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What does a Trademark Registration Attorney do?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A trademark registration attorney is a legal professional who specializes in assisting people with the registration of trademarks. Patents and other areas of copyright law may be covered as well. Such attorneys typically work in urban areas where there is a large client base, and they are especially highly concentrated in regions where trademark registration offices are located. To work in this field, people need to successfully complete law school, focusing on copyright issues, pass the bar, and then work in a firm that handles copyright matters so they can acquire practical experience.

People who want to register trademarks approach a trademark registration attorney to find out if something is eligible for registration and to get assistance with the process. The paperwork is often quite detailed and requires the successful completion of research to confirm the validity of the trademark. Using someone with experience can speed the process considerably, in addition to increasing the chances of a successful registration application, by ensuring the paperwork is filled out correctly and all the necessary supporting research has been done.

Part of an application to register a trademark.
Part of an application to register a trademark.

In an initial meeting, the trademark registration attorney will review the matter and advise the client on moving forward. Once the client and attorney enter a contract together, the attorney can start conducting research, filling out paperwork, and preparing the application. The application is reviewed with the client to make sure it is complete and accurate before being sent to the agency that handles registration of trademarks. A trademark registration attorney may also handle international trademark registration.

Using connections in the office, the attorney can monitor the progress of the application, respond to problems, and keep the client apprised of the details. If the application is rejected, the trademark registration attorney can figure out why and help the client redevelop the application for a more successful submission. Accepted applications can be finalized, and the client can be given information about the legal rights conferred as a result of the trademark registration.

Clients who run into problems in the future, such as a suspected infringement, can contact the trademark registration attorney to get information about legal remedies. Sometimes, the attorney can provide assistance, and in other cases, the client may be referred to another legal professional who will be more capable of handling the case. Lifelong relationships with clients can be beneficial, as people may need assistance with future trademark registrations, and they can also refer clients, providing a steady source of work for the attorney.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Part of an application to register a trademark.
      By: fuzzbones
      Part of an application to register a trademark.