What happens if I receive a "likelihood of confusion" refusal?

Photo of Jan Buza

Written by Jan Buza

Co-founder of Trama

If the USPTO issues a likelihood of confusion to your trademark application, it means your registration will be paused until you successfully resolve the issue or the time for submitting a response runs out. If you don't address the examiner's concerns satisfactorily and on time, you risk the abandonment of your trademark.

Although likelihood of confusion refusals happen often, there's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to overcoming them, and your chances of success will depend on the nature and severity of the similarity between your mark and the other identified mark(s). While some office actions are straightforward and applicants often choose to resolve them themselves, for a likelihood of confusion refusal, it's highly recommended to seek legal assistance.

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