Who Governs Federal Trademark Registration?

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) governs and oversees the application and registration of federal trademarks in the United States.

What Is The United States Trademark Office?

The USPTO is a federal agency within the Department of Commerce. It was established with the purpose of promoting innovation and creativity by securing the exclusive rights to a person’s inventions and creations through the issuance of patents, and protecting the use of trademarks by businesses to identify and distinguish their goods and services from those of others.

The USPTO’s main functions include:

• Examining patent applications and issuing patents for new, useful, and non-obvious inventions
• Examining trademark applications and registering trademarks used in commerce
• Administering the patent and trademark laws, including rules and regulations related to their enforcement
• Providing resources and training for the public, patent and trademark practitioners, and stakeholders
• Collaborating with international partners to harmonize intellectual property laws and practices globally.

The USPTO is responsible for granting the legal protection that allows inventors and entrepreneurs to benefit from their creations and innovations, and for helping businesses protect their brands and intellectual property rights.