Trademark Filing Checklist: Are You Ready to File?
By the Registry Consulting team · Updated November 3, 2026
Your trademark filing checklist
Tick each item as you finish it. Your progress is saved on this device.
Before you file
The mark
Goods and services
Filing basis
Filing and after
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FAQ
Do I need a lawyer to file a trademark?
US-based applicants may file on their own, but foreign-domiciled applicants must use a US-licensed attorney. Many owners hire an attorney to reduce the risk of refusals. See the USPTO page linked below.
What is a specimen?
A real-world example showing how you use the mark with your goods or services, such as a product label or a web page where people can buy. It is required for use-based applications.
Is this checklist legal advice?
No. It is a general organizer based on the USPTO application requirements. For advice on your situation, talk to a trademark attorney.
Sources: USPTO: Apply for a trademark · USPTO: Trademark basics
Keep reading
- Talk to a Trademark AttorneyRequest a call from a trademark attorney or legal-service partner about registering or protecting your brand.
- How to Trademark a Business Name (and When You Can't)How to trademark a business or brand name, what makes a name registrable, and the difference between a trade n
- Trademark Attorney: When You Need One and What to AskWhen it's worth hiring a trademark attorney, who is required to use one, how fees typically work, and question
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