MightyRecruiterIf there are certain words, devices, names or symbols you’d like to associate with your company, you might be thinking about trademark protection. Trademarks apply to both services and products, and it’s best that you enlist the help of an experienced and reputable attorney with a background in trademark registration. There might be an abundance of information waiting to be discovered online, but there’s no guarantee that information is accurate, trustworthy or up-to-date. Cut your losses and reduce your hassle by opting for legal assistance from a professional.
Understanding Trademark
To make your attorney’s job a bit easier, educate yourself on the basics of trademark. When you become the owner of a trademark, you have the legal right to utilize that mark as you see fit and take actions to prevent other businesses or individuals from using a mark that’s similar and might confuse the general public as to which company the mark belongs. Rather than being registered with the federal government before you’re allowed to own a trademark, you instead only have to use a mark that’s linked with a service or product that’s both legitimate and in commerce.
Applying for a Federal Trademark
There are advantages to registering your trademark with the federal government. Such advantages include saving on printing costs for your business cards and stationery should you find out another company has a name that’s the same or similar to yours, and retaining the option to expand your business outside of your original business area. If you do decide to register, ensure that your application has your name and address, a depiction of your trademark, whatever services and/or goods are associated with the mark, and the filing fee.
Trademark Attorneys
While the above seems like a straightforward process that can be done without the help of a trademark attorney, it’s still best that you hire one. Trademark attorneys help you search existing trademarks and gather all of the materials you need to register your trademark, lowering the chances of your application being rejected. Another reason to secure the services of a trademark attorney is that you might need her or him later if you ever find yourself embroiled in a trademark infringement case. It’s always best to have legal assistance on hand before you encounter legal issues. The reason for this is that time is often of the essence in legal matters, and the time you waste looking for a good attorney is time you can spend on your case. Save yourself time and possibly even money by taking the proactive approach to your company’s trademark.
Questions to Ask Your Trademark Attorney
To get the most out of your relationship with your trademark attorney, there are a few specific questions you’ll want to ask. What kinds of things can you trademark? You might be surprised to learn that you can trademark a product design and even a sound, such as a series of musical notes associated with your business. Your attorney can help you decide what to register and what kind of trademark register will work best for your needs.
How do you choose a strong trademark name? Your current business name may or may not be suitable for a trademark. While the name of your business may identify your geographic area and the products or services you provide (Seattle Drip Coffee, for instance), that doesn’t mean it can be trademarked. Trademark attorneys can help you to better understand the most current trademark rules and help you determine how strong your business name is.
As you can see, a trademark attorney’s services can go quite a long way in improving your business and your understanding of trademark law. Look for a reputable attorney in your area and start your business down the path to trademark success.
Legal Disclaimer
The content on our website is only meant to provide general information and is not legal advice. We make our best efforts to make sure the information is accurate, but we cannot guarantee it. Do not rely on the content as legal advice. For assistance with legal problems or for a legal inquiry please contact you attorney.