Why register?
If your bank, your customers or suppliers require you to register your business name or logo, submitting the application would register the mark on the state level.
Who does it help?
Registration of a Trademark makes it a public record and enables consumers to identify the owner of a business.
Will I own the trademark?
Registration of a Trademark in Wisconsin does not give ownership; it does make it a public record that the registration is being used. Rights and ownership in Wisconsin of a Trademark are gained through usage, not through the registration.
How long does a trademark registration last in Wisconsin?
The registration expires 10 years from the date of registration unless you renew the registration within six months of the date of expiration.
Is a trademark registration required in Wisconsin?
No, the registration is not required, but is a good way to notify the public of the use of a certain name or mark. Because it is not required the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) has only a partial listing of marks in use by businesses/individuals operating in Wisconsin.
How do I file a trademark online?
You can create a free user account in the Trademark File Online system. Once the review of the document is completed, you will receive an email with the results or you can view the results in your online submission history for 90 days.
Does the Registration, Renewal and Assignment need to be notarized?
Yes, most trademark filings are required to be notarized. Once your application is filled out online, you will print the application and “save application for later date” in your online account. The application can then be signed in the presence of a notary and the notarized form can be uploaded for submission upon returning to your saved online filing.
How much does a Trademark cost to register?
There is a $15 filing fee for each name, phrase, design, or logo to be registered. Each trademark requires a separate application.
How much does a cancellation or change of address or contact information cost?
All trademark filings are done online. Cancellations and amendments are free to file.
How do I know if someone else is using it?
Search the internet, DFI trademark data base by using Trademark Search, telephone books, trade journals and other publications to be certain you are not infringing on another party’s rights.
How can I search for trademarks already registered in Wisconsin?
You can click on Trademark Search in the main menu dropdown to search our filing system. You must create a free user account, once you have logged into your account you may perform basic and advanced searches for no fee.
Who can register a Trademark?
Trademarks or tradenames applications may be filed with the Trademarks Bureau by an individual or any type of business organization or entity, provided the mark is not currently registered with the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI). Please note, however, that filing a tradename for an entity is NOT the same as registering that entity to do business in Wisconsin, and it does not reserve the entity name for exclusive use within the state’s business records system. To create a new entity, to register an existing entity to do business in this state, or to reserve an entity name in the state’s business records system, see the Business Entities section on this website.
Can a Trademark be an entity’s name?
Yes, but note that filing a trademark or trade name for an entity is NOT the same as registering that entity to do business in Wisconsin, and it does not reserve the entity name for exclusive use within the state’s business records system. To create a new entity, to register an existing entity to do business in this state, or to reserve an entity name in the state’s business records system, see the Business Entities section on this website.
No. The Department of Financial Institutions has no authority to determine who has rights to a mark. Any conflicts must be resolved by the parties involved, or by the courts.
How do I register on a federal level?
You will need to check with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for questions about federal registration.
Contact Us
Phone: (608) 266-8915
Email:DFI-Trademark@dfi.wisconsin.gov
Mailing Address:
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
Division of Corporate and Consumer Services
PO Box 7847
Madison, WI 53707-7847
Physical Address:
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
Division of Corporate and Consumer Services
4822 Madison Yards Way, North Tower
Madison, WI 53705