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If someone tries to register a similar trademark, how will I know about it?

Written by Jan Buza

Co-founder of Trama

Some IP offices will notify you as a holder of an earlier similar mark. The EUIPO does this as part of its examination process. Others, including the USPTO, do not; in those jurisdictions, discovering new conflicting applications is entirely the owner's responsibility.

For most trademark owners, it’s recommended to actively monitor their relevant trademark register for any conflicts, either through manual searches or through a trademark monitoring service. The opposition window (typically two to three months, one month in the US) is fixed; knowing about a conflicting application promptly is what allows you to act within it.

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