Trademark Opposition
Trademark opposition occurs when a third party formally challenges your trademark application after it has been published for public review. This usually happens if someone believes your trademark conflicts with their existing rights or could cause confusion in the marketplace. The opposition is filed with the trademark office, and the applicant has the opportunity to respond with evidence to support the registration. If the opposition is successful, your application may be refused, and the trademark will not be registered. However, if the opposition is overcome, the registration process will continue. It’s crucial to prepare a strong defense and seek legal counsel to protect your brand during this process.