Foreigners Cannot File U.S. Trademark Applications without a Licensed U.S. Trademark Lawyer

As of August 3, 2019, all “foreign-domiciled” persons or business entities must use a licensed U.S. attorney to file trademark applications or any other trademark-related submissions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”).

A “foreign-domiciled” trademark applicant, registrant, or party is one that does not have a “domicile” in the United States or its territories. An entity’s domicile is the principal place of business or headquarters of the entity, where senior executives and officers direct and manage its day-to-day activities. An individual’s domicile, on the other hand, is the place where that person resides and intends to be his or her principal home.

The USPTO issued this regulation because businesses rely on the U.S. trademark register to make important legal decisions about their brands, and too many foreign-domiciled parties were filing inaccurate or fraudulent submissions with the USPTO. Moreover, many appeared to be doing it on the advice or with the assistance of foreign individuals or entities who were not authorized to represent trademark applicants, registrants, or parties before the USPTO and were therefore engaged in the unauthorized practice of law.

Bovino Law Group can help you by providing the trustworthy, experienced representation that foreign-domiciled trademark applicants, registrants, and parties deserve to protect and leverage their brands in the United States.

In light of the size and power of the U.S. economy, as well as the importance of recognizable brands in the global economy, foreign owners of trademarks in company names, products names, logos, and more should consider filing to protect and promote their brands in the United States as soon as possible.

Fortunately, there is no need to file state-by-state or in all 50 states. A registered trademark with the USPTO applies and protects you throughout the United States.

Contract us today to file your trademark application(s) in the United States.

We look forward to hearing from you!