Trademark Registration
Registering a trademark in the United States
US trademarks are examined and registered by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
The United States is a Madrid Protocol member, so it can be designated from an international registration.
How the process runs
- Clearance search. Check the register for identical and confusingly similar marks in your classes before you spend anything on filing.
- Classification. Pick the Nice classes that match what you actually sell. Too narrow leaves gaps; too broad wastes fees and invites opposition.
- Filing. The application goes to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) with the mark, the owner details, and the specification of goods and services.
- Examination. The office reviews the mark on absolute grounds and, in most cases, against earlier rights.
- Publication and opposition. Accepted marks are published, opening a window for third parties to oppose.
- Registration. If no opposition succeeds, the certificate issues and the mark is enforceable.
The US is unusual: it is a use-based system. You must either already use the mark in US commerce or file on an intent-to-use basis and prove actual use before registration issues. Foreign applicants are generally required to appoint a US-licensed attorney.
What IGBS handles
We act as your filing agent in the United States: clearance searching, classification, preparing and submitting the application, responding to examiner objections, and managing opposition or renewal when it arises. You do not deal with the office directly, and you get one case manager for the whole file.
We have filed and defended trademarks since 2010 for clients across Egypt, the Gulf and beyond — including international IP agencies who use us as their local partner.
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Costs, timelines and the required documents differ by case. For the detail, read the international registration guide, or see why a clearance search comes first.