Trademark Your Brand Setup Guide

🔍 USPTO Database Search

1. Visit the USPTO Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS)
2. Search for your exact artist name or brand
3. Try variations and similar spellings
4. Check different trademark classes (especially Class 41 for entertainment)
5. Review both active and abandoned applications

🌐 Additional Search Areas

• State trademark databases: Check your state's trademark registry
• Domain names: Search available domains and existing websites
• Social media: Check username availability across platforms
• Business directories: Search Yellow Pages, Google Business
• Music databases: Check Spotify, Apple Music, Discogs

📋 Search Documentation

Keep records of your search:

• Screenshot search results
• Note search terms and databases used
• Document similar marks found
• Save search dates and methods

📝 Basic Information

• Exact mark: Your artist name, logo, or brand exactly as used
• Mark type: Word mark, design mark, or combined mark
• Goods/Services: Specific description of what you do
• First use date: When you first used the mark commercially

🎨 Visual Materials (if applicable)

• Logo files: High-resolution PNG or JPG
• Color specifications: Pantone or hex codes if claiming color
• Font information: If using stylized text
• Design elements: Clear representation of all elements

📄 Specimens of Use

Evidence showing how you use your mark:

• Album covers: Showing your artist name
• Concert posters: Advertising your performances
• Website screenshots: Your official artist website
• Social media: Professional profiles and posts
• Merchandise: T-shirts, stickers with your brand

🏷️ Classification Information

Common trademark classes for musicians:

• Class 9: Recorded music, digital downloads
• Class 25: Clothing, merchandise
• Class 41: Entertainment services, live performances
• Class 42: Music production services

🔐 Create Your USPTO Account

1. Visit the USPTO Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS)
2. Click "Create Account" and fill in your information
3. Verify your email address
4. Set up security questions
5. Log in and navigate to "File a New Application"

📋 Choose Application Type

🎯 Application Basis

Choose your filing basis:

• Use in Commerce (1a): You're already using the mark commercially
• Intent to Use (1b): You plan to use the mark but haven't started yet

Recommendation: Most musicians should file based on "Use in Commerce" if they're already performing or releasing music under their brand name.

📝 Applicant Information

• Legal name: Your full legal name (individual) or business name
• Entity type: Individual, LLC, Corporation, etc.
• Address: Your legal address (will be public record)
• Citizenship: Country of citizenship or incorporation
• Email: Primary contact email for USPTO communications

🎵 Mark Information

• Mark type: Standard character mark (text only) or special form (logo/design)
• Mark text: Exact spelling and punctuation
• Design description: Detailed description if including design elements
• Color claims: Specify if claiming specific colors
• Translation: English translation if mark contains foreign words

🏷️ Goods and Services

Describe exactly what you do with your mark:

• Be specific but not too narrow
• Use USPTO's Acceptable Identification of Goods and Services Manual
• Include all services you currently provide or plan to provide

📅 Dates and Usage

• Date of first use anywhere: When you first used the mark
• Date of first use in commerce: When you first used it commercially
• Specimens: Upload evidence of how you use the mark

✅ Final Review Checklist

• Mark representation: Exactly as you want it protected
• Applicant information: Complete and accurate
• Goods/services: Comprehensive but accurate
• Specimens: Clear examples of commercial use
• Dates: Accurate first use information
• Contact info: Current email and address

💳 Payment and Submission

1. Review total fees: Confirm number of classes and application type
2. Payment method: Credit card, debit card, or deposit account
3. Submit application: Click final submit button
4. Save confirmation: Print or save confirmation page
5. Note serial number: Your application's unique identifier

📊 Application Timeline

• Immediate: Receive confirmation email and serial number
• 1-3 months: Initial examination by USPTO attorney
• 3-4 months: First Office Action (if issues found)
• 6-8 months: Publication for Opposition (if approved)
• 8-12 months: Registration certificate (if no opposition)

🔍 Monitoring Your Application

• TSDR system: Check status using your serial number
• Email notifications: USPTO will email important updates
• Office Actions: Respond promptly to any USPTO requests
• Publication monitoring: Watch for opposition proceedings