Question 1

What is a trademark?

Accepted Answer

A trademark is a source identifier. It's how you identify your business in the marketplace and includes your business name, logo, slogan, product/service names, and more. Trademarks create your business identity.

Question 2

What can be registered as a trademark?

Accepted Answer

Almost anything you use to identify your business in the marketplace can be registered as a trademark.  Common Trademarks:  - business name; - logo; - slogan; and - product, service, and course names.  Uncommon Trademarks  - a sound (MGM lion roar); - a smell (Flowery Musk Scent in Verizon stores) - a color (UPS brown, Tiffany blue, 3M purple)  There are various other source identifiers that can be registered as a trademark.

Question 3

Benefits of Trademark Registration?

Accepted Answer

There are many benefits of registering your trademark. Here's a few:  Ownership. Without a registered trademark you do not own your business name, logo, slogan, etc. Other businesses can use your exact or similar business name, logo, slogan, etc. With a registered trademark you gain ownership of your trademark and become the only business in the entire country that can use your business name, logo, slogan, etc.   Avoid $10,000 Rebranding Expense. You are at risk of losing your business name, logo, slogan, etc. You can lose your trademark if someone registers your trademark before you do. If this happens you will be forced to rebrand your business which can cost $10,000 or more. In 2021 943,928 trademark applications were filed (thats over 2,500 applications per day).    Stop Copycats Without Filing a Lawsuit. Protecting your business identity in the digital world is becoming increasingly important. Social media, youtube, and the metaverse are places where copycats can dilute your brand. With a registered trademark you can remove copycat accounts without filing a lawsuit.

Question 4

How long does it take to register my trademark?

Accepted Answer

Trademark registration is not instantaneous nor a fast process. The time from submitting an application to registration can take up-to 12 months or more.

Question 5

When should I register my trademark?

Accepted Answer

Before Launch. Conducting an in-depth trademark risk analysis and registering your trademark are steps that should be take before a business is launched.  As Soon as Possible. If you've launched your business, then its best to register your trademark as soon as possible. Waiting to register your trademark is a dangerous game and can result in increased registration cost to losing your trademark. To learn more visit 5 Reasons to Register Your Trademark Now

Brand Activator Law Firm

Understanding

Trademarks

An Overview of Trademark Basics with Attorney Walker