Written by Tomas Orsula
Senior Trademark Attorney
A Section 2(c) refusal from the USPTO occurs when your trademark is refused registration because it consists of or includes a name, portrait, or signature that identifies a living individual without their consent.
The most common strategies to overcome a Section 2(c) refusal include the following:
Generally, a Section 2(c) refusal isn't hard to overcome. For the first two options, the examiner will provide a proper format of the response for you to use. However, it might still be advisable to consult the office action with a trademark attorney.
If I need to respond to an office action and submit new evidence, will it cost extra?
What are the benefits of applying for a trademark as a business?
Is a trademark valid from the date of filing or the date of registration?
What can differentiate my trademark from a very similar trademark?
Do I need to prove the usage of my trademark during the validity period?
Can I write my brand name in a different font after registering it as a trademark?
Can someone steal my trademark away from me while I wait for it to be registered?
Is it possible to extend a member country trademark into an EU trademark?
Will getting the name trademarked with the logo provide me rights over the words as well?
Our team of experienced trademark attorneys is here to help you! Simply send us an email outlining your request and we'll be happy to assist you.
