Trademark Expo 2012 - Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why does the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) host a National Trademark Expo?
   The USPTO hosts the National Trademark Expo to illustrate the value of brand names and other trademarks in the increasingly competitive global marketplace. The Trademark Expo focuses on educating the public about the important role trademarks play in our society and the global marketplace.
   
   
2. When is the Trademark Expo? What are the hours of operation?
   The Expo, a two-day event, is on Friday, October 19, 2012, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday, October 20, 2012, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.  
   
   
3. Where is the Trademark Expo?
   The Expo is held at the USPTO’s headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia, in the Madison Building at 600 Dulany Street, Alexandria Virginia. The nearest Metro stops are King Street and/or Eisenhower Ave, which services the blue and yellow lines. The Metro stop is approximately a ten minute walk from the USPTO headquarters.
   
   
4. Who may attend the Trademark Expo? Do I have to pay?
   The event is free and open to the public. Please note that parking fees may apply. The USPTO campus is also accessible by Metro via the blue and/or yellow lines to the King Street and Eisenhower Ave stop.
   
   
5. What types of displays and activities are featured at the Trademark Expo?
   The Expo includes exhibitor booths, educational seminars, costumed characters, inflatables, childrens’ activities, themed indoor and outdoor displays, and much more. Past exhibits and displays have featured registered trademarks often subject to counterfeit, unusual trademarks (sound, color, configurations, etc.), certification trademarks, trademarks commonly misused as a generic term, the breadth of different types of trademarks used by one source, the evolution of a trademark over time, people behind the names of trademarks, 100 year old trademarks, the value of federal registration, and interesting stories about trademarks and their creation.
   
   
6. Who may exhibit? When is the deadline for applications?
   Any owner of a United States trademark registration may apply to exhibit. Of particular interest are exhibits with trademarks that are widely recognized by consumers, exhibits with trademarks that showcase the value of federal registration, exhibits that engage the public’s interest, and exhibits that help ensure that the Expo features a wide variety of different types of trademarks.  Those interested in exhibiting should apply by Monday, June 11, 2012.
   
   
7. Who will evaluate applications to exhibit at the Trademark Expo?
   A committee will evaluate the proposals for exhibits. Invent Now, Inc. selects exhibitors.
   
   
8. How are applicants evaluated?
   Applications to exhibit are evaluated on the following criteria:
   
   
   • Brand recognition among consumers
     
   • Ability to engage the public’s interest in trademarks
     
   • Educational value of the proposed exhibit to enhance public understanding of the value of trademarks
     
   • Category diversity, in particular whether an applicant’s participation helps ensure that the Expo will feature a variety of  different types of trademarks from different sources
     
     
9. When will I know if my proposal for an exhibit is accepted?
   Those who are selected to exhibit in the Expo will receive notification by June 15, 2012.
   
   
10. What types of exhibit themes are appropriate for the Trademark Expo?
    Exhibit themes that help educate the public about trademarks are appropriate for the Expo. Examples of themes a registered mark owner might wish to feature in an exhibit include, but certainly are not limited to:
    
    
    • Exhibit featuring multiple different types of trademarks (e.g., trade dress, design mark, word mark, and/or slogan) all originating from one source. Purpose: to showcase the breadth of marks used by one source and to educate consumers on the variety of types of trademarks used in the marketplace.
      
    • Exhibit featuring a sound mark or other non-traditional mark (e.g., color, scent). Purpose: to engage the public’s interest by showcasing an interesting, unusual mark and to educate the public on the variety of types of trademarks used in the marketplace.
      
    • Exhibit featuring a certification mark. Purpose: to educate the public on the use of certification marks to certify a particular feature of goods/services (e.g., that goods/services come from a particular geographic location).
      
    • Exhibit featuring an interesting story about a trademark’s creation and/or brand development. Purpose: to engage the public’s interest in branding and to educate the public about considerations factored into mark selection and brand development.
      
    • Exhibit featuring the evolution of a mark over time. Purpose: to showcase the historical transformation of a mark and highlight how a trademark owner may modernize a mark while continuing brand recognition over time.
      
    • Exhibit featuring 100-year-old marks. Purpose: to highlight the longevity of certain marks and educate the public about maintaining valuable consumer brand recognition over time.
      
    • Exhibit featuring authentic and counterfeit goods side by side. Purpose: to educate the public about the importance of protecting brand names and other trademarks as symbols of quality in our global market.
      
    • Exhibit featuring a mark commonly misused as a generic term. Purpose: to educate the public about how trademarks differ from the common commercial or generic names of goods and services and highlight the steps trademark holders take to protect their trademarks.
      
      
11. If I do not have an exhibit for a booth, may I participate in the Trademark Expo in another way?
    Yes. You may participate by providing costumed characters, inflatable figures, multimedia content, materials for themed displays (e.g., unusual marks, evolution of marks, 100 year old marks, etc), and educational materials about trademarks or intellectual property generally. Other forms of participation are welcome as well.
    
    The USPTO plans to expand the use of Dulany Gardens for the 2012 Expo.  Thus, we encourage exhibitors to consider providing inflatables, outside displays, vehicles, and other outside attractions featuring trademarks.  All size inflatables are welcome.
    
    
12. What accommodations will the USPTO provide for exhibitors? Will exhibitors have access to audio-visual equipment and electrical outlets?
    The USPTO provides floor space for booths. WiFi connectivity is available in the atrium and concourse level of the Madison Building where the Trademark Expo will be held. At the exhibitor’s request, the USPTO provides a 10’ x 10’ piped and draped exhibitor booth with carpet and padding, a 2’ x 8’ draped table, two chairs, and access to 120V electrical outlets. As a general rule, exhibitors are responsible for equipment and setup costs incurred beyond the cost of the booth, tables and chairs provided by the USPTO and the general building facilities.
    
    
13. If I am selected to participate in the Trademark Expo, may I promote that fact in marketing materials?
    Yes, but you may not state or imply that your selection constitutes endorsement of your trademarks, products, services, company, and/or organization by the USPTO, the U.S. Government, or any other federal agency.
    
    
14. If I am selected as an exhibitor, will I have the opportunity to meet the other exhibitors and USPTO executives?
    Yes. Invent Now, Inc. hosts a reception for exhibitors, their guests, USPTO executives and Trademark Expo staff.
    
    
15. If I am selected as an exhibitor, may I participate in the opening ceremony?
    Exhibitor participation in the opening ceremony is at the discretion of the Expo Committee and generally is limited to providing trademark characters or entertainment.  Exhibitor representatives are welcome to attend the opening ceremony but are encouraged to ensure that booths remains staffed during the ceremony.  
    
    
16. How can I help spread the word about the Trademark Expo?
    Please refer interested individuals to www.uspto.gov/TMExpo.
    

Thank you for your interest in the National Trademark Expo!