What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Pennsylvania.
Hello all. I have found myself with the task of registering a denominations logo. The denomination wants it's affiliate churches to use the logo, thus it should be registered as a collective membership mark. Am I right so far? The denomination also wants to provide it's services under the logo, so it should be registered as a service mark. Can I dual register this logo as a service mark/collective membership mark? Will I have to file separately? I hope someone can help, I can't find any info about this. Thanks!
First, the best source of information for you will be the United States Patent and Trademark Office, accessible through their website at:
http://www.uspto.gov. Applications and electronic filings are available through
http://www.uspto.gov/teas/e-TEAS/index.html.
Few applications will get through the trademark examination process without question from the trademark examiner, who will notify you if there is a problem with your application as filed. So don't be too concerned if you find your application is not filled out perfectly. Less than half are.
A question: Is the church currently using the logo you plan to register? Or are you planning to file an Intent-to-Use application?
Collective marks are used to identify membership in a group or organization and are for use by the general membership as a whole and on a more-than-occasional basis (such as for membership cards). The use is restricted to members only (
all members). Service marks are used when your intention is to use the mark for your unique services in commerce. The
term mark refers to all collective marks, service marks, trademarks, and certification marks.
When you register your mark/logo, you can register it in more than one
class, but you will be paying extra fees for each class.
I hope that you have done research into your logo design to ensure it is, not only distinctive, but that it does not conflict with another's design. There have been disputes between churches, and between churches and companies, in the recent past over names and logos that too closely resemble each other.
Do not expect to hear back from the trademark office on your application for three to six months after filing, unless a review turns up a question from the examiner.
Good luck.
