Trademarks in Patent Claims

Can I use a trademark in a patent claim?

The quick answer is yes, but the follow-up question is why? Is there a specific reason that a particular type of product needs to be named – can the generic name for the product itself not be identified? Patent examination rules do permit the use a trade name or a registered trademark in the claim of a patent, however, it will likely spark a rejection.

First, it is important that, if a trademark is used in a claim, it must be used correctly. As is well-established under trademark law, a trademark should be used as an adjective, not a noun; it describes and identifies the source of a product, it does not describe and identify the product itself. Therefore, using a trademark in isolation will almost certainly solicit a rejection for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the inventive subject matter.

So, if a trademark has to be used, it should be used properly. Nonetheless, if a trademark does appear in a claim, the Examiner will probably still question why it is necessary, and may issue a rejection to raise that question. If you don’t address that question successfully, the application will never grant as a patent.