You’ve completed the Trademark registration process.

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Congratulations! So, what exactly does this mean?

1. You get a Certificate of Registration. This is an official document from the US Patent and Trademark office that can be used as proof of ownership and registration.  

2. Your trademark right is now nationwide (beyond just the “geographic area where the product or service is being offered” - which is what you had before).

3. You now have prima facie (legalese for “rebuttable”) evidence that you hold the mark; this does not mean you will automatically win a trademark dispute - but it really helps!

4. You can start using the ® (instead of just the ™)

5. You will have to file documents periodically to maintain your registration - to show that you are continuing to use the mark in commerce.

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You need to do this:

• 1st,  between the 5th and 6th anniversary of registration date;
• 2nd, between 9th and -10th anniversary;
• and then you need to renew every 10 years

Those are the basics of having a registered trademark - enjoy using that fancy ®!