Start by placing a Trademark Engine order and providing the requested information about the trademark, the owner, and the goods or services associated with the mark. The filing process may also require information about the filing basis and evidence of use when applicable.

After the required information is collected, the application is prepared and reviewed. Before filing, you will have an opportunity to review the application, address any required fees or changes, and electronically sign the filing. Once submitted to the USPTO, the application receives a serial number that can be used to track its status.

A trademark application is a legal filing. Important information includes the correct owner, the mark itself, the goods or services, the filing basis, contact information, and—when required—evidence showing use of the mark in commerce. Errors in ownership, filing basis, or the identification of goods and services can create delays and, in some situations, may not be fully correctable after filing.

The filing basis explains why the applicant is entitled to apply. Two common U.S. bases are 'use in commerce,' for marks already being used in qualifying commerce, and 'intent to use,' for applicants who have a bona fide—meaning genuine and good-faith—intention to use the mark in commerce in the future.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is the federal agency responsible for examining U.S. trademark applications, issuing federal registrations, and maintaining official trademark records.