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In the U.S., the trademark process goes like this: the trademark owner files an application for registration. About three months later, the application is reviewed by an attorney at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The attorney checks for compliance with the rules of the “Trademark Manual of Examination Procedure.” Once the application is approved, it’s “published for opposition.” This is a month-long period during which any third parties who might be affected by the registration can file an Opposition Proceeding to stop the registration. If one is filed, it becomes a case before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. However, if no one opposes the registration during the 30 days, the mark will be registered.
