Choose the right starting point
Identify the work, brand, invention or confidential information involved. Explain whether you want to protect an asset, respond to a demand or address unauthorized use. Keep confidential invention details out of the initial form.
Distinguish a trademark, patent, copyright, trade secret or licensing issue. Describe whether the goal is registration, contract review, enforcement or a response to a demand.
Any registration office, platform or court involved, and the countries or markets connected to the work.
Which rights, ownership records and agreements need review before selecting a response?
Ask who will handle the matter, what work is included, how fees and expenses are calculated, and whether the firm has agreed to protect any upcoming date. A free inquiry does not establish representation.
Use these independent resources to find contacts and published instructions. Confirm the court or agency on your own papers; a directory link does not determine jurisdiction or file a response.
Identify the work, mark or business asset and whether there is an application, registration or written demand. Describe the use being questioned and keep examples and correspondence.
Explain whether you received a demand or want to protect a new asset. These are different objectives; identify any requested response date and the businesses or jurisdictions involved.
Before hiring a lawyer, ask how fees are calculated, whether a consultation is charged, what expenses may be separate, and when payment is due. Ask for the fee terms in writing. Sending an inquiry through this website is free; that does not establish the cost of a lawyer’s services.
Ask who will review your information, whether the firm handles this type of matter in the relevant jurisdiction, and what the next step would involve. Explain any date shown on a notice. A website inquiry does not hire a lawyer or file a court or agency response.
These examples describe inquiries, not findings that a claim is valid or that representation is available.
Are you seeking protection for an asset or responding to an infringement concern?
Provide a brief factual summary. Keep financial account numbers, identity documents, medical records and other sensitive files for a secure exchange with a professional who agrees to review the matter.
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
This resource can help you locate official information or an appropriate starting point. It operates separately from this advertising website.
