Question

Prepare a brief written summary of the procedures for applying for patents, copyrights and trademarks?

Answer 1

TRADEMARKS-

In order to apply for trademarks, the first and foremost process is to visit the U.S. Patents and Trademark Office's Website i.e. www.uspto.gov. It must be ensured that nobody else has registered the trademark already in the same category by checking the Trademark Electronic Search System Database. The pricing is $375 per class for paper filings and #325 per class for electronic filings. The following procedure is required to be followed:

1. Application must be filed.
2. The Examination Report is released.
3. The Registrar further advertises in the Trademarks Journal and waits for opposition.
4. After the objections by opposition parties, if any, are cleared the application will proceed to registration.
5. Finally, trademark is obtained.

PATENTS:

In order to gain enforcable rights legally in the United States, a patent application must be submitted through the USPTO and they must approve the application. The following procedure is required to be followed:

1. The idea or concept of the area of invention must be noted.
2. Diagrams or sketches must be included that help in the better understanding of the invention.
3. It must be checked if the Patents Act which governs this process pose any restrictions on the same.
4. A provisonal and draft patent application can be filed.
5. Wait for the publishement of the application and make a request for examination.
6. Respond to the objections that come your way and clear them all.
7. Grant of patents is notifed when all requirements are met.

COPYRIGHTS:

In order to register a copyright, a copyright must be filed with the United States copyright office. The fees for the same ranges between $50 to $65 for paper filings and $35 for electronic filing. The following procedure is required to be followed:

1. At the outset, an application must be filed at first.
2. The obejctions raised must be resolved.
3. The examination process goes on.
4. The copyright registration certificate is provided, if application passes through all this.