What's a Trademark Office Action Letter? And what to do when you get one?

So...what the heck is an "Office Action" Letter?

In the most simplest explanation possible, receiving an "Office Action" letter from the USPTO (United States Patent & Trademark Office) regarding a pending trademark application means that there's a problem with your application - and if its not addressed properly, you could end up with a formal rejection of your application. 

 

What's the best way to respond to one?

As with all legal matters - you're best bet is to always hire an experienced attorney to help. The trademark law is vast and surprisingly complicated, with heavy risks to the ownership of a federal trademark application if the letter isn't responded to timely and properly.  If you happen to have a "2d likelihood of confusion" refusal, you'll especially need an attorney experienced in this area to provide legal arguments. 

Disclaimer: because -- we have to (sigh):

The views presented are the views of Carriman Law Group PLLC. This article does not replace or constitute legal advice of any kind, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. You are advised to seek the help of a licensed attorney to help you with your unique and specific situation.