When you apply for a trademark or service mark for your business name, you
will need to provide certain documents to your attorney. Below is a list of
documents you should collect:
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Partnership agreement, if applicable.
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Articles of incorporation, if applicable.
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Exact copy of mark you want to register.
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Specimens of mark you want to register.
A specimen is a real-world example of how the mark is actually used on goods
or in the offer of services. Labels, tags, or containers for the goods are
considered to be acceptable specimens of use for a trademark. For a service
mark, specimens may be advertising such as magazine advertisements or brochures.
Actual specimens, rather than facsimiles, are preferred. However, if the actual
specimens are bulky, or larger than 8" x 11", then the applicant must submit
facsimiles, (e.g., photographs or good photocopies) of the specimens. Facsimiles
may not exceed 8" x 11". One specimen is required for each class of goods or
services specified in the application.
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If concurrent registration of the mark has previously been allowed, an
example of the other concurrently registered mark.
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Copy of past or present certificate of registration and/or notice of
allowance.
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If the application is based on foreign registration, a certification or
certified copy of the foreign registration.
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Opinions, reports, or decisions of the Patent and Trademark Office on past
applications or registrations of mark.
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