What Happens If My Trademark Application Is Rejected or Opposed?
When a Charleston business owner submits a federal trademark application to the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO), there is a possibility that it may be rejected by an examining attorney or opposed by another trademark owner during the application process. In such cases, it is essential for the Charleston business owner to understand the procedures and options available to address these challenges.
If a USPTO examining attorney finds any deficiencies or issues with the trademark application, they will issue an Office Action, which is a formal notification detailing the specific reasons for the refusal or the requirements that need to be met. Common reasons for an Office Action include a likelihood of confusion with an existing registered trademark, the trademark being merely descriptive or generic, or issues with the identification and classification of goods or services.
Upon receiving an Office Action, the Charleston business owner or their trademark attorney must respond within six months, addressing the issues raised and providing any required amendments or additional information. The response should be comprehensive and persuasive, demonstrating how the application meets the USPTO’s requirements or arguing against the refusal based on legal grounds.
If the response to the Office Action is satisfactory, the examining attorney may approve the trademark application for publication, moving it to the next stage of the process. However, if the response is insufficient or the examining attorney maintains the refusal, the applicant may receive a final Office Action. In such cases, the Charleston business owner can either file an appeal with the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) or submit a Request for Reconsideration, providing additional arguments or evidence to address the outstanding issues.
If the examining attorney approves the trademark application, it will be published in the Trademark Official Gazette (TOG), a weekly publication by the USPTO. During the 30-day publication period, any party who believes they may be harmed by the registration of the trademark can file a Notice of Opposition with the TTAB, initiating an opposition proceeding. Common grounds for opposition include a likelihood of confusion with an existing trademark, dilution of a famous trademark, or the trademark being descriptive or generic.
If an opposition is filed, the trademark applicant must respond by filing an Answer within the specified timeframe, usually 40 days from the service of the Notice of Opposition. The opposition proceeding is similar to a litigation process, involving discovery, the submission of evidence, and the filing of motions and briefs. Both parties have an opportunity to present their arguments and evidence to the TTAB, which will make a decision based on the record.
The outcome of an opposition proceeding can vary, with the TTAB either sustaining the opposition, resulting in the refusal of the trademark application, or dismissing the opposition, allowing the application to proceed to registration. If either party is dissatisfied with the TTAB’s decision, they can appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit or initiate a civil action in federal district court.
In conclusion, if a Charleston business owner’s federal trademark application is rejected by a USPTO examining attorney or opposed by another trademark owner, they must navigate various procedures and options to address these challenges. These may include responding to Office Actions, filing appeals, or participating in opposition proceedings before the TTAB. Working with our experienced trademark attorneys can help a Charleston business owner navigate these complex processes and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.
