Registering a Trademark

It is important to understand how to register a trademark. Trademarks are a wonderful way to protect you and your company when it comes to the way customers perceive you thanks to trademark laws and trademark protection.  If you don’t register a trademark, you risk allowing others to use trademark names, a trademark logo or descriptions that customers associate with you – making it easy for customers to believe that they are purchasing from you when in fact they’re not.  Below, you’ll learn more about registering a trademark and its importance. 

What Is a Trademark?

A intellectual property trademark is a symbol of ownership which relates to words, combination of words or logos for a particular company or individual.  For instance, most major companies have their names, slogans and logos trademarked.  This protects the company and ensures that no one else can use that particular word, combination of words or logo in their own businesses. 

Is It Necessary to Hire an Attorney to Register a Trademark? 

While it’s not necessary to hire an attorney, it is a wise idea for protecting intellectual property.  An intellectual property trademark attorney can help you ensure that your trademark property is legal and protected from others who would seek to use it for their own benefit.  He or she can also help you if someone does use your trademark.  You may be entitled to damages and compensation from this individual or other company.  A trademark attorney or intellectual property attorney can be a wonderful resource to you and your business. 

How Do I Register a Trademark? 

There are many different ways.  You can file for a trademark on the internet by filling out the form at http://www.uspto.gov/teas/index.html.  You can also mail a copy of this application to: 

Commissioner for Trademarks
P.O. Box 1451
Alexandria, VA 22313-1451 

By ensuring that the form is completely filled out and that you don’t lack any of the necessary information, you can help the process go much faster.  Of course, if you have a trademark attorney, he or she can do this for you and you can be sure that it’s legal and valid. 

What Things Should I Trademark? 

It’s a great idea to get a trademark for your business name, logo, slogan or other words, combinations of words or pictures that are directly related to the way your customers perceive your company. Sometimes for a franchise like McDonalds, they will have trademark licensing for others to use if they are willing to pay a certain fee.  For instance, if your logo is a red circle with an ‘A’ in the middle – customers may see this logo and instantly think of your company.  If another company puts this logo on correspondence to its customers, those customers may think this is your company and purchase from them under the impression that they are purchasing from you.  By registering a trademark, you can ensure that this doesn’t happen – and if it does, you have legal recourse. 

Registering a trademark is very easy and can be done either on your own or with the help of a qualified attorney.  By using the information above, you can ensure that you and your company are protected as well as your logos, slogans or company name.