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What is an office action?

Founder & Trademark Attorney

An office action is a formal communication from a trademark examiner notifying the applicant of deficiencies in a trademark application. It sets out the issues identified and gives the applicant a set deadline to respond.

An office action does not mean the application has been refused. It is the examiner's way of raising concerns and giving the applicant the opportunity to address them. If the response satisfies the examiner, the application continues through the registration process. If not, the examiner may issue a final office action, after which further appeals are available.

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