Gerben IP’s Trademark Blog

Trademark Protection

Handling Trademark Infringement Issues on Etsy

Protect your Etsy shop with a federal trademark. Prevent infringement, defend against take-downs, and secure nationwide rights for your business and products.

Trademark Trial and Appeal Board

Rare Trademark Appeal Success at TTAB: Redneck Racegirl v. Racegirl

TTAB reverses refusal of REDNECK RACEGIRL stylized mark, finding it visually distinct from RACEGIRL despite overlapping apparel goods.

Trademark Enforcement

Filing a Notice of Opposition: How to Oppose a Trademark Application

A trademark application may be opposed by filing a Notice of Opposition during a specific 30 day window that occurs during the application process.

USPTO

Trademark Renewal and Filing Fees are Reduced by USPTO

Trademark filing and renewal fees are going down. Learn how to take advantage of lower USPTO costs through electronic filing and stay compliant.

Publication of Trademarks

Trademark Oppositions: What Should You Do If Your Trademark Application is Opposed?

Learn what it means when your trademark is “published for opposition,” how the TTAB handles oppositions, and steps to protect your mark during the process.

Trademark Protection

How to Trademark A Phrase

People often get confused about what it means to trademark a phrase, slogan or tagline. Get a professional’s perspective on trademarking phrases.

Trademark Protection

3 Steps to Protecting Your Microbrew’s Name and Brand

Protect your microbrewery’s name with a federal trademark. Prevent confusion, secure nationwide rights, and defend your brand as your beer grows in popularity.

Trademark Attorneys

Why Should I Hire An Attorney to Help Trademark My Clothing Brand?

Starting a clothing brand? Learn why hiring a trademark attorney ensures full protection, smooth USPTO filing, and maximum value for your brand.

Trademark Trial and Appeal Board

TTAB Likelihood of Confusion Case: KORD Confusing Similar to KORDZ

TTAB affirms refusal of KORD for audio equipment, finding it confusingly similar to KORDZ and rejecting arguments about pluralization and product scope.

Trademark Protection

Can You Trademark A Catchphrase?

Learn how to protect your catchphrase with a federal trademark. Safeguard your phrase for use on products or services and prevent others from profiting from it.

Trademark Trial and Appeal Board

TTAB Generic Trademark Refusal: PC LAPTOPS is Generic for Computers and Computer Retail Stores

TTAB affirms refusal of PC LAPTOPS, finding the term generic for computer goods and services based on public perception and widespread descriptive use.

Trademarks In The News

Supreme Court Hears Oral Argument on Case With Significant Implications for TTAB Litigation

The Supreme Court weighs whether TTAB likelihood-of-confusion rulings can preclude re-litigation in federal court, with major implications for trademark law.