How Long Does it Take to Get a Trademark? A Helpful Guide

Are you wondering how long it will take to get a trademark for your start-up? If you’re hoping to protect your company’s logo, you will want to start this process as soon as possible. Getting a trademark can take about a year to complete, so it’s important that you’re prepared for each step to improve your chances of getting approved.

Stop wondering “how long does it take to get a trademark?” by learning more about the steps in this process. Be prepared with this trademark registration timeline. 

Application Process 

The first step in getting a trademark is filling out the proper application. Only do this once you’ve conducted research to make sure your logo or symbol is not already taken. While you can accomplish this step on your own, a trademark attorney is highly experienced in this process and can help you fill it out correctly. 

Your application will be reviewed after you’ve submitted it. This step can take about 4-6 months and usually depends on the number of applicants in reviewal at a time. If there are issues with the application, you will need to respond to any request for additional information. 

This can take up to an additional 6 months. Avoid having these issues with an experienced lawyer, like those from Progressive Legal

Certification of Registration 

Publication in an official newsletter is then required to complete the application process and can take up to 3 months. 

To complete your trademark process, you will need to be issued a certification of registration. Typically, this step will take 2-3 months to complete. Your trademark process will be completed after your trademark is certified and registered. 

Once your application has been approved and your trademark as been certified, your federal trademark rights will be retroactive to the day of the initial filing, rather than the day the trademark was registered. 

Additional Information  

Even if the process goes smoothly, registering for a trademark will likely take about a year. To make this timeline as efficient as possible, make sure the trademark search is completed thoroughly and that your application is filled out properly. This will help to avoid any delays. 

If you do receive a request for additional information in the application reviewal process, make sure to respond to them as quickly as possible to allow for the continuation of your application. 

Choosing a strong logo, that isn’t confusing or similar to others will help you to avoid your application getting denied or delayed. 

Your Answer to “How Long Does It Take to Get a Trademark?”

Typically, the answer to “how long does it take to get a trademark” is about a year. However, it can take much longer if the steps are not completed with attention to detail. To make sure your trademark process goes smoothly, hire a trademark lawyer that is an expert on this process. 

Get your trademark as quickly as possible by knowing what to expect and completing each step correctly and promptly. 

For more advice on opening a start-up, head to the “business resources” section of the site.