Written by Jan Buza
Co-founder of Trama
A suggestive mark is one that hints at a characteristic or quality of the goods or services without directly describing them. It requires imagination or inference from the consumer to connect the mark to the product. "Netflix" (suggesting streaming movies online), "Greyhound" (suggesting speed for a bus company), and "Coppertone" (suggesting a sun-related product) are examples.
Suggestive marks are inherently distinctive and registrable without proof of acquired distinctiveness. They occupy the middle of the Spectrum of Distinctiveness; stronger than descriptive marks, which require proof of secondary meaning, but not as strong as arbitrary or fanciful marks, which carry the widest scope of protection.
Is trademark registration needed to sell products in the USA?
What's the difference between the use-in-commerce and intent-to-use basis?
A US trademark is valid for 10 years; are there any other costs or annual fees during that period?
What are the most common grounds for application dismissal by USPTO?
How does the USPTO act in case of a likelihood of confusion?
If I apply for a US trademark and there is an objection from the USPTO, what happens next?
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