What is a trademark notice of opposition?

A trademark notice of opposition is a legal document that is filed to dispute the registration of a mark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). In the state of Washington, if a person or business believes that another person or business is registering a mark that is too similar to one they already own, or that it may be misleading or create confusion in the marketplace, they can file a trademark opposition with the USPTO. A trademark opposition must be filed within thirty days of the publication date of the mark in the Official Gazette, which is a quarterly publication issued by the USPTO. The trademark opposition is filed by the challenging party and includes an explanation of their legal grounds for believing that the registration of the mark should be denied. The opposing party then has a chance to respond to the trademark opposition in a manner approved by the USPTO. After hearing both sides, the USPTO will then decide if the registration of the mark should be denied or allowed. If the opposing party is successful, then the mark will not be registered. If not, then the mark will be registered and the challenging party will have to take other avenues for legal action.

Related FAQs

What is the Madrid Protocol and how can it help me register trademarks internationally?
How long does a trademark registration last?
What is the difference between using the ™ and ® symbols?
What is a trademark infringement claim and how can it be avoided?
What is the difference between a trademark and copyright?
What legal rights does a trademark provide?
How much does it cost to register a trademark?
What is the Madrid System and how can it help me register trademarks internationally?
How can I protect my trademark against cybersquatting?
What is a trademark opposition and how can it be avoided?

What is a trademark notice of opposition?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts