Currently, Amazon sellers cannot enjoy all of the benefits of Brand Registry without first securing a U.S. trademark registration from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), a process that can take up to a year. IP Accelerator is an Amazon-specific program designed to provide businesses with a quick and trusted route to obtain intellectual property (IP) protection by registering trademarks. In connection with Amazon’s IP Accelerator program, Amazon has represented that you will have early access to Brand Registry if you file a trademark application with our firm.

Enrolling in Amazon Brand Registry will give access to the following brand protection benefits:

Proactive brand protections: Amazon will use information provided about the brand to implement protections that attempt to proactively identify and remove potentially bad listings that could harm the brand and Amazon customers.

Powerful search and reporting tools: Participants will have access to the Report a Violation tool that provides powerful text and image-based searching capabilities and simplifies the process of reporting potential infringement with multiple features designed specifically for brands.

Other brand-building features: Sellers will be able to further build and grow their business on Amazon by taking advantage of powerful tools designed for brands such as Enhanced Brand Content (EBC) product detail pages, Brand Stores, Sponsored Brands, and the Brand Dashboard.

Do I Need to Be a Current Seller on Amazon to Enroll in Brand Registry or Use IP Accelerator Services?

No. You can apply for a trademark through IP Accelerator before you begin selling products on Amazon. If you are a current seller, that’s OK too! If you are currently selling products anywhere in the U.S. (i.e. via your website, Amazon, eBay, or any other e-commerce platform or storefront), we can file an “actual use” application because you are “actually using” the mark in commerce. If you are not yet selling, but want to get set up for Brand Registry, we can file an “intent-to-use” application. We will be happy to discuss what works best for you after we receive your questionnaire (filling out this questionnaire is the first step towards working with us).

Can I Use IP Accelerator Services if I’ve Already Submitted a Trademark Application?

IP Accelerator is focused on brands that are just starting the IP protection process. If you have already filed a trademark application, you have the following options:

• Option 1: Proceed with Your Existing Application

  • Under this option, you can hire our firm to take over the existing application and respond to any office action issued by the trademark office (if any). However, this existing application cannot be used in the IP Accelerator program. We charge a flat fee of $250 to take over a pending application not filed by our firm. This flat fee covers services and expenses that normally would have been captured in the flat fees we charge to initially file the application. Click here to learn more about our fees and what they cover.

• Option 2: Refile for the Same Mark

  • If you’re concerned that your current application might not be set up correctly, you can voluntarily withdraw it. Our firm can then re-start the process for you. Under this option, you may join Brand Registry shortly after we refile the application and only the new, refiled application will proceed at the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO). If your original application received a technical refusal, we may be able to correct the issue in the refiled application.

• Option 3: File a Slightly Different Application

  • Alternatively, we can file a different, second, application that either covers a different product not covered in the first application, or perhaps includes a different type of mark (word mark vs. design mark). Under this option, both the first and second applications will proceed at the same time at the USPTO. We would use the second application to gain entry to Brand Registry and the first application could be added to the Brand Registry account if it registers in the future.

There are two types of trademarks: word marks and design marks. Both can qualify for Brand Registry. However, Brand Registry only accepts word marks and design marks with words, letters, or numbers. Logos without words, letters, or numbers do not qualify. See the chart below for examples.

Word marks and design marks require separate trademark application types. It’s usually best to apply for both to ensure the broadest protection possible, but that does mean you’ll need to pay two sets of fees. If you don’t want to pay two sets of fees, we usually recommend applying for a word mark before a design mark. Once you have submitted your questionnaire, we will be in touch to discuss which option is best for you.

Ready to Get Started? Have Questions?

Whether you’re ready to work with us or you just want more information, the first step is to get in touch with us. Tap the button below and tell us about yourself.

We’ll follow up within one business day to start you on the path to Brand Registry.