Tutorial: How to File a Statement of Use for an Intent-to-Use Trademark Application with the USPTO

Hi, this is attorney Elizabeth Potts Weinstein. Today, we're going to discuss the steps you need to take before filing a trademark application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). We will cover practical actions and key decisions you need to make before you file that application. 1. Conduct a Thorough Trademark Search The first step is conducting your own trademark search. Visit the USPTO website (uspto.gov), navigate to the trademarks section, and use their search tool. Look for not only your exact trademark and class but also for similar trademarks. For instance, if you're trademarking "EPW Small Business Law," focus on the distinctive part "EPW" and search for any similar trademarks across different classes and industries. Additionally, perform a Google search to see if anyone else is using your proposed trademark without having registered it. This step is crucial as the Trademark Office examiner will also conduct a simi