How to Trademark a Domain Name

Along with the application, you must provide a drawing of the mark on a separate paper and pay the filing fee. You must also provide three specimens for each class of goods or services that you

sell if your application is based upon prior use of the mark in commerce.

About four months after you file an application, the PTO will review it and determine whether it can register the trademark.

Protect your trademark. To alert the public of your trademark rights, you can use the TM or SM (service mark) symbols. To use these symbols, you do not need to register your trademark (which means that your claim may or may not be valid). Once your trademark is registered with the PTO, you can use the ® symbol. For more information, be sure to read Using TM, SM, and Trademarks.

Your federal trademark registration lasts 10 years, with 10-year renewal terms. Between the fifth and sixth year after the initial registration, you must file an affidavit to continue the registration. If you don't file, your registration is canceled. Your trademark rights can last indefinitely if you follow these steps and continue to use the mark to identify your goods and services.