Why LegalZoom Should Be Your Last Trademark Registration Option
"I paid LegalZoom $1,400 to do everything on my own."
Last month we spoke with a client of ours to learn more about this Client's experience with LegalZoom. Client started her trademark registration journey with LegalZoom before running into problems and ultimately retaining us to complete her trademark registration.
Client stated she paid LegalZoom $1,400 to register her trademark in two classes and her experience was as follows:
completed a form on the LegalZoom website,
selected trademark classes without assistance from LegalZoom,
was on hold for long amounts of time,
was unable to speak with anyone at LegalZoom, and
did not speak with an attorney.
Additionally, LegalZoom did not provide any of the following services:
consultation to discuss trademark,
a trademark clearance search to determine trademark viability, or
review her completed form for accuracy or ask clarifying questions.
During the discussion, Client stated
"I paid LegalZoom $1,400 to do everything on my own."
What Went Wrong With LegalZoom?
When asked what went wrong with LegalZoom, Client stated she received a cease and desist letter from a law firm stating her trademark was too similar to their client's registered trademark and if she continued with her trademark application the law firm would oppose her application. Further, Client stated LegalZoom did not offer any assistance with responding to the cease and desist letter.
"LegalZoom just sent me an email basically saying this isn't going to work"
When asked if LegalZoom offered any assistance, even for an additional fee, to assist with the cease and desist letter, Client stated no, they didn't offer me any help.
Why LegalZoom Should Be Your Last Trademark Option
LegalZoom is an attractive option for trademark registration because of its low cost. After learning more about our Client's experience with LegalZoom, we concluded: LegalZoom should be your last trademark option.
A. LegalZoom is a Document Service Provider. It Does Not Provide Trademark Assistance
LegalZoom's Terms of Use ("TOU") states their website only provides automated software solutions and users of their software will be representing themselves in any legal matter.
"Legalzoom.com provides an online portal to... provide an automated software solution to individuals who choose to prepare their own legal documents."
