For general questions about the procedures for obtaining and maintaining a registration, callers may telephone the Trademark Assistance Center (TAC) at (571) 272-9250 or (800) 786-9199, or email TAC at TrademarkAssistanceCenter@uspto.gov. See TMEP §108.02 for more information regarding TAC.

However, USPTO employees may not:

1. conduct trademark searches for the public (see TMEP §104);
2. comment on the validity of registered marks (see TMEP §1801);
3. answer questions as to whether a particular mark or type of mark is eligible for registration;
4. offer legal advice or opinions about a mark’s eligibility for registration, common-law trademark rights, state registrations, or trademark infringement claims; or
5. aid in the selection of a private trademark attorney or search firm (37 C.F.R. §2.11(a) ).

For a legal opinion about a trademark matter, a party must consult a private U.S.-licensed trademark attorney. The USPTO cannot aid in the selection of an attorney. 37 C.F.R. §2.11(a). To find the names of private attorneys who are licensed to practice law in the U.S. and handle trademark matters, consult telephone listings or the internet, or contact the attorney referral service of a U.S. state or local bar association (see the American Bar Association’s Consumers’ Guide to Legal Help). Information about selecting a U.S.-licensed trademark attorney is also available on the USPTO website.

See TMEP §104 regarding trademark search systems.

See TMEP §1806 regarding contacts with third parties about ex parte matters.