An office action is an official letter sent by the USPTO in which the examining attorney lists all the legal problems with your trademark. Once you get an office action you’re on the clock to respond adequately. Typically you are given 6 months to respond. If you do not your trademark is ABANDONED and no fees are refunded.

• Office Actions can be issued for procedural or technical issues such as failing to provide an adequate specimen or for substantive issues.
• Substantive issues are more serious issues that indicate an issue with the substance of the trademark itself. These rejections are mostly seen as “likelihood to cause confusion”. Imagine trying to trademark “Nyke” for clothes and shoes.
• Most individuals at this point need an experienced attorney to help navigate what comes next and to respond.

If you have any questions about an office action response you received from the USPTO feel free to reach out or schedule a free consultation.