The United States legal system can be so complex that it makes the average citizen feel overwhelmed and frustrated. When trademarking an image or phrase for your company, it may appear to be a simple process, but it can actually be a very complex process if you are unaware of your rights.

Educating yourself on some of the basic rights you have during your trademark application process can help make your whole experience a lot easier. Here’s a look at some basic information and rights you have during the trademark application process.

Notice of Abandonment

The United States Patent and Trademark Office will sometimes label trademark applications as abandoned if they have not been properly updated. As the trademark applicant, you have the right to receive a notice of abandonment should the USPTO declare your trademark abandoned.

Notice of Opposition

If someone believes that a new trademark application is infringing on a previously filed trademark, he or she has the right to file a notice of opposition. Once a notice of opposition is filed, you will be notified and have to go through the process of proving there is no trademark infringement. While you could go through the trademark dispute process yourself, it is recommended that you find an attorney like a California trademark dispute resolution attorney to help you through the complex legal process.

While it might not seem like you have any rights in the complex world that makes up the trademark application process, you do. By educating yourself on your rights, you can make the application process easier to handle.