How do I File a Trademark Application?



	Basic Facts About Trademarks

HOW DO I FILE A TRADEMARK APPLICATION?

Is there a form for filing my application?
Yes. Using the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) available at http://www.uspto.gov/teas/index.html, you can file your application directly over the Internet. Features of electronic filing include:

On-line Help. Hyper-links provide help sections for each of the application fields.
Validation Function. Helps avoid the possible omission of important information.
Immediate Reply. The USPTO immediately issues an initial filing receipt via e-mail containing the assigned application serial number and a summary of the submission.
24 Hour Availability. TEAS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except 11 p.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday), so receipt of a filing date is possible up until midnight EST.

If you do not have Internet access, you can access TEAS at any Patent and Trademark Depository Library (PTDL) throughout the United States. Many public libraries also provide Internet access.

Are there other ways to file besides the Internet?
Yes. While we greatly prefer that you file electronically using TEAS, you may either mail or hand deliver a paper application to the USPTO. You can call the USPTO's automated telephone line, at (703) 308-9000 or (800) 786-9199 to obtain a printed form. You may NOT submit an application by facsimile. Our mailing address to file a new application is:

Commissioner for Trademarks
2900 Crystal Drive
Arlington, VA 22202-3514

Must I hire an attorney?
No. However, if you prepare and submit your own application, you must comply with all requirements of the trademark statute and rules. If you choose to appoint an attorney to represent your interests before the USPTO, we will correspond only with your attorney. The USPTO cannot help you select an attorney.

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