A Trademark Letter of Protest: What is it?

A letter of protest serves as an informal but impactful way for a third party to bring attention to potential problems with a recently filed trademark application. It allows this party to argue for the rejection of the trademark application. These letters are sent to the Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Trademark Examination Policy and are reviewed by them. If they find the concerns raised in the letter valid, they will then pass it on to the examining attorney for further consideration.