Detroit Hudson's development nears securing trademarks after challenges

The downtown Hudson's development is nearing approval for the trademarks of its historic name , having previously encountered difficulties registering it.

Why it matters: The highly anticipated $1.4 billion development, set to be Michigan's second tallest building after the RenCen, is located on the site of the iconic former J.L. Hudson department store.

• The construction project, which has yet to announce an opening timeline, remained unnamed for years but was consistently referred to as "Hudson's."

Flashback: In a process that began in September, developer Bedrock applied for trademarks and was initially rejected by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), in part because of a "likelihood of confusion" with other trademarks.

• A back-and-forth ensued to appeal the rejection in March and take the application out of suspension.

The latest: Bedrock's "Hudson's Detroit" trademark applications got preliminary approval in July, the Free Press first reported .

• The trademarks are set to publish in the USPTO's "Trademark Official Gazette" on Tuesday, according to the USPTO .
• Then anyone can file a notice of opposition for 30 days, and if there are no objections, the office will proceed with registration.

The intrigue: Businesses don't need to register a trademark with the USPTO to use it. But the USPTO says registration allows for stronger interstate rights and protections over the trademarked words, symbols or designs.