Copyright vs. Trademark vs. Patent: What’s the Difference and What Should Your Business Protect? The business world is more competitive today than ever before. The margin between success and failure can be razor-thin, which makes protecting your ideas, content, and brand much more than just a legal formality — it’s a necessity. But with so […]
How Do I Respond To A Trademark Office Action From The USPTO? Filing a trademark application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is a big step toward protecting your brand. But it’s not always smooth sailing. Many applicants receive a letter from the USPTO called an “Office Action” — essentially a response from […]
How Do I Run a Free USPTO Trademark Conflict Search? Navigating the complexities of trademark law can feel daunting, especially for small business owners and entrepreneurs trying to protect their brand identities. The key is to take things one step at a time, and conducting a trademark conflict search is an important early step that […]
What Kinds of Things Can I Trademark? If you’re starting a business, launching a brand, or creating a new product, you might wonder what kinds of things you can trademark to protect your brand identity. Trademark law is a powerful tool for safeguarding the unique elements that distinguish your goods or services from competitors. At […]
What is the Difference Between the TM and R Symbols for Trademarks? When you see a business name, logo, or slogan accompanied by a small superscript symbol like ™ or ®, those symbols are telling you something important about the legal status of that mark. For business owners, entrepreneurs, and content creators, understanding the difference […]
How Much Should a Trademark Attorney Cost? When protecting your brand or business identity, engaging a trademark attorney can be one of the smartest investments you make. But how much does a trademark attorney cost? The answer depends on several factors, including the complexity of your trademark application, the services you require, and the attorney’s […]
Absolutely! Many people ask this question as they think they are limited to trademarking just the overall company brand name. However, as long as you’re using a brand to promote a product or service, then that product or service brand might be proper for trademark protection. You can trademark a product line, a service line, […]
A U.S. trademark registration extends to all 50 states and commonwealths, but doesn’t, in and of itself, extend to other countries. However, there are special considerations that United States laws give to other treaty countries through international intellectual property agreements. These treaties give trademark registrations special consideration when an international business applies for trademark registration […]
Can I Trademark My Name? There is no problem in trying to trademark your name. You just have to be careful that you are abiding by the rules of trademark law. Trademark law is class-specific – you can only protect a trademark in the industry of goods and services you provide. Whether large or small […]
What Do I Do If Someone is Using My Mark? The first thing you should do is research that business – see exactly when they began using their mark and how it lines up with your first use. Because trademark law is chronological, whoever used a mark first in a commercial sense has superior rights. […]
