once your trademark application is submitted for examination, the USPTO will assign a unique serial number for your trademark application.  Amazon will accept the assigned serial number for enrollment in its brand registry program.  Other premier online retail platform have similar brand registry programs but most require you to complete the trademark registration process before enrolling.