Tips from the Trademark Insider: Keep Records of Key Information Concerning Your Trademarks.

Keep records of relevant information relating to your trademarks. If your mark is ever challenged, it will be helpful to have evidence of use and records relating to the first use date for each of the associated goods/services. “First use” has a legal definition.

With respect to goods, “first use” means the date when the goods bearing the mark are actually sold or transported in commerce. “First use” with respect to services means the date the mark is used or displayed in the sale or advertising of services and the services are rendered in commerce.

The Trademark Company