Specialist legal judgement
Trademark lawyers assess registrability, conflicts and procedural choices before the application is committed.
US trademark registration
Enter the US market with a trademark built to perform
A USPTO application must connect the right owner, filing basis and commercial scope. Abrande coordinates the strategy, application and local representation from first search to registration.
Free first consultation • Clear scope and costs • No obligation
Before the USPTO application
Build evidence and scope around how the brand enters commerce
US applications are shaped by use, ownership and precise identifications. We resolve those choices before they become an office action or maintenance problem.
01
Filing basis
Use in commerce, intent to use, foreign registration or Madrid designation?
02
Evidence of use
Does the specimen show the mark used correctly for the claimed goods or services?
03
Identification
Is the scope acceptable to the USPTO and commercially useful?
04
Ownership
Is the correct legal entity entitled to file on the chosen basis?
Supporting brands across borders
From first US launch to established portfolio
US counsel, commercially coordinated
Treat the USPTO filing as part of the launch plan
US procedure rewards precision. We connect clearance, filing basis, specimens and enforcement priorities so the registration supports the way the business actually sells.
Search beyond exact matches
We assess confusing similarity, related goods and services and the commercial context behind earlier rights.
Choose the right basis
The filing path is aligned with current US use, a genuine launch plan or an eligible foreign right.
Prepare credible specimens
Use evidence is reviewed against USPTO expectations before it is submitted.
Coordinate the global portfolio
US deadlines, priority claims and Madrid strategy are managed alongside your rights elsewhere.
From clearance to federal registration
A USPTO process designed around the filing basis
We coordinate each stage with US counsel where required and keep evidence, responses and deadlines connected.
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01
Clear the mark and select a basis
We review risk, ownership, US commerce and the available filing bases before setting the scope.
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02
Draft and file the application
The mark, owner, goods and services, basis and supporting information are prepared for USPTO filing.
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03
Handle examination and publication
An examining attorney reviews the case. We advise on office actions and manage the 30-day opposition stage after approval.
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04
Complete registration and maintenance
Use-based cases can register after publication; intent-to-use cases require an accepted statement of use before registration.
Considering the United States?
Start by matching the legal route to the commercial reality
Tell us where the mark is used, what will launch and who owns it. We will identify the sensible filing basis and the evidence the case will need.
Routes into the US register
Choose direct USPTO filing or a Madrid designation
Both routes are examined under US law. The right choice depends on filing basis, portfolio structure, timing and how much flexibility the specification requires.
Select a route to compare the fit.
National US application
Timing varies by examination
Best for a dedicated US strategy
File directly with the USPTO using an eligible US basis. This route offers a standalone application and can suit a US-focused launch.
- Use-in-commerce and intent-to-use bases available
- Direct control of the US identification and record
- US-licensed attorney required for foreign-domiciled applicants
- Statement-of-use stage available for intent-to-use cases
International designation of the United States
Up to 18 months for refusal
Best for coordinated portfolios
Extend an international registration to the US through WIPO. The USPTO still examines the designation under US requirements.
- Central filing and renewal through the Madrid System
- Requires an eligible basic application or registration
- US identification and examination rules still apply
- Local counsel may be needed for a provisional refusal
A major market deserves a deliberate right
Turn US ambition into an enforceable trademark position.
Abrande brings the international portfolio view and coordinates US procedure, so expansion does not create disconnected rights or missed obligations.
Why companies choose Abrande
One strategic team for a demanding jurisdiction
You receive commercially grounded advice, coordinated US representation and visibility from clearance through post-registration maintenance.
One contact for US and international protection
We coordinate qualified US counsel and align the application with your protection in Europe, Asia and other markets. Abrande remains your point of contact.
Evidence and deadlines controlled
Specimens, office actions, use declarations and maintenance dates are actively managed.
Ready to protect your trademark in the United States?
Share the mark, owner, products and US launch plan. We will map the right filing basis and next steps.
US trademark registration FAQs
US trademark registration FAQs
Not always. A direct application may be based on current use in commerce or a bona fide intent to use, among other available bases. An intent-to-use application cannot register until acceptable use evidence is filed.
The USPTO requires applicants whose domicile is outside the United States to be represented by a US-licensed attorney. Abrande coordinates that representation as part of the filing strategy.
Timing depends on USPTO pendency, office actions, opposition and, for intent-to-use cases, when use begins. We provide a case-specific estimate after the filing basis and scope are known.
An office action is an official letter raising legal, procedural or classification issues. Most responses are due within three months, with a paid extension potentially available for many direct applications.
After publication in the Trademark Official Gazette, a party generally has 30 days to oppose or request an extension of time to oppose before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.
A US registration requires maintenance documents, including a declaration of use between the fifth and sixth year and renewal filings around each ten-year anniversary. Exact requirements depend on the registration.