Trump’s Hiring Freeze and Return-to-Office Order Could Cripple the USPTO – Massive Delays and Backlogs Expected for Patents and Trademarks

In an unprecedented move, President Donald Trump has implemented a sweeping federal hiring freeze and mandated that federal employees return to in-person work, upending long-standing remote work practices. These bold policies are part of a broader effort to overhaul the federal workforce and reduce government spending. However, they carry profound implications for the United States…

TTAB Ruling Highlights the Importance of Accurate Goods Descriptions in Trademark Applications

In a recent decision, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) emphasized the importance of accurately describing goods and services in trademark applications. In the case of In re Locus Link USA, the TTAB affirmed the cancellation of two registrations for the marks SMARTLOCK and SMARTLOCK with design due to discrepancies between the goods listed…

TTAB’s Landmark Decision Expands Service Mark Protection for Online Retailers

In a landmark decision, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) has expanded the understanding of what constitutes a “service” under U.S. trademark law. In the case of Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. v. Ava Labs, Inc., the TTAB ruled that operating an online retail store exclusively selling one’s own branded products qualifies as a registrable service…

Introducing the USPTO’s New Trademark Center: A Game Changer for Trademark Applications

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recently launched a new Trademark Center designed to streamline the trademark application process. This initiative aims to improve efficiency, enhance transparency, and simplify how applicants and attorneys interact with the trademark system. If you’re a business owner looking to protect your brand or a legal professional handling…

Likelihood of Confusion: Recent TTAB Decisions and Their Impact

One of the most common reasons the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) refuses trademark applications is likelihood of confusion under Section 2(d) of the Lanham Act. The Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) plays a crucial role in deciding disputes over whether two marks are too similar, and its decisions shape the legal…

Supreme Court Rulings on Trademarks: Major Cases Shaping IP Law

Trademarks play a crucial role in protecting brands and businesses, and the U.S. Supreme Court frequently weighs in on cases that shape trademark law. Over the years, its rulings have influenced everything from the definition of generic marks to the boundaries of free speech in branding. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most…