May 14, 2026

Authored by: Blake R. Hartz Understanding trademark specimen requirements is one of the most misunderstood aspects of U.S. trademark prosecution. A specimen that fails to meet the USPTO’s requirements can lead to office actions, delays, and additional costs that are…

April 9, 2026

Authored by: Blake R. Hartz When filing a U.S. trademark application, one of the fundamental decisions applicants face is whether to seek registration on the Principal Register or the Supplemental Register. While many applicants may not be aware that two…

May 4, 2011

So, you can rest easy now that you have a federal trademark registration, right?  No!  Federal trademark registrations provide many protections and advantages to trademark owners.  Nevertheless, even with federal trademark registrations in hand, trademark owners will benefit from active…

October 25, 2010

Trademarks are often the most valuable piece of a business’s intellectual property portfolio.  For example, consider the marketing value of the marks Coca-Cola® and the Nike swoosh.  The potential tremendous marketing value of trademarks combined with substantial legal benefits make obtaining a…