KellamTrademarkLaw@gmail.com
Wilmington, NC
Monday to Friday, 8:00-5:00
(910) 660-1660
FAQs
FAQs
Frequently
Asked Questions
Below are general answers to common trademark questions. These answers are for informational purposes only and are not legal advice for any specific situation.
Do you offer a free consultation?
Yes. Kellam Trademark Law offers an initial consultation to discuss your trademark goals, the status of your matter, and whether the firm may be able to assist.
Do you offer a free consultation?
Yes. Kellam Trademark Law offers an initial consultation to discuss your trademark goals, the status of your matter, and whether the firm may be able to assist.
What is a trademark?
A trademark is a word, name, logo, slogan, design, or other source identifier that helps consumers recognize the source of particular goods or services. Trademarks protect brand identity, not the general idea behind a product or business.
What is a trademark?
A trademark is a word, name, logo, slogan, design, or other source identifier that helps consumers recognize the source of particular goods or services. Trademarks protect brand identity, not the general idea behind a product or business.
Do I need a trademark registration?
Not every business needs a federal trademark registration, but registration can provide important benefits, including nationwide notice of your claim, a public USPTO record, and legal presumptions that may be useful if disputes arise.
Do I need a trademark registration?
Not every business needs a federal trademark registration, but registration can provide important benefits, including nationwide notice of your claim, a public USPTO record, and legal presumptions that may be useful if disputes arise.
When should I think about filing a trademark application?
Ideally, you should think about trademark protection before committing heavily to a brand name, logo, or slogan. Early review can help identify potential conflicts and avoid investing in a brand that may be difficult to protect.
When should I think about filing a trademark application?
Ideally, you should think about trademark protection before committing heavily to a brand name, logo, or slogan. Early review can help identify potential conflicts and avoid investing in a brand that may be difficult to protect.
Can I file a trademark application myself?
Yes, but trademark applications can involve legal and technical issues that are not always obvious at the beginning. Mistakes in ownership, filing basis, goods and services descriptions, specimens, or responses to USPTO refusals can create delays or affect the strength of the application.
Can I file a trademark application myself?
Yes, but trademark applications can involve legal and technical issues that are not always obvious at the beginning. Mistakes in ownership, filing basis, goods and services descriptions, specimens, or responses to USPTO refusals can create delays or affect the strength of the application.
How long does the trademark registration process take?
Timing varies, and the USPTO’s review timelines can change. Many applications take several months before initial review, and the overall process may take longer if the USPTO issues an office action or if another party opposes the application.
How long does the trademark registration process take?
Timing varies, and the USPTO’s review timelines can change. Many applications take several months before initial review, and the overall process may take longer if the USPTO issues an office action or if another party opposes the application.
What is a USPTO office action?
An office action is a letter from the USPTO identifying a problem with a trademark application. The issue may be procedural, technical, or substantive. Common issues include likelihood of confusion, descriptiveness, specimen problems, disclaimers, and identification revisions.
What is a USPTO office action?
An office action is a letter from the USPTO identifying a problem with a trademark application. The issue may be procedural, technical, or substantive. Common issues include likelihood of confusion, descriptiveness, specimen problems, disclaimers, and identification revisions.
What happens after my trademark registers?
After registration, the owner must continue using the mark and must file required maintenance documents at specific deadlines. A registration can be canceled if required filings are missed or if the mark is no longer used properly.
What happens after my trademark registers?
After registration, the owner must continue using the mark and must file required maintenance documents at specific deadlines. A registration can be canceled if required filings are missed or if the mark is no longer used properly.
Can a trademark protect my business name?
A trademark may protect a business name when that name is used to identify the source of goods or services. Forming an LLC or corporation with a state does not automatically create federal trademark rights or guarantee that the name is available as a trademark.
Can a trademark protect my business name?
A trademark may protect a business name when that name is used to identify the source of goods or services. Forming an LLC or corporation with a state does not automatically create federal trademark rights or guarantee that the name is available as a trademark.
What information should I prepare before a consultation?
Helpful information includes the mark you want to protect, the goods or services connected to the mark, whether the mark is already in use, any USPTO deadlines, and links or examples showing how the mark appears in the marketplace.
What information should I prepare before a consultation?
Helpful information includes the mark you want to protect, the goods or services connected to the mark, whether the mark is already in use, any USPTO deadlines, and links or examples showing how the mark appears in the marketplace.
Have a trademark question not answered here?
Contact Kellam Trademark Law to discuss your brand, application, office action, or registration issue.
Schedule a Consultation
Call or send a message to discuss your trademark goals and determine whether the firm may be able to assist.
Have a trademark question not answered here?
Contact Kellam Trademark Law to discuss your brand, application, office action, or registration issue.
Schedule a Consultation
Call or send a message to discuss your trademark goals and determine whether the firm may be able to assist.
Kellam Trademark Law
Kellam Trademark Law helps businesses, founders, and brand owners protect the names, logos, slogans, and other brand assets that identify their products and services.
KellamTrademarkLaw@gmail.com
(+1) 910-660-1660
The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice.
Viewing this website or contacting Kellam Trademark Law does not create an attorney-client relationship.
An attorney-client relationship is formed only after a written engagement agreement is signed.
© 2026 Kellam Trademark Law. All rights reserved.
Kellam Trademark Law
Kellam Trademark Law helps businesses, founders, and brand owners protect the names, logos, slogans, and other brand assets that identify their products and services.
KellamTrademarkLaw@gmail.com
(+1) 910-660-1660
The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. Viewing this website or contacting Kellam Trademark Law does not create an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship is formed only after a written engagement agreement is signed.
© 2026 Kellam Trademark Law. All rights reserved.
Inquiry
KellamTrademarkLaw@gmail.com
Contact
(+1) 910-660-1660
Kellam Trademark Law
Kellam Trademark Law helps businesses, founders, and brand owners protect the names, logos, slogans, and other brand assets that identify their products and services.
KellamTrademarkLaw@gmail.com
(+1) 910-660-1660
The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. Viewing this website or contacting Kellam Trademark Law does not create an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship is formed only after a written engagement agreement is signed.
© 2026 Kellam Trademark Law. All rights reserved.