Eight Common Reasons Trademark Applications Get Rejected and How to Handle Them

Hi, I'm attorney Elizabeth Potts Weinstein. Today, we'll discuss eight common reasons trademark applications to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) get rejected, and how to prevent or handle these rejections. 1. Incorrect Class or Class Description One common reason for rejection is an incorrect class or class description. When you file a trademark application, it must be in the correct class, with a specific description. For example, a trademark for t-shirts belongs in a different class than one for life coaching. The USPTO may reject your application if the class or description is wrong. They usually suggest the correct class and description, which you can accept if accurate and within your budget. 2. Trademark and Specimen Mismatch Your trademark application must match the specimen submitted. If you apply for a trademark for t-shirts, the specimen should be a picture of the t-shirt with the trademark on the tag or packaging. If your application