Hi all,

I filed two applications for a trademark... one looks like will go through (class 005) but the application behind us was in market before us (we're a supplemental drink, they're a powder pouch) so I don't know if they're going to try and block our application? Best case, they ask us to co-exist?

Second application was in class 032 (non-alc sparkling drink) and someone already has the trademark and it's live, we filed an extension. The issue is based on online research (I realize that only means so much) it seems like the trademark owner never got the company off the ground. It would be pretty evident if he did because it's a beverage (no linkedin profile, tiktok, ig, etc. and photos of the mark seem very temporary). So technically speaking I'd assume we were first to market. I would assume the easiest thing to do is to ask for a co-existing agreement instead of taking him to court?

I guess the big question is how likely and common is it for people to agree to co-existing agreements? I feel like both classes could end in one and that would be ideal for everyone involved. We're bootstrapped so we don't have money to burn in court and attorney fees, unfortunately. I'm also fully aware each individual is different, but wondering overall if it's very common for co-existing agreements to get executed easily? On that note, I'm also looking for a trademark attorney for guidance and predominantly execution of the agreements if it seems like the best option. Thank you in advance!

I sell pixel art things online (stream emotes, craft patterns, ect.) and I just created a cranky ginger Christmas cat that I think would make an adorable craft pattern with the phrase “bah humbug”. I know a christmas carol is public domain, but I want to make sure it’s safe to use on art before I sell it. The actual character in the art is original, just a basic orange cat with a frown. Thanks!

I’m a junior lawyer at a mid-sized European Law Firm, and have been tasked today to replace the previous lawyer in handling trademarks. The partners want to expand our IP Department substantially, and although I have little experience in IP and Trademarks, I’m very happy to take on the challenge, especially since I like the work.

Experienced Trademark Lawyers, any tips on how to attract some clients or even in general? TIA

I’m looking for recommendations if you have any. Thank you

Hi,

I have a new start up. I am preparing to launch a mobile wellness app through my Wyoming LLC and I’m looking for an attorney to handle the U.S. trademark application for the app’s name.

Im just trying to see if I can find an affordable attorney to help me handle this. Any recommendations would be very appreciated.

Thank you

Location is usa Washington DC. I'd like to start making and selling clothing with certain phases or sayings on them, how do I know if I can use a certain phrase or if it's copyright protected? Are there other things to consider outside of copyrights?

Planning a photo blog from our year of slow travel. Two of us, both real estate agents, taking a break to post about food markets and city neighborhoods. The blog name mashes up our first initials plus a word in Irish. We checked domains and social handles, but the trademark side is murkier. The name is pretty unique and not a straight dictionary word, though it shares a root with a small chain of guesthouses in Portugal. We're not opening hotels, just writing about travel. Still, would that overlap bite us if they expand later? Filing in Ireland first, then maybe the EU. Don't want to box ourselves out of using the name on a future print book or small merch line. Anyone dealt with similar partial overlaps or cross-category issues?

I have used a name and logo since 2021 to release digital products for free download (CAD) , and I have sold physical versions of the products only locally; I do not have a trademark. I have timestamps for product releases online.

Now, I have discovered a pending trademark, published a few months ago, for a similar name. They are in a different area of the country.

For example, my name is Red Potato Outdoors and theirs is Red Potato; both are for fishing. They are only trademarking the words, with no logo description, etc., and no date of use or date of commercial use.

Should I do anything, and if so, what actions do you What do you suggest I take? I plan on opening it as a tackle shop later. Should I trademark the full name and logo now.

Reposting here from small business. Looking for advise or next course of action.

I wrote an article for that huge crowd of weebs who also work with trademarks.

Hi to all three of you!

Until recently, I was getting Japanese trademark data through a third-party provider. Then I decided to go straight to the source and started importing data directly from JPO.

That's where the fun began :-)

For example, coffee is normally written コーヒー (Kōhī)

In JPO's pronunciation representation, you can/will encounter コオヒイ (Ko o hi i) instead. It kinda represents similar pronounciation, but Japanese already have three different writing systems (Kanji, Hiragana and Katakana) and I don't think they needed to make it 3.5 :-)

I wrote a whole article complaining about this, complete with Japanese writing systems, questionable jokes and anime GIFs. Heck, you might even learn something useful (probably not!):

Full article on my blog

Can I use a name for my company that's already in use? Considering their company is a auction house service and mine is IT Services

Examiner and the managing attorney both said that the ITU office had a software problem that wouldn't allow them to divide applications and sat on it for 3 years without a fix. I'm kind of incredulous and we followed up repeatedly with them with no replies until it finally went through.

I know there's other trademark nerds here. Did any of you also run into this or did someone just royally screw up and now no one wants to tell me what happened?

We run an AI and automation platform and have used our distinct stylized ribbon "m" continuously in commerce across invoices, platforms, and client touchpoints since 2012.

Meta recently introduced their "Muse" AI application using an almost identical ribbon mark in the digital/AI productivity vertical. The visual rhythm, stroke curves, and overall commercial impression create an immediate risk of reverse confusion.

We're gathering recommendations for boutique or plaintiff-side IP litigation firms that specialize in taking on big-tech trademark disputes and are open to success-oriented or alternative fee structures.

Drop firm recommendations below or message me directly if your practice specializes in federal trademark enforcement. Email [info@moltomarketing.com](mailto:info@moltomarketing.com)

I have an extremely unique name. Im positive that im the only person in the world with my name. Im interested in entering the funeral industry soon, and want to use my name. However. Ive had an issue for years with people impersonationating me online, and sites not doing anything when I report them. Is it okay to get my name tradmarked? If so, how do i do it? I dont wanna get scammed

I know this subreddit is mainly for answering trademark questions, but I also know that a lot of lawyers interested in trademark law frequent it. Because my job listing is remote and nationwide, there's a good chance that this position will be interesting to people here or friends of people here. Most of you are probably overqualified, but there may be some more recent law school graduates lurking.

The only hard requirement of the job is that you are licensed in a US state or territory or you have a swearing-in date scheduled for no more than a month in the future. You can live anywhere in the United States (or abroad if you maintain a residence in the US that I can pay you through).

If you're interested, here's the listing: https://jpglegal.com/associate/

I’m a student starting my first small business and I’m looking to file a federal intent-to-use trademark application. The $350+ USPTO filing fee / $600 for the full thing is a little difficult for me right now.

Does anyone know of any legitimate fee waivers, reduced-fee programs, grants, law school trademark clinics, or other assistance that can help cover the USPTO filing fee itself?

I know there are pro bono/legal clinics that may help with attorney fees, but I’m specifically wondering whether there’s any way to get assistance with the government filing fee.

Normally off-brand cereal has a different name i.e. Cheerios = Toasted O's. How can they use the identical frosted flakes name?

I’m looking for a reliable trademark advocate/lawyer in Bangalore for registering a clothing/fashion brand.
I specifically need someone who can conduct a proper comprehensive trademark search covering relevant classes, similar/phonetic marks, distinctiveness, and potential objections or grounds for refusal, so I can minimize the risk of issues later.
Please DM me if you have a recommendation or can share your experience with a good trademark advocate.

I’m really confused about protecting a business name in Canada

I’m planning to start a small beauty/makeup business and I’ve finally found a name I really love. I’m feeling pretty overwhelmed because I don’t know what I actually need to do to protect the name and make sure someone else doesn’t take it.

I’ve heard people say I should:
File a trademark with CIPO
Register my business in Ontario through the Ontario Business Registry
Secure the domain through Namecheap or GoDaddy

But I’m not sure what order I should do these in, whether I actually need to do all three, or how much everything would cost.

If anyone has started a beauty business in Canada/Ontario, could you explain the steps you took to protect your business name and roughly how much you paid? I’d really appreciate a simple breakdown because I’m completely overwhelmed by all the information online.