Deadline-sensitive: You typically have 3 months from the office action issue date to respond (extendable to 6). Miss it and your application is abandoned.

Received an office action
from the USPTO?

An office action isn't a rejection. It's a legal challenge that requires a precise, strategic response. The wrong response, or no response, can permanently end your trademark application.

What happens if you don't respond?
Your application is abandoned. You lose your filing date and priority rights
Competitors can file for the same mark, cutting in line ahead of you
You start completely over, paying all fees again from scratch

Don't wait. Tell me the issue date on your office action and I'll confirm your exact deadline.

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What You're Dealing With

Not all office actions are the same

The USPTO issues office actions when an examining attorney finds an issue with your application. Some are straightforward procedural fixes. Others require substantive legal argument. Knowing which type you have, and how to respond, determines whether your application survives.

I handle both. And if your application was filed by a DIY service or another attorney, I can step in and take over the response.

Procedural

Non-Substantive

Technical or administrative issues the USPTO needs corrected. Often straightforward to resolve with the right documentation or amendment.

  • Specimen refusals
  • Identification of goods/services
  • Disclaimers required
  • Entity or address clarification
  • Notice of Allowance responses
From $597

Not sure which type you received?

Substantive refusals typically cite likelihood of confusion or merely descriptive in the subject line. Non-substantive ones mention specimens, identification issues, or amendments. When in doubt, send it to me and I'll tell you exactly what you're facing.

Send Me Your Office Action
How I Handle It

What happens when you reach out

01

You share the office action

Forward it to me or upload it in our consultation. I review it and identify exactly what the USPTO is asking for and why.

02

I build the response strategy

Depending on the type, I draft legal arguments, gather supporting evidence, amend the application, or a combination of all three.

03

Filed before your deadline

I submit the response to the USPTO well within your deadline. You get a copy and I monitor for the examiner's reply.

Client Feedback

What clients say

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Michelle helped with the research and registration for our business trademark. She was very helpful, informative and knew exactly what we needed to have a successful registration. I am proud to display our US trademark certificate at our office."

M.S., Business Owner
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Working with Michelle was a great experience. She was very professional, knowledgeable and compassionate. She returned my calls and emails promptly and was always punctual to our meetings. I would recommend her to my family and friends."

C.K., Client
FAQ

Still unsure what you have?

Send me your office action and I'll review it as part of your consultation. $47 virtual / $97 in person. The fee is credited toward your services.

Book a Consultation
An office action is a formal letter from a USPTO examining attorney explaining why your trademark application can't move forward as filed. It's not a final rejection. It's a challenge that requires a written response with legal argument and/or documentation. The quality of your response determines whether your application survives.
You have 3 months from the office action issue date to respond at no extra charge, extendable up to 6 months for $125 per additional month. If no response is filed by the final deadline, your application is abandoned with no path to reinstatement. Reach out as soon as you receive it.
Yes. I handle office action responses for applications filed anywhere: other attorneys, LegalZoom, Trademark Engine, or pro se applicants. Bring me the office action and the original application and I'll take it from there.
Non-substantive office actions are procedural: wrong specimen, goods description needs clarification, disclaimer required. These are typically fixable with the right documentation. Substantive office actions are legal refusals. The USPTO is saying your mark conflicts with an existing one, or isn't registrable as-is. These require legal argument and are the ones that really need an attorney.
If your application has been abandoned, there may still be options: a petition to revive (if abandoned unintentionally within 2 months) or a new application. Contact me immediately and I'll tell you what's still possible.
Yes. Payment plans are available on both non-substantive and substantive responses. Ask about options when you schedule your consultation.
Ready to Act?

Your deadline is counting down. Let's get your response filed.

I respond within 24 hours, usually same day. The sooner we start, the more time we have to build the strongest possible response.

Schedule a Consultation Call 916.520.4040