Trademark Office Action Responses in California
Have you received an office action from the USPTO? Don’t panic. An office action is a formal response from a USPTO examining attorney, often pointing out issues with your application. At SARI LAW FIRM, we help businesses and entrepreneurs across California craft precise, legally sound responses to resolve these issues—and keep your trademark alive.
What Is an Office Action?
An Office Action is a legal notice from the USPTO stating that your application has problems that need to be addressed before it can proceed. These may be: Substantive Refusals – Likelihood of Confusion (§2(d)), Descriptiveness or Genericness (§2(e)), Failure to Function as a Trademark, Ornamentation Refusal (common for logos on apparel); Non-Substantive Issues – Improper goods/services description, Incorrect specimen, Missing disclaimers, Domicile/address errors, Drawing or mark format issues. Deadline to respond: Usually 3 months (non-extendable) from the issue date.
Our Office Action Response Services
SARI LAW FIRM provides attorney-drafted responses backed by legal strategy, not guesswork. 1. Full Office Action Review – We analyze your original application and examiner’s arguments; Highlight risks, strengths, and chances of success; Provide a plain-English summary of the issue(s). 2. Legal Argument Drafting – Prepare persuasive legal responses citing case law and USPTO precedent; Rewrite or revise your goods/services if required; Provide disclaimer or amend specimens where needed; File a Request for Reconsideration or Petition to Revive (if applicable). 3. Communication & Monitoring – We communicate with the USPTO on your behalf; Track deadlines and updates; Provide follow-up strategy if the refusal is maintained.
Why a Lawyer Matters
USPTO refusals are legal arguments—not just paperwork. A DIY response can result in a final refusal; A well-argued legal brief can reverse a refusal entirely. Hiring an experienced trademark attorney greatly increases your chance of approval, especially for substantive refusals. 'Most office actions are winnable—with the right strategy.'
Common Clients We Help
Startups with initial refusal letters; Amazon or Etsy sellers who need fast responses; Apparel and branding companies facing ornamentation refusals; International brands confused by U.S. trademark law; DIY filers who now realize they need legal backup. We serve clients across Los Angeles, Santa Ana, Irvine, San Diego, Riverside, Anaheim, Long Beach, and the entire California business community.
FAQ
What happens if I ignore an office action?
Your application will be abandoned and you’ll lose your priority filing date. You’d have to start over—and risk losing your mark.
Can I respond to an office action myself?
You can, but success depends on legal argument quality. Many refusals require case law, procedural knowledge, or specific formatting. Most DIY responses fail.
How much time do I have to respond?
You have 3 months (90 days) from the issue date. Extensions are possible in limited cases—but not guaranteed.
What does it cost to respond to an office action?
Our flat fees vary based on complexity. We’ll review your office action and give you a transparent quote—no hidden fees.
Will I need to refile my trademark?
Not necessarily. A strong response can overcome the refusal. If re-filing is needed, we’ll advise and assist you to preserve your brand rights.
Contact
Like what you see? Get in touch to learn more.
