Trademark Monitoring
Registration is not the end of trademark protection — it is the beginning. New applications are filed every day, and some may conflict with your mark. Monitoring helps you catch potential conflicts early, while you still have room to act.
Why monitoring matters
Trademark rights must be actively enforced to remain strong. If you allow similar marks to register without objection, your mark can gradually lose its distinctiveness — and in extreme cases, become generic.
Monitoring gives you the earliest possible warning of new filings that could conflict with your brand.
What monitoring covers
A well-designed monitoring program watches the sources most likely to produce conflicting marks.
- New USPTO filings in your classes
- Filings using similar spellings, sounds, or translations
- Filings in related or adjacent classes
- Applications by known competitors
- State-level trademark registrations
- Common marketplace and domain registrations
When you can act
Once a conflicting application is published for opposition, you have a 30-day window to file an opposition. Extensions of time are available but must be filed within the window.
Earlier warnings — before publication — give you the chance to send a letter of protest, monitor the application, or prepare an opposition in advance.
What we deliver
Monitoring is an ongoing service. Reports highlight new filings that match your criteria, with a summary of risk and recommended next steps.
- Periodic watch reports on new filings
- Risk assessment per match
- Recommendations: monitor, oppose, or take no action
- Deadline alerts for opposition windows
- Support coordinating responses with an attorney if needed
Monitoring vs. registration
Registration establishes your rights. Monitoring maintains them. Both are essential to long-term brand protection.
Not sure where to begin?
Talk to a specialist and we'll guide you through the right next step.