Founders — Internal

TRADEMARK
FILINGS

Two marks to file. Two classes each. File yourself on USPTO.gov — no attorney needed to get started.

T
Tay Tay Note

Searched both exact phrases — "Hot Girl Accessories" and "Stay Hot Don't Be Ugly" — across all USPTO classes. No existing trademark in any category for either.

Did an individual search for Kevin. No trademarks found under his name.

Did a corporate entity search. The only thing that came up was Dog Republic — nothing else recent that would be his.

Also searched "Secret Bird Society" — no existing trademark in any category.

What to File

Both marks below are word marks (USPTO calls them “standard character marks”). That means you're protecting the words themselves — in any font, color, size, or design. This is broader and more valuable than a logo mark. File words first.

Word Mark

HOT GIRL ACCESSORIES

Not filed

Your brand name. Protects the phrase everywhere — on product, in marketing, online — regardless of how it's styled.

Word Mark — Slogan

STAY HOT DON'T BE UGLY

Not filed

Your slogan. Slogans are protectable once consumers associate them with your brand — you're there. File alongside the brand name.

Design Mark — File Separately

HGA Logo

Not yet

The stylized HGA lettermark is a separate filing — a “design mark.” It only protects that specific visual. Because word marks give broader protection, file those first and add the logo mark later as a second layer.

Classes to File In

The USPTO fee is per class, not per product. Within each class you can list as many goods as you want for the same $250. Pack each class description with everything that applies to you now.

25
Clothing, Footwear & Headgear
$250 — covers all of the below
File This
Paste this into TEAS

Grip socks; Athletic socks; Socks; Hats; Baseball caps; Headwear; Beanies; Headbands; Athletic apparel, namely, leggings, shorts, and tops

Add any apparel category you sell or plan to sell — one class covers it all.

35
Retail & Online Store Services
Skip for now — file if you open a physical store or expand wholesale significantly
18
Bags & Leather Accessories
Skip for now — file if you expand into bags, pouches, or carry goods
What It Costs
$250
Per class, per mark
TEAS Plus
1
Classes to file
Class 25 only
2
Marks to file
HGA + slogan
$500
Total
All in, no attorney

Use TEAS Plus ($250/class) — same process as TEAS Standard, just cheaper. You must pick descriptions from the USPTO ID Manual exactly and agree to all-electronic correspondence. Do this.

How to File
1
Search first

Go to tmsearch.uspto.gov → Basic Word Mark Search. Search both marks. If you see a live mark that looks similar in Classes 25 or 35, stop and reassess before paying fees.

2
Create a USPTO.gov account

Free. You need this to file. Go to USPTO.gov and register.

3
Start a TEAS Plus application

Go to teas.uspto.gov. One application per mark. Select 'TEAS Plus.' Filing basis: Section 1(a) — Use in Commerce (you're already selling).

4
Add Class 25 + paste the description

Select Class 25. Use the exact description from the box above — it's pulled from the USPTO ID Manual so it'll pass TEAS Plus validation.

5
Upload a specimen

A specimen proves you're using the mark in commerce. Good options: photo of your socks or hat with the mark visible, or a screenshot of your website showing the mark next to a product listing. One photo is enough.

6
Pay and submit

$250 per mark × 2 marks = $500 total. After filing you'll get a serial number — save it. An examiner reviews your application within 3–6 months.

7
Watch your email

The USPTO will email you if they have questions (an 'Office Action'). You have 3 months to respond. If approved, your mark publishes for 30 days, then registration issues ~3 months later. Total timeline: 12–18 months.

This page is a reference guide, not legal advice. If the USPTO issues a substantive refusal (likelihood of confusion, descriptiveness rejection), that's the moment to bring in a trademark attorney. The upfront search and filing you can do yourself.