While patents safeguard inventions, trademarks protect a name or brand. As more and more companies look for ways to carve out a niche and distinguish themselves from competitors, protecting brands has become critically important.  As such, companies must vigorously protect their brands from the destructive effects of unauthorized use.

Our trademark attorneys and specialists handle all trademark-related matters, from prosecuting applications to full litigation.

Screening, Clearance and Registrations

In counseling clients prior to the adoption of new marks, we offer an unrivaled variety of screening and clearance search options. In addition to the widely available private trademark databases, our geographic proximity to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) allows ready access to the official trademark search systems used by the government attorneys who examine applications for the registration of trademarks.

Securing registrations for marks in the United States and throughout the world is an important aspect of our trademark practice. Our proximity to the USPTO allows us to meet face-to-face with Examiners and their supervisors. Regular communication with USPTO officials greatly contributes to our success in prosecuting our clients’ applications.

Enforcement, Protection and Suppression

Oblon Spivak has an extensive litigation practice for the enforcement and protection of trademark rights and the suppression of acts of unfair competition. Drawing on both the depth of our experience before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) and our proximity to the TTAB's offices, our attorneys are active and respected representatives in a full range of opposition and cancellation proceedings.

Our trademark litigators are frequently engaged in litigation in the United States district courts and courts of appeal throughout the country. Where appropriate, we make use of other Washington, D.C., resources – such as the United States Customs and Border Protection and the International Trade Commission – to assist in meeting our clients' objectives. While based in the United States, our thriving international practice enables us to protect and enforce the trademark rights of our clients wherever infringement occurs.

International Representation

Our attorneys maintain close ties to a worldwide network of trademark practitioners to facilitate international registration for our U.S. clients. Through our active participation in the International Trademark Association (INTA), the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA), the Intellectual Property Owners Association (IPO), the European Communities Trademark Practitioner's Association (ECTA), and the Association International pour la Protection de la Propriete Industrielle (AIPPI), we are able to enhance the effectiveness of this network and to monitor any pending process alterations that may affect our clients’ applications.

Our high level of U.S. and international activity breaks down geographic barriers and enables us to meet with continued success on behalf of our domestic and global clients. In particular, we have extensive expertise in the major international system for facilitating the registration of trademarks in multiple jurisdictions, commonly known as the “Madrid system” (an overview of the system can be found here). We regularly assist with Madrid filings for our international clients.