I live in Canada and filed my trademark (intent to use) with an attorney just a week ago for $500. Now that I understand how to file the statement of use myself, can I do it on my own and withdraw my attorney, or do I need an attorney since I’m not a U.S. citizen? I want to save money because my attorney is charging $400 for the in-use process.
If anyone has helpful advice, please let me know.
Thank you!
From what I understand, non-U.S. citizens usually need a U.S.-licensed attorney for the Statement of Use, but I’ve seen people explore different ways to handle it more affordably. Have you looked into any DIY options, or are you considering sticking with your attorney for now?
Since you are a Canadian resident and have already filed a U.S. trademark application through an attorney, the rules of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) require that foreign-domiciled applicants must have a U.S.-licensed attorney for trademark matters. This requirement applies to all stages of the application process, including filing the Statement of Use (SOU).
I am Canadian and we must file with a US attorney for the trademark.
saw a video on YouTube, and it seems simple to submit a Statement of Use, so I want to do it myself. However, my question is: as a non-U.S. citizen, do I need an attorney?
Filing of trademarks is not just about demonstrating your intent of use. There will be objections and additional procedural steps. It’s definitely recommended to keep your current attorney.
As long as no objections are filled, you won’t be asked to pay anything extra anyway.
As a non-U.S. citizen, you are required to have a U.S.-licensed attorney to represent you before the USPTO, so you cannot withdraw your attorney and file the Statement of Use yourself. The USPTO mandates that foreign applicants work with a licensed attorney to ensure compliance with U.S. trademark laws. While the process of submitting a Statement of Use may seem simple, if any errors occur, it could delay or jeopardize your trademark approval. If cost is a concern, you can consider switching to a more affordable attorney or using a service that specializes in trademark filings at a lower rate.