USPTO announces 2012 National Trademark Expo

The 2012 National Trademark Expo is to be staged over October 19th and 20th at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia.

Each year, the USPTO organizes the free event to educate members of the public about the importance of brand management and trademark protection.

Some 15,000 visitors of all ages attended the expo in 2011, helping to raise awareness of key industry issues such as protecting brands from unscrupulous third-parties.

The show features educational seminars for adults, and also workshops and activities aimed at younger attendees.

Businesses and organizations are invited to display their federally-registered trademarks through educational exhibits, including booths, themed-displays, costumed characters and inflatables.

According to the USPTO, a trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, “used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others”.

Trademarks may also be designed to indicate the source of the goods or services.

“Although federal registration of a mark is not mandatory, it has several advantages,” the office states.

These include providing notice to the public of the registrant’s claim of ownership of the mark, legal presumption of ownership nationwide, and exclusive right to use the mark on or in connection with the goods or services listed in the registration.