Patton Boggs Intellectual Property: Trademarks

Patton Boggs works with clients through all phases of the branding process, helping them to CREATE brands that become viable marks; to PROTECT their marks in the U.S. and internationally, through registration and usage strategies; to ENFORCE their rights against threats of infringement, dilution, or unfair competition; and to CAPITALIZE on opportunities to expand the value of their brands through licensing and other programs. We strive to do this cost-effectively, while giving each client individual attention and dedication.

Please consult our convenient links: to Patton Boggs professionals who handle trademark matters, to relevant publications/resources, to a glossary of key terms, to a list of pertinent firm events, and to links to web sites of interest.

CREATE

Patton Boggs assists clients to create brands that can become distinctive and viable marks. We carefully guide clients through every phase of brand creation. ::: read more :::

PROTECT

Once a brand or mark has been created and selected, Patton Boggs helps to secure protection for that mark through registration and other programs. ::: read more :::

ENFORCE

If a client's trademark rights are violated or compromised, Patton Boggs takes action to enforce those valuable rights through litigation or other means, as appropriate. ::: read more :::

CAPITALIZE

Patton Boggs attorneys assist clients to maximize the value of their marks and other intangible properties through licensing, co-branding and other opportunities. ::: read more :::

INTERNATIONAL

Patton Boggs helps clients protect and enforce their brands on an international level, as well as in the United States. Because no one set of trademark laws applies throughout the world, we give our clients the benefit of our international connections in this global economy. ::: read more :::

TRADEMARK ALERT: New Developments at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office

May 13, 2008 - Mark Descriptions Required for Non-Standard Character Drawings

Beginning May 13, 2008, all applications for trademarks that are not in "standard characters" must include a mark description. In the past, the PTO did not require a description for "special form" marks composed of easily recognized letters, numerals, designs, or figurative elements. Now, such descriptions are required.

New TESS Features – Image Search; Saved Searches

The PTO recently snuck a few neat upgrades into TESS. "Image List" presents search results in a thumbnail format that shows design images. Another nice feature: search strategies are now saved in a drop-down menu.

The PTO recently snuck a few neat upgrades into TESS. "Image List" presents search results in a thumbnail format that shows design images. Another nice feature: search strategies are now saved in a drop-down menu.

PTO Proposal to End Certificate of Mailing Filing Dates

The PTO recently proposed rules that would eliminate the Certificate of Mailing procedure for all forms available through TEAS, including Responses to Office Actions and Statements of Use. Similar changes are also proposed for the Express Mail procedure. If the proposed rules take effect, filings mailed by the due date would no longer be "timely filed". Instead, paper filings would be considered "timely filed" only when received by the PTO. Consequently, applicants would bear the risk of missing deadlines due to mail delays or PTO errors.

To read the complete update, click here.

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This Alert provides only general information and should not be relied upon as legal advice. For more information, contact Patton Boggs LLP.