Indianapolis TRADEMARK LAWYERS 

PROTECT YOUR CREATIVE RIGHTS: 463-287-6731

People typically associate a business with a name, logo, color, or visual. That’s why for many businesses, how their customers connect with them is truly their biggest asset. This is also known as intellectual property. Without trademark or intellectual property protection, these valuable business assets can be diluted in the marketplace or worse yet, stolen altogether. 

At Katie Charleston Law, P.C., our job is to help you protect your creative rights through trademark and intellectual property strategy, registration, and maintenance. Doing so ensures your business gets the credit and the financial gains that come with it.

Our Indianapolis trademark lawyers can help you:

• Better understand trademarks as part of your overall business strategy
• What happens if you don’t protect your business’s intellectual property
• Understand your intellectual property rights and infringement
• How trademark lawyers, like us, can proactively help you protect your brand

Don’t let other companies take credit for your creative ideas and hard work. Call 463-287-6731 to protect your brand, creative rights, and assets.

WHAT IS A TRADEMARK?

A trademark protects your business’s intellectual property including slogans, business names, shapes, catchphrases, brand colors, and company names.

Not only does having a trademark set you apart from your competition in the marketplace, but it also affords you legal protection from anyone stealing your trademark or name for financial gain, media attention, and more without your consent or approval.

Our trademark lawyers with Katie Charleston Law, P.C. can help you better understand trademarks as a viable option for your business entity. We also can review if a trademark or another form of intellectual property, as part of your overall business strategy, makes sense for your long-term goals.

How Long Does It Take To Obtain A Registered Trademark in IN?

The process of obtaining a registered trademark in Indiana is identical to the procedure followed throughout the United States. 

Here’s a general timeline:

• Initial Application Review: After submitting your trademark application to the USPTO, it typically takes 1 to 3 months for an examining attorney to be assigned.
• Examination Process: The examining attorney evaluates the application for legal compliance, which can take about 3 to 6 months. If issues arise, such as potential confusion with an existing trademark or incomplete information, an office action will be issued, requiring a response within 6 months.
• Publication for Opposition: If the application is approved, it is published in the USPTO's Official Gazette, allowing others a 30-day period to oppose the registration.
• Registration: If there are no oppositions, or if any oppositions are resolved favorably, the USPTO will issue a registration certificate approximately 2 to 3 months after the opposition period ends.

Overall, the process can span from 8 months to over a year, influenced by factors like the application’s complexity, any legal hurdles, and the USPTO’s workload. Ensuring a complete and accurate application can help minimize delays. 

What Are Common Reasons For Trademark Applications Being Rejected?

Trademark applications can be rejected for several common reasons. At Katie Charleston Law, PC, our seasoned Indianapolis trademark attorneys are here to help you navigate these complexities and improve your chances of a successful application.

Common Reasons for Rejection:

• Likelihood of Confusion: A frequent reason for rejection is the likelihood of confusion with an existing trademark. If your trademark closely resembles another registered or pending trademark, it could cause consumer confusion about the source of the goods or services.
• Descriptiveness: Marks that merely describe the product or service are often rejected. For example, "Fresh Bread" for a bakery might be considered too descriptive and not distinctive enough for trademark protection.
• Generic Terms: Generic terms that refer to general categories of products or services cannot be trademarked. For instance, attempting to register “Laptop” for computers would be too generic.
• Deceptive Marks: Marks that mislead consumers about the nature, quality, or geographic origin of goods or services are likely to be rejected.
• Lack of Distinctiveness: Marks that are not unique or distinguishable from others in the industry may be rejected.

Our trademark lawyers in Indianapolis are dedicated to providing expert guidance, ensuring your application avoids these common pitfalls. Contact us at Katie Charleston Law, PC for personalized legal advice.

Why Work With Katie Charleston Law, PC?

Safeguard your creative rights and assets with a legal practice renowned for its success in trademark law. At Katie Charleston Law, PC, our Indianapolis trademark attorneys have the expertise to help you navigate the trademark application process effortlessly.

Here are some reasons why you should choose us for your trademark needs:

• Thorough knowledge of trademark law
• Individualized care and personalized solutions
• A track record of success in trademark cases
• Efficient and cost-effective services
• Dedication to protecting your brand and creative rights

Ensure your creative ideas and hard work are fully protected. Schedule a consultation with our seasoned trademark lawyers at Katie Charleston Law, PC by reaching out to our law firm today.