Trademarks
Strategic Branding
Starts With Protection!
Strategic trademark services to help you protect, enforce, and grow your brand identity.
Trademark Services
Protecting Your Brand Starts Here!
Your brand is more than a name or logo—it’s your reputation, your identity, and your connection to customers. Whether you’re launching a new product, building a business, or growing a national brand, securing your trademark is essential to safeguarding what makes you unique.
At Askew Intellectual Property, LLC, we offer comprehensive trademark services backed by legal precision and strategic business insight. From clearance searches to application filing and enforcement, we help you protect the value of your brand at every stage.
Registrability Opinions
Evaluates whether a name, logo, or slogan qualifies for federal trademark protection under U.S. law.
Clearance Search
Identifies potential conflicts by analyzing existing trademarks, helping you avoid infringement risks.
Infringement Opinions
Provides legal analysis of whether your brand—or someone else’s—may be infringing on trademark rights.
Preparation & Filing
Prepares and files federal trademark applications with the USPTO, ensuring accuracy and legal compliance.
Trademark Prosecution
Manages the entire examination process, including responding to Office Actions and advocating for registration before the USPTO.
License Agreements
Drafts and negotiates licensing agreements that allow you to control how your trademark is used and generate revenue from your brand.
FAQ
Clear Answers,
Confident Branding
What Is A Trademark And Why Do I Need One?
A trademark is any word, phrase, symbol, logo, or design that identifies the source of goods or services and distinguishes them from those of others. Trademarks protect your brand’s identity and help build recognition, loyalty, and market value. Unlike patents, which protect inventions, trademarks protect how your business is perceived by customers.
Federal registration with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) enhances your rights, provides national protection, and gives you the legal tools to stop others from using confusingly similar marks.
What Happens After I File A Trademark Application?
Once filed, your application is assigned to a USPTO examining attorney who reviews it for compliance with trademark law. If issues arise—such as a likelihood of confusion with an existing mark or problems with descriptiveness—the examiner will issue an Office Action.
You’ll need to respond within the allotted time, often with legal arguments, disclaimers, or amendments. If approved, the mark will be published for opposition. If no opposition is filed, the mark registers (or proceeds to a registration process, in the case of intent-to-use applications).
Can Someone Oppose My Trademark Application?
Yes. After approval by the USPTO, your application is published in the Official Gazette. During this 30-day window, third parties can file an opposition if they believe your mark conflicts with theirs.
If opposed, the matter proceeds before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB), similar to a mini-trial. Askew IP can help you defend your application or, when appropriate, resolve the dispute through negotiation or settlement.
What Should I Do If Someone Is Using My Trademark?
Trademark infringement can harm your brand and create consumer confusion. If you believe someone is using a confusingly similar name, logo, or slogan, legal action may be necessary.
Options include sending a cease and desist letter, initiating settlement negotiations, or pursuing enforcement through federal court or the TTAB. Askew IP provides experienced, strategic advice to help enforce your rights effectively.
What If I Don’t Use My Trademark Right Away?
If you’re not yet using your mark in commerce, you can file an intent-to-use application. This reserves your rights while you finalize product development, branding, or marketing. Once you’re ready, you must file a Statement of Use to complete the registration process.
Intent-to-use applications are a valuable tool for securing rights early in the branding process. Askew IP guides clients through each step to ensure timely and compliant filings.
What’s The Difference Between ™ And ®?
The ™ symbol can be used by anyone to indicate a claimed trademark, even if it hasn’t been federally registered. The ® symbol can only be used once your trademark is officially registered with the USPTO.
Using the ® symbol without registration is considered fraud and can result in penalties. Askew IP ensures proper use of trademark symbols and helps enforce your rights under the law.
How Long Does A Trademark Last?
Unlike patents, trademarks can last indefinitely—as long as they remain in use and the required maintenance filings are submitted. The initial registration term is 10 years, with renewals due every 10 years thereafter (and a Declaration of Use required between years 5 and 6).
Askew IP tracks maintenance deadlines and ensures your mark remains active and enforceable for as long as your business uses it.
Can I License My Trademark To Others?
Yes. Trademarks can be licensed to third parties through written agreements, allowing others to use the mark while you retain ownership. This can be a powerful way to expand your brand and generate revenue—if structured correctly.
Licensing must include quality control provisions to avoid “naked licensing,” which can risk the loss of trademark rights. Askew IP drafts and negotiates trademark license agreements that protect your brand and business interests.
Address
10331 Dawson’s Creek Blvd, Suite F
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46825
Phone Number
Email Address
Open Hours
Weekdays : 9:00 - 5:00
Weekend : Closed
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“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…” Colossians 3:23
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Any references to "we," "us," "our," or similar terms on this Website are used solely for business and branding purposes and refer to Askew Intellectual Property, LLC as a legal entity—not to imply the presence of multiple attorneys. Gerald Askew is the sole licensed attorney operating within the firm.”