Trademarks > Basic Facts > How do I file a Trademark Application?

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 (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
P.O. Box 1451
Alexandria, VA 22313-1451

Applications delivered by hand or courier should be taken to: Trademark Assistance Center, James Madison Building - East Wing, Concourse Level, 600 Dulany Street, Alexandria, VA.

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.

Back to Contents

KEY: =online business system =fees =forms=help =laws/regulations =definition (glossary) Call the Trademark Assistance Center at 703.308.9000 for help on trademark matters. Send questions about USPTO programs and services to the USPTO Contact Center (UCC). You can suggest USPTO webpages or material you would like featured on this section by E-mail to the webmaster@uspto.gov. While we cannot promise to accommodate all requests, your suggestions will be considered and may lead to other improvements on the website.