Billwilke...I probably posted about this last year...........I have a phrase that i want to lisense...............So at the advice of my uncle/lawyer i used Legal Zoom/cost was low.......It is a great service as you can actually speak to some one along the way...........After completon of the paper work you have to wait for the results ...

     In my case i just logged on to the USPTO's TARR web server...You can see the progress........The USPTO also will let you know the time frames, and of course you can go to their web site and it will give you an education on the process.....

As an example first you get a Assignment # or serial #.....If your paper work is in order then it is entered in TRAM, then you receive a notice of Pseudo mark .........It is then assigned to an examiner......You are given the name of the examinar and his location, but i never contacted him and i have no idea if you are allowed.........

     About 5 months after i applied i was approved for publication.....This of course means that the examinar feels/believes that i am not infriging on anothers trademark......Then your trademark is put out for the public to see.....The publication is the USPTO's gazette / online / and it is listed for 30 days.........Anyone who wants to oppose can do so................This process  is called published for opposition................

     Hey after 7 months i was approved without being contested............My approval is on a basis / intent of use......I have not lisensed the phrase, so if i do not sell it, i have a 6 month window or all my work is lost ...Come November i can ask for an extention/every 6 months for 3 years.............I have been dragging my butt but  of course i like my name/brand..........Everyone likes the concept and i asked a wealthy cousin in Calif during PTSC SHM and his advice was to go it alone because it will be stolen.....Bummer.......That is not possible as i am not a marketing expert.......................Just like Moore and Fish needed each other,, you need to leverage your talents......

     So, in conclusion my first reaction was that HEY, i was approved, it must be a mistake.....lol.........Yes as we know things can always be challenged and right does not always win..............Looking for a better word, but i will say that we/PTSC will need some luck, because no matter if you are in the right ,,,,things can happen......Up and to the right............Larry