Natasha Shabani

When launching a new restaurant or food or beverage company, your plate is likely full enough. To add to the pile, this last year was no stranger to delays and pivots for businesses. And we’ve been noticing one more delay that may impact your new venture. Last month, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) posted a blog entry on its website addressing a development that trademark practitioners have been aware of for months: trademark applications have surged to unprecedented levels. This is causing a substantial delay in reviewing new trademark applications and other actions on the part of the USPTO. The impact of these delays on new restaurant and food businesses, among other industries, may be significant.