In today’s global market, protecting a business’s intellectual property is crucial to ensuring a solid business foundation and on-going success. A trademark is a logo, phrase, or word that identifies a certain business or seller of goods or services. Trademarks make it easier for consumers to easily identify the source of a product. Trademark law protects a business’s identity or brand.
Getting a Trademark search is critical to ensuring that your business is not infringing on another business’s Trademark. And, if the Trademark you want to register is available, registering your Trademark dissuades other businesses from adopting a logo or name that is similar to your Trademark. Because Trademarks apply nationwide, protecting your business Trademark gives others notice of your exclusive right to the use of your Trademark throughout the United States.
When you register your mark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, you are permitted to use the registration symbol ®. Unregistered marks can only use the symbols TM for trademarks or SM for service marks. A registered trademark also provides you with standing to pursue infringement actions in federal court.
You can file a trademark application on a logo, phrase, or word that is in use now or that will be in use in the future. The Trademark search and application process typically takes roughly a year or longer. There may be one or two office actions with an examiner to determine or clarify the class of goods/service as well as the geographic restrictions. It is imperative to have a Trademark attorney assist you or your business in completing this process, to ensure it takes as little time as possible, and your business logo, phrase, or word is protected properly.
Contact us today to discuss your specific trademark law needs and schedule an appointment.
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