美国商标申请注意事项（中英文双版本）

美国商标申请注意事项
U.S. Trademark Application – Key Points to Remember

（以下内容先列出中文要点，随后给出对应英文说明，方便对照阅读。）
(The Chinese bullet is followed by an English version for easy cross-reference.)

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一、前期检索与可注册性评估

1. 商标近似性检索
   在提交申请前，应通过 USPTO TESS 系统、WIPO Global Brand Database 或商业数据库进行近似性检索，评估是否存在混淆风险。

2. Clearance Search
   Before filing, run a clearance search via the USPTO TESS system, WIPO Global Brand Database, or commercial tools to identify potential conflicts that could cause a likelihood-of-confusion refusal.

3. 可注册性（可区别性）判断
   纯描述性、姓氏、地理名称及通用术语通常缺乏显著性，可考虑加入独创元素或取得“获得显著性”证据。

4. Distinctiveness Analysis
   Purely descriptive, surname, geographic, or generic terms are typically non-registrable unless you add distinctive elements or prove acquired distinctiveness (secondary meaning).

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二、申请基础与类别选择

1. 申请基础
   (1) 已使用基础 (Section 1(a))：须提交在美“实际使用”证据（标样 specimen）。
   (2) 意向使用基础 (Section 1(b))：先占位申请，后期需提交使用声明 (Statement of Use)。

2. Filing Basis
   (1) Section 1(a) – Use in commerce: Requires a specimen showing actual use in U.S. commerce.
   (2) Section 1(b) – Intent to use: Reserves priority; you must later file a Statement of Use with specimens.

3. 国际注册基础 (Section 44(e))
   持他国注册满六个月内，可主张优先权；也可以依据马德里体系扩展 (Section 66(a))。

4. Foreign Filing Basis (Sections 44 & 66)
   You may claim priority under Section 44(d) within six months of a foreign filing, or extend a Madrid Protocol International Registration to the U.S. under Section 66(a).

5. 国际分类准确性
   美国采用尼斯分类，但商品/服务描述要求更为具体。错误或过宽描述会导致补正或局部驳回。

6. Proper Classification
   The U.S. follows the Nice Classification, yet the USPTO requires more precise identifications. Over-broad wording can trigger office actions or partial refusals.

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三、文件准备与电子提交

1. 表格选择
   TEAS Plus（$250/类）与 TEAS Standard（$350/类）的差异在于清单用语及后续合规要求。

2. Form Selection
   TEAS Plus ($250 per class) vs. TEAS Standard ($350 per class): TEAS Plus demands stricter ID wording and future electronic correspondence.

3. 商标标样 (Specimen)
   (1) 商品类：标签、包装、产品照片；
   (2) 服务类：网站截图、宣传册需包含商标及服务描述、URL/日期。

4. Acceptable Specimens
   (1) Goods: labels, packaging, product photos showing the mark.
   (2) Services: website screenshots, brochures displaying the mark, plus URL and access date.

5. 声明与免责声明
   若商标包含描述性或无法专有的元素，需主动 disclaim 该词，以减少实审阻碍。

6. Declarations & Disclaimers
   If the mark contains descriptive or non-registrable elements, add a disclaimer to expedite examination.

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四、审查流程与关键时点

1. USPTO 实审
   约 8–10 个月出审查意见 (Office Action)。需在三个月内答复；可支付 $125 获得三个月宽限。

2. Examination Timeline
   An Office Action usually issues in 8–10 months. Respond within 3 months; a $125 fee buys a 3-month extension.

3. 公告与异议 (Opposition)
   通过实审后进入《官方公报》30 天公告期。第三方可提异议或申请延期。

4. Publication & Opposition
   After approval, the mark is published in the Official Gazette for a 30-day opposition window. Extensions may be granted to challengers.

5. 使用声明与注册证书
   1(b) 基础申请通过公告后，USPTO下发 Notice of Allowance。自收到之日起 6 个月内须提交 Statement of Use 或续展 (extension)。最多可续展 5 次。

6. Statement of Use & Registration
   For Section 1(b) filings, a Notice of Allowance issues post-publication. File the Statement of Use within 6 months or request an extension (up to 5 times).

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五、后续维护与合规

1. 维持与续展
   第 5-6 年须提交使用声明与可选不可撤销性声明 (Section 15)。
   每 10 年需要续展 (Section 9)。

2. Maintenance & Renewal
   File a Section 8 Declaration of Use (and optional Section 15 Incontestability) between years 5–6.
   Renew every 10 years via a combined Section 8 & 9 filing.

3. 使用监控
   建立监控系统（Google Alerts、Watching Services）及时发现侵权或近似注册。

4. Monitoring & Enforcement
   Set up watch services or alerts to detect infringements or confusingly similar marks early.

5. 品牌一致性
   实际使用的标志与注册样态保持一致；重大调整需重新申请或提交变更。

6. Consistent Use
   Ensure the mark as used matches the registered form; significant changes may require a new application or amendment.

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六、常见陷阱与风险防范

1. 虚假使用声明
   提交虚假 specimen 或夸大使用范围属重大违规，可能被撤销注册并遭罚款。

2. False Use Claims
   Submitting bogus specimens or overstating use can lead to cancellation, civil liability, and possible fraud findings.

3. 律所诈骗邮件
   USPTO 数据公开后，申请人易收到“看似官方”的账单或维权邮件，请核实发件域名 (.gov 以外须警惕)。

4. Solicitation Scams
   Public USPTO data triggers unofficial invoices or enforcement notices. Verify sender domains; only “.gov” addresses come from the USPTO.

5. 盲目延伸保护
   并非所有国家都需要注册；应结合市场规模、执法环境和预算制定全球商标布局。

6. Over-filing Internationally
   Not every country warrants a filing. Base global strategy on market size, enforceability, and budget constraints.

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七、费用概览（参考）

1. 官方规费
   TEAS Plus $250/类；TEAS Standard $350/类；延期、声明、续展等额外费用另计。

2. Government Fees (Approx.)
   TEAS Plus $250/class; TEAS Standard $350/class; extra fees for extensions, declarations, renewals, etc.

3. 律师费用
   视代理范围与复杂度而定，通常 $600–$1,500/类起。

4. Attorney Fees
   Range from roughly $600–$1,500 per class depending on scope and complexity.

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八、简要流程图（中英文对照）
检索 Search → 策略确定 Strategy → 电子申请 E-filing → 实审 Examination → 公告 Publication → （如 1(b)）使用声明 Statement of Use → 领证 Registration → 监控与续展 Monitoring & Renewal

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结语 Conclusion
美国商标体系“先使用”优先，但联邦注册依然是保护与增值的重要手段。充分的前期检索、正确的申请基础选择以及对关键时点的把控，能显著提高注册成功率并降低后期风险。
The United States is a “first-to-use” jurisdiction, yet federal registration remains critical for brand protection and value creation. Thorough clearance, the right filing basis, and strict deadline management will greatly enhance success rates and mitigate future risk.