Looking to launch a new product or service and need to trademark your product name, logo, or tagline? This handy guide walks business owners through the process of filing an Intent-to-Use application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. You'll learn the basics of the application, including timelines, eligibility, costs, and common mistakes to avoid. We will also dive into specifics of each application section and help you understand payment methods, deadlines in filing the Statement of Use and Intent of Trademarks, and risks of non-compliance. This article gives you everything you need to lay the groundwork for protecting your brand identity before you bring your product or service to market.

An intent-to-use (ITU) application is a kind of trademark application filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This application permits an applicant to apply for mark registration before they have used it in commerce, which is often beneficial for companies who are still in the planning stages of product or service deployment.

The Intent-to-Use Application, as outlined by the USPTO, is an application made based on the applicant's bona fide intention to use a trademark in commerce. This intent should be firmly grounded in reality and not merely speculative or an unrealized idea. This type of application is somewhat unique to U.S. trademark law, allowing for 'reservation' of a trademark before it is actually used.

An ITU application can be highly beneficial to businesses that aim to protect their intellectual property rights in a proactive manner. It allows businesses to secure a filing date for their trademark, which can act as a placeholder while they prepare to launch their product or service. Filing an ITU application is advisable as soon as the business has a bona fide intention to use the trademark in the near future.

While filing an ITU application may seem straightforward, it requires an understanding of the USPTO's role, the application process, and the associated timeline.

The USPTO is responsible for examining and approving applications for trademark registration. The office provides forms, guidance, and assistance to applicants, and is tasked with making final determinations on the registrability of trademarks.

The process of filing an ITU application begins with the filing of the application, followed by examination by the USPTO. If approved, the trademark's details are published in the Official Gazette, opening a window for opposition by third parties. Assuming no objections are filed, a Notice of Allowance is issued. The applicant then has six months to submit a Statement of Use or request an extension.

Applying for an ITU entails satisfying several requirements and providing important documents and information.

The key requirement to file an ITU application is having a bona fide intent to use the trademark in commerce. While this requirement may seem simple, it is subject to interpretation. The intent must be real and demonstrable, and a compelling argument should be ready if challenged.

When filing an ITU application, applicants need to provide comprehensive information such as a clear representation of the mark, a description of the goods or services it will be associated with, the proposed classification of goods or services, and the applicant's details.

The application form for an ITU is divided into several sections requiring specific information.

This section requires a detailed description of the goods or services related to the proposed trademark. The information provided should be clear and accurate to ensure an efficient examination process.

This section requires the identification of the applicant, either an individual or a legal entity such as a corporation. It also requests the applicant's address, citizenship, or place of incorporation.

If an attorney is representing the applicant, the attorney's contact information and authorization to represent the applicant are necessary.

The USPTO requires a non-refundable filing fee along with the submission of an ITU application.

The fee to file an ITU application per class of goods or services is currently set at $250-$350, depending on the filing basis and the filing method.

Payment can be made online via credit card, electronic funds transfer, or a USPTO deposit account. The fee is due at the time of the initial application filing.

Applicants often encounter a few common pitfalls when filing an ITU application.

One common mistake is selecting a trademark that is ineligible for registration. This could be because it is too generic, descriptive, or similar to an existing mark.

Another misstep is providing a vague or inadequate description of the goods or services associated with the mark. If the description is not clear, the USPTO examiner may reject the application.

After an ITU application is filed, it is important to meet deadlines and understand potential risks and remedies.

Once a Notice of Allowance is issued, a Statement of Use or a request for extension must be filed within six months. Failure to meet this deadline can lead to application abandonment.

Failure to meet the ITU regulations or deadlines can result in a variety of negative outcomes, including application rejection or abandonment. If problems occur, an experienced trademark attorney may be able to help resolve the issue or re-file the application. Diligence and accurate filings are vital to a successful ITU application process.

An Intent-to-Use application establishes a company's intention to use a specific trademark in commerce in the future, therefore providing provisional rights for the mark.

An Intent-to-Use application requires a clear representation of the mark, type of goods or services it belongs to, and the applicant's name and address.

An Intent-to-Use application becomes necessary when a business plans to use a trademark in the future but has not initiated its use in commerce yet.

Filing an Intent-to-Use application allows the applicant to hold rights to the trademark even before actual use, preventing others from registering a confusingly similar mark.

An Intent-to-Use application doesn't guarantee exclusive rights. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) must accept the application, and no conflicting marks can exist.

To convert an application, a business must file a Statement of Use proving the mark's commerce use within 6 months after the USPTO issues a Notice of Allowance.