Reviewed by Thomas Phung, Esq., trademark attorney · Updated October 2026
Short answer: If someone is using a name confusingly similar to yours, or you receive a cease-and-desist letter, act quickly but do not panic. Most disputes are resolved through a letter, a negotiated agreement or a USPTO opposition or cancellation, not a lawsuit. These guides cover enforcement, defense, monitoring and the scams that target trademark owners.
When someone copies your brand
- Someone Is Using My Trademark. What Should I Do? — Found another business using your name or logo? Here are the steps to document it, check your rights, and choose the right response, from a letter to a lawsuit.
- Is a Competitor Bidding on Your Trademark in Google Ads? — Competitors can often bid on your brand as a keyword, but they cannot use it in confusing ad text. Here is what is allowed and what you can do about it.
- Trademark Monitoring: Why Minnesota Businesses Need Ongoing Brand Protection — Discover why trademark monitoring is essential for ongoing brand protection. Read our ultimate guide for Minnesota businesses on catching conflicts early.
- Trademark Maintenance & Enforcement related News & Resources — Explore trademark maintenance and enforcement-related news and resources. Learn about USPTO requirements and active brand protection duties.
- Outkast vs. Ovrkast: What the High-Profile Trademark Dispute Means for Minnesota Businesses — The recent lawsuit between legendary hip-hop group Outkast and rising rapper Ovrkast offers a timely reminder that trademark disputes are not limited to
When you receive a demand
- Received a Trademark Cease-and-Desist Letter? What to Do Next — A trademark cease-and-desist letter is not a lawsuit, but it needs a careful response. Here is how to evaluate the claim and choose your next move.
- What Is a Trademark Opposition, and How Do You Respond? — A trademark opposition is a challenge filed at the TTAB after your mark is published. Learn the deadlines, how the process works, and how most cases end.
Trademark scams
- How Minnesota Trademark Applicants Can Spot Trademark Scams, Including pto-us.com — Got a trademark letter or email that looks like it’s from the USPTO? Learn how Minnesota trademark applicants spot fake notices, look-alike sites like…
- How Minnesota Federal Trademark Applicants Can Spot Trademark Scams Including www.pto-us.com and Other Fraud Sites — How Minnesota trademark applicants can recognize look-alike sites such as www.pto-us.com, fake USPTO notices, and other filing scams before paying.
- Trademark Application Scam Alert for Minnesota Federal Trademark Applicants: Beware of Fraudulent “USPTO Verification” Emails from Teas@tsdrlawoffice.com — Trademark applicants are receiving fraudulent “USPTO verification” emails from Teas@tsdrlawoffice.com. How to recognize them and what to do.
Related services
- Trademark opposition & cancellation services — Filing or defending TTAB oppositions and cancellation proceedings.
- Trademark dispute resolution — Resolving conflicts through demand letters, negotiation and coexistence agreements.
- Trademark infringement analysis — An attorney opinion on whether a competing use infringes, or whether your use is at risk.
- Brand monitoring & enforcement — Watching new filings and the marketplace for copycats, then acting early.
More trademark guides
- Trademark Costs & Hiring a Trademark Attorney
- Trademark Basics, Search & Filing Process
- Trademark Office Actions & Rejections
- Trademark Guides by Industry & Business Type
- Trademark FAQ (75+ questions)
- Service areas
- All trademark services
Questions about your own mark? Call (651) 222-3776 or book a free consultation.