Trademarks are important to protect your brand identity. Your business name, products, or services, need to be protected by trademark & copyright attorneys to keep competitors from imitating you. Trademarks are also necessary to build profit in your business through licensing.

A trademark is a special type of symbol, word, or logo that a business or nonprofit organization uses to identify its products or services. It is like a unique badge that sets your business apart from others in the eyes of your customers. Trademarks can be essential for small businesses and nonprofit organizations for several reasons.

Brand Recognition:

Trademarks help people remember your business or nonprofit. When they see your trademark, they immediately know it is associated with your specific products or services. For example, think about the famous apple with a bite taken out of it – what company does that bring to mind?  That is what a registered trademark can do for your business.

Protection:

Trademarks legally protect your brand from being used by others without your permission. This means no one else can use a similar name, logo, or symbol that might confuse your customers. This helps prevent others from riding on the reputation and success of your business or nonprofit.  This also builds value.  A registered trademark is an asset which can be bought, sold, and licensed.  This can provide your business with additional revenue streams and opportunities.

Trust and Credibility:

Having a trademark can make your business or nonprofit appear more professional and trustworthy in the eyes of customers, donors, and partners. It shows that you are serious about what you do.

Additional Revenue: 

Once you have your trademark registered, it is important to consider how to leverage those assets to increase profitability.  A licensing agreement is the best way to leverage your intellectual property, by allowing others access for a fee.  Licensing legally protected trademarks can provide strategic and marketing benefits to your business.  This can open up doors to co-branding opportunities, partnerships, and increases in brand awareness.   Use your registered trademark to build marketing visibility, enhance your brand image and exposure.  Licensing is a much neglected area that can generate significant additional revenue and profits.

Trademark Services Include:

  • Trademark Clearance Searches
  • Trademark Application Preparation
  • Office Action Responses
  • Trademark Monitoring
  • Trademark Change of Ownership
  • Trademark Portfolio Management
  • Trademark Renewal Filings
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Trademark FAQs

Trademarks can be words, phrases, symbols, designs, or a combination of these, that identify and distinguish the source of goods or services of one party from those of others. This includes brand names, slogans, and logos. Even sounds, colors, and smells can be trademarked if they uniquely identify a product or service. The key is distinctiveness – the trademark must be recognizable and distinct enough to be associated with a specific product or service.

In the United States, as long as the trademark is used in commerce and defended against infringement, it can last indefinitely. Trademark rights are maintained through continued use and periodic renewals. Generally, trademark registrations must be renewed every 10 years, with declarations of continued use filed between the 5th and 6th year after registration.

Trademarks are distinctive signs or symbols used by a business or individual to identify and differentiate their products or services from those of others. They serve as an indication of origin and a guarantee of consistent quality. Trademarks help consumers identify and select goods or services based on the reputation and quality associated with the trademarked symbol or word.

Registering a trademark typically involves several stages: (1) Preparing: Conducting a thorough search to ensure the mark is unique; (2) Filing: Submitting an application to the trademark office; (3) Examination: The office reviews the application for compliance with legal requirements; (4) Publication: The mark is published for opposition by third parties; and (5) Registration: If no opposition is filed or if opposition is overcome, the mark is registered.

Registering a trademark provides legal protection, ensuring exclusive rights to use the mark on or in connection with the goods/services listed in the registration. It helps prevent others from using a similar mark that could cause confusion. Registered trademarks can deter others from using your brand without permission, and provides a legal basis to enforce your rights nationwide.

Yes, there are fees associated with registering a trademark. The cost varies depending on the number of classes of goods/services the mark will be registered for and the method of filing. Fees are usually paid at the time of application submission and during the renewal process. It’s advisable to check the current fees on the official trademark office website or consult with a trademark attorney for up-to-date information.

No, trademarks and copyrights protect different types of intellectual property. A trademark is a symbol, word, or phrase legally registered or established by use as representing a company or product. It’s used to protect brand names and logos. Copyright, on the other hand, protects original works of authorship, like books, music, and art. Trademarks protect brand identity, while copyrights protect creative and artistic expression.