File a trademark

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

USPTO Section 1(a) or 1(b) application, specimen upload, monitoring through registration.

Trigger

You want federal trademark protection.

Call sequence

1. Open application

POST /v1/trademarks  { entity, mark, classes, basis: '1b' }

2. Watch for office actions

// trademark.office_action

3. File statement of use when in commerce

POST /v1/trademarks/{id}/statement_of_use

Idempotency

Application idempotent on `(entity, mark, classes.sort())`.

Webhooks

Errors

Picking Nice classes

USPTO uses the Nice Classification system: 45 classes covering goods (1–34) and services (35–45). Common consumer-tech brand classes:

For a software product with a consumer brand: 9, 35, 42 at minimum. For a physical product: add the relevant goods class.

USPTO search

POST /v1/entities/{entity_id}/trademarks/search
{
  "mark": "Loomheart",
  "classes": [25, 35, 42],
  "jurisdiction": "US"
}

Returns a TrademarkSearch (tms_*). The result field summarizes:

The search is idempotent on (entity_id, mark, classes, jurisdiction, search_date) — re-running it the same day returns the existing snapshot for free. Re-run before filing to confirm no late-filed marks have appeared.

Filing bases

Section 1(a) — actual use

Use this when the mark is already in use in interstate commerce. Specimen and first-use dates required at filing.

POST /v1/entities/{entity_id}/trademarks
{
  "mode": "file_via_matter",
  "mark": "Loomheart",
  "drawing_kind": "standard_character",
  "classes": [
    {
      "class_number": 25,
      "identification": "T-shirts; hats",
      "identification_source": "acceptable_id_manual"
    },
    {
      "class_number": 35,
      "identification": "Online retail store services featuring textiles",
      "identification_source": "custom"
    }
  ],
  "jurisdiction": "US",
  "basis_of_filing": "actual_use",
  "first_use_date": "2026-03-01",
  "first_use_in_commerce_date": "2026-04-01",
  "specimen_file_id": "file_<uploaded-screenshot>",
  "related_search_id": "tms_<from-search>"
}

Section 1(b) — intent to use

Use this when the mark hasn't launched yet. No specimen at filing; a Statement of Use is filed within 6 months of the Notice of Allowance.

POST /v1/entities/{entity_id}/trademarks
{
  "mode": "file_via_matter",
  "mark": "Loomheart",
  "drawing_kind": "standard_character",
  "classes": [...],
  "jurisdiction": "US",
  "basis_of_filing": "intent_to_use",
  "related_search_id": "tms_<from-search>"
}

Both modes return a Trademark (tmk_*) in pending_filing, advancing to filed once USPTO assigns a serial number (via webhook).

Statement of Use (for 1(b))

After USPTO publishes the mark and the opposition window passes, status moves to notice_of_allowance. File the SoU within 6 months:

POST /v1/entities/{entity_id}/trademarks/{tmk_id}/statement_of_use
{
  "first_use_date": "2026-08-01",
  "first_use_in_commerce_date": "2026-08-15",
  "specimen_file_id": "file_<screenshot-of-product-with-mark>"
}

Each 6-month extension carries an additional USPTO fee — call this endpoint with the same body to file the SoU before the next deadline.

Maintenance windows

Once status: registered, three maintenance windows compute on the Compliance calendar:

• Section 8 — between years 5 and 6 post-registration
• Section 8 & 9 — every 10 years (years 9–10 of each cycle)
• Section 15 (optional) — after 5 continuous years (incontestability)

File each via fileTrademarkMaintenance. Failing Section 8 or 8&9 cancels the registration — set up the calendar reminders.

Cost preview before filing

POST /v1/entities/{entity_id}/trademarks?dry_run=true
{ ... }

Returns the proposed Trademark with application_attributes.estimated_fee_usd_cents populated. Surcharge drivers (per USPTO's Jan-2025 fee schedule):

• identification_source: custom on any class
• More than one class
• claims_prior_registration: true
• Lengthy goods/services descriptions

Recording externally-filed applications

If outside counsel or a trademark platform (Trademarkia, LegalZoom IP) files the application, record it on Matter for compliance-calendar tracking:

POST /v1/entities/{entity_id}/trademarks
{
  "mode": "record_external",
  "mark": "Loomheart",
  "classes": [...],
  "jurisdiction": "US",
  "basis_of_filing": "actual_use",
  "first_use_date": "...",
  "first_use_in_commerce_date": "...",
  "specimen_file_id": "file_...",
  "serial_number": "<USPTO-assigned-serial>"
}

Returns a Trademark in filed status. Maintenance windows compute the same way as for Matter-filed applications.

See the Trademarks landing page for the full operation list.