Time to start trademarking every kava term. I think we should, in order to protect our intellectual property. That way when a kava bar decides to open they’ll have to go through us first. Seem fair? No? /sarcasam
Somebody quick, get in there and trademark the term “cheers” to protect the alcohol community.
Important info:
https://www.uspto.gov/about-trademarks
How can I challenge a trademark registration or application?
Several options exist to challenge another party's trademark registration or application, depending on the particular circumstances and grounds for challenging:
- You may challenge a trademark registration issued by the USPTO by filing a petition to cancel the registration with the Trademark Trial & Appeal Board (TTAB).
- You may challenge an application for trademark registration at the USPTO by filing an opposition with the TTAB within 30 days after it is published in the Official Gazette.
- You may file a declaratory judgment lawsuit, asking a court to declare that your mark does not infringe the trademark owner's mark, and/or that the trademark owner's mark is invalid.
- If you are already a defendant in an infringement lawsuit, you may assert an "affirmative defense" and/or a counterclaim against the plaintiff challenging the validity of the plaintiff's trademark.
Again, an attorney with trademark expertise can help advise you about the various options available to challenge trademark registrations and applications. Please see the "
Do I need an attorney?" section for further information.
Also, here's a direct way on how to apply pressure in the opposite direction. Please email or mail your opposition to:
Trademark Trial and Appeal Board
Chief Administrative Trademark Judge: Gerard F. Rogers
The Trademark Trial and Appeal Board hears and decides adversary proceedings involving:
- oppositions to the registration of trademarks
- petitions to cancel trademark registrations
- proceedings involving applications for concurrent use registrations of trademarks.
The Board also decides appeals taken from the trademark examining attorneys' refusals to allow registration of trademarks.
TTAB Contact Information:
TTAB Assistance Center
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ET
Phone: 571-272-8500
Email:
[email protected] (General Information about TTAB proceedings)
Email:
[email protected] (Technical assistance with ESTTA filings)
Official Mailing Address:
Trademark Trial and Appeal Board
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
P.O. Box 1451
Alexandria, VA 22313-1451
For delivery via FedEx, UPS, etc.:
Trademark Trial and Appeal Board
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Madison East, Concourse Level Room C 55
600 Dulany Street
Alexandria, VA 22314