What is the process for obtaining a trademark?

Trademark law is an important part of entertainment law in California. A trademark is a recognizable symbol, word, phrase, or design used to identify goods and services. To protect your brand, a trademark is necessary for your business. The process for obtaining a trademark in California involves completing an application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The application must include a description of the goods or services the trademark will be associated with, the category, and a representation of the mark itself. The mark can be a logo, slogan, or any other recognizable sign. The application must be filed through the USPTO’s online Trademark Electronic Application System. After filing, the USPTO performs a thorough review of the trademark application to ensure it meets the legal criteria. The review process includes searching other existing trademarks, to ensure the proposed trademark is not too similar to an existing one. Following the review process, a decision is made and the applicant is notified of its outcome. If the mark is approved, a registration certificate is issued and the mark is published in a government journal. This gives the public notice of the trademark and allows for a 30 day period to contest it. After the 30-day period, the trademark is officially registered and a certificate of registration is issued. Once the trademark is registered, it is valid for 10 years and can be renewed after that period.

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