Frequent questions

A trademark is form of intellectual property protection that applies to words, design marks (commonly known as logos), or symbols. The purpose of a trademark is to help a customer identify the source of a particular good or service. Trademarks are registered through the application process with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

You'll often see the use of "TM" or the "R" symbol accompanying marks. The use of "TM" means that the trademark has not yet been registered with the USPTO, and thus is only protected with limited common law rights. Whereas the use of the "R" symbol indicates that the owner of the mark has a federal trademark registration.

Yes. Riptide Law has advised clients from a wide range of locations including New York, Austin, San Diego and San Francisco. 

Unlike many other areas of law which are state-specific, trademarks are protected under federal law. This means that Riptide Law can assist you and your business in any state. Plus, the nature of trademark law allows for remote communication to be extremely effective, whether via email, phone, or video conferencing. 

Yes, if you are a foreign-domiciled trademark applicant, registrant, or party to Trademark Trial and Appeal Board proceedings. You must be represented at the USPTO by an attorney who is licensed to practice law in the United States.

This rule, effective as of August 3, 2019, was enacted by the USPTO to help reduce the number of inaccurate and fraudulent trademark applications filed by foreign-domiciled individuals and entities.