ASK IP LAW

12/10/2025

We help foreign-domiciled trademark applicants with USPTO filings. Visit the link for an overview on the process and flat fees.
https://askiplaw.com/u-s-trademark-counsel-for-foreign-applicants-clear-process-flat-fees/

11/17/2024

Effective JANUARY 18, 2025, the USPTO is implementing a single, electronic filing option - with a filing fee of $350/classification - that will discontinue both TEAS Plus and TEAS Standard options. ...

10/22/2024

Trademark Applicants & Registrants Beware

Scammers target trademark applicants and registrants to pay additional fees or pursue new and likely unviable applications/responses with the USPTO. They will often try to make it look like they are affiliated with the USPTO or a law firm.

Below is a recent example of a scammer trying to get a business owner to file a new application for a previously abandoned trademark. ...
"I am Paralegal Officer. We have recently received a trademark application for a name that corresponds with your business name. Our records confirm that you were the initial user of this name. Under USPTO regulations, you have the right to decide whether to proceed with registering this trademark.

A prompt response is essential for us to coordinate appropriately with the USPTO. Please note that without timely action, the USPTO may approve the competing application.

We look forward to your swift reply to assist you in protecting your trademark rights."..

There are so many red flags in this message.

1st 🚩A law firm is never going to reach out to you to let you know that a prospective client of their firm intends to file a similar mark. This would violate the confidentiality of that prospective client.

2nd 🚩A "paralegal officer" is not going to be writing you to solicit business and advise you of your purported legal rights. Paralegals are not allowed to provide legal counsel.

3rd 🚩Firms don't keep records of every potential trademark in operation to know who was the first user. This requires due diligence to determine the first user of the mark.

4th 🚩This sentence does not make sense: "Under USPTO regulations, you have the right to decide whether to proceed with registering this trademark."

5th 🚩This sentence does not make sense: "A prompt response is essential for us to coordinate appropriately with the USPTO." No one coordinates with the USPTO. You file an application and they are reviewed on a first come, first serve basis.

04/10/2023

If you are selling apparel, and want to protect your trademark, please read.

https://askiplaw.com/trademarks-for-apparel-label-appropriately/..

Trademark applicants commonly misunderstand how a trademark should be used in connection with apparel, which can result in an “ornamental” refusal issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). To understand why the mark(s) must be affixed to the apparel in a certain way, appli...

03/07/2023

TRADEMARK APPLICANTS BEWARE...If you have filed a trademark application, please be aware that you may receive communications from companies like this one attempting to confuse applicants into paying more money for services that are not related to the USPTO application. If an attorney filed your application, communications from the USPTO should go directly to your attorney. If you personally filed your application and are ever in doubt, check the records in the TSDR database...

11/11/2022

Thank you to all Veterans for your service!

A special thanks to Joseph ("JC") Harkins, who is a patent attorney and Of Counsel to ASK IP LAW. In 1987, JC joined the Navy to become a Reactor Operator in the Navy’s Nuclear Propulsion Program. After graduating from the program, Mr. Harkins was stationed in San Diego onboard a fast-attack submarine where his duties included the operation, maintenance, and repair of all reactor instrumentation and control systems. He completed a 6-year tour of duty. To learn more about JC, you can click on the link below.

https://askiplaw.com/about/joseph-harkins/

09/21/2022

Startups, click the link to download a FREE Business Checklist.https://askiplaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Business-Checklist_ASKIPLaw.pdf
…

09/17/2022

Entrepreneurs, download a FREE Business Plan Template to help you get started! Visit https://askiplaw.com and scroll down to the blue link to get your copy. ...
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

07/28/2022

Entrepreneurs, if you need assistance reviewing a contract, email [email protected] for a flat rate quote...

Image by andibreit from Pixabay

07/20/2022

We routinely help international clients with USPTO applications. If you need assistance, please email [email protected]....

07/10/2022

When I started my practice, I chose the name ASK IP LAW for my initials, or what they should have been at that time. Like so many people, we had to delay our wedding for two years due to Covid. I’m happy to say that I’m officially Aileen Shepherd Kell (ASK).

06/17/2022

Thank you for your patience while I was in Greece celebrating my wedding and honeymoon. I will be back in the office on Monday!