>  **[Frequently Asked Questions]{.underline}**

# **Why is the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)** **hosting a National Trademark Expo?**

The USPTO is bringing back the Trademark Expo after a 10-year hiatus to
illustrate the value of protecting brand names in the increasingly
competitive global marketplace. The Trademark Expo will focus on
educating the public about the value and important role trademarks play
in our society and the global marketplace. The USPTO will also be
showcasing its new campus and the impact of the electronic filing and
processing of trademark applications.

>  

# **What type of displays does the USPTO wish to exhibit?**

The Expo will include themed displays, company booths, costumed
characters and much more. Exhibit themes could include, but are not
limited to: celebrity trademarks, trademarks identifying products often
subject to counterfeit, unusual trademarks (sound, scent, color,
configurations, motion marks, etc.), certification trademarks,
trademarks commonly mistaken as generic, the breadth of trademarks used
by one source, the evolution of certain trademarks, people behind the
names of trademarks, 100 year old trademarks, and interesting stories
about trademarks and their creation.

Examples of the types of exhibits the USPTO might display include, but
certainly are not limited to:

(a) *Exhibit featuring 100-year-old marks. Purpose: to highlight the
    longevity of certain marks and educate the public on trademark
    holders' successful efforts to maintain valuable consumer brand
    recognition over time.*

(b) *Exhibit featuring the evolution of a mark. Purpose: to showcase the
    historical transformation of a mark and highlight a trademark
    holder's effort's to reach contemporary consumers while continuing
    brand recognition over time.*

(c) *Exhibit featuring authentic and counterfeit goods side by side.
    Purpose: to educate the public on the importance of protecting brand
    names as a symbol of quality in our global market.*

(d) *Exhibit featuring a certification mark that certifies that
    goods/services come from a particular place. Purpose: to educate the
    public on the use of certification marks to certify a particular
    feature of goods/services.*

(e) *Exhibit featuring an audio-visual tape of a motion mark, which is a
    mark that provides protection for a moving element. Purpose: to
    engage the public's interest by showcasing an interesting, unusual
    mark and to educate the public on the variety of types of trademarks
    used in the marketplace.*

(f) *Exhibit featuring marks commonly mistaken as generic. Purpose: to
    educate the public on how trademarks differ from the common
    commercial or generic names of goods and services and highlight the
    steps trademark holders' take to protect their trademarks.*

(g) *Exhibit featuring a configuration mark, design mark, word mark,
    sound mark, and/or slogan all originating from one source. Purpose
    of exhibit: to showcase the breadth of marks used by one source and
    to educate consumers on the variety of types of trademarks used in
    the marketplace.*

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(1) **Who may exhibit? When is the deadline for applications?**

Any registered trademark owner may apply to exhibit. Of particular
interest are exhibits with trademarks that are widely recognized by
consumers, exhibits with trademarks that showcase the value of federal
registration, and exhibits that help ensure the Expo features a wide
variety of different types of trademarks.  The deadline for applications
is February 17, 2009. Apply Now to Exhibit:
<http://www.uspto.gov/surveys/tmexpo2009.htm>

(2) **Who will evaluate the applications for exhibits?**

A committee will be formed to evaluate the proposals for exhibits.

> (**5) How are applicant's evaluated?**

Applicants will be evaluated on the following criteria:

>  -Brand recognition -- What is the consumers' level of brand
> recognition?
>
> -Educational value of the proposed exhibit -- How would the trademark
> holder's participation help educate the public about trademarks?
>
> -Category diversity -- Does the trademark holder's participation help
> ensure the Expo has a wide selection of trademarks?
>
> **(6) When will I know if my proposal for an exhibit is accepted?**

Registered trademark owners who are selected to exhibit in the Expo will
be notified by March 1^st^, 2009

7.  **What accommodations will the USPTO provide for exhibitors? Will
    exhibitors have access to audio-visual equipment and electrical
    outlets?**

The USPTO will provide space for booths. Limited audio-visual equipment
and electrical outlets may be available.

8.  **If I do not have an exhibit for a booth, may I participate in the
    Expo in another way?**

Yes. You may participate by providing costumed characters, inflatable
figures, videotapes, materials for themed exhibits (unusual marks,
evolution of marks, 100 year old marks, etc), and educational booths
about trademarks generally or intellectual property generally. Other
forms of participation are welcome as well.

9.  **Where is the Trademark Expo?**

The expo will be held at the USPTO's headquarters in Alexandria,
Virginia, at 600 Dulany Street, Alexandria VA. Nearest metro is King
Street, blue and yellow lines.

#  **When is the Trademark Expo? What are the hours of operation?**

The expo, a two-day event, will be held from on Friday, May 8 and
Saturday May 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

**(11) Who may attend the Expo? Do I have to pay?**

The event will be free and open to the public. Please note that parking
fees may apply. The USPTO campus is also accessible by Metro via blue
and yellow lines to King Street.

12. **How can I help spread the word about the Trademark Expo?**

You may refer interested individuals to the announcement on the USPTO
website at  [www.USTPO.gov](http://www.USTPO.gov/).** **

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