Key Considerations and Best Practices When it comes to branding and marketing, one critical aspect that cannot be overlooked is the use of trademarks. Trademarks are essential in distinguishing the goods or services of one company from those of another. Using someone else’s trademark can be a tricky terrain to
Using someone else’s trademark can be tricky. It is permitted in certain instances and under certain restrictions. Generally, I advise not using someone else’s trademark. This avoids the possibility of liability for trademark infringement. Even if you are not technically infringing their trademark. Why? Just having to respond to their
Trademark Infringement – Staying Out Of Trouble Can I trademark a similar word to someone else’s trademark? For example, if someone is using EXPRESSO for their coffee shop, can I use ESPREXXO? I get this question a lot. Business owners, entrepreneurs, and brand creators often wonder: Can I change one
You may wonder what the difference between goods and services are in a trademark. Goods are products such as a coffeemaker or a computer. Services are activities that are performed for the benefit for someone else such as a coffee shop or a computer repair store. This can still be
You might wonder what is required in the drawing for my trademark? Every trademark application must include one clear depiction of the mark, which is referred to as “the drawing.” If you have variations on the mark you are registering, each variation requires its own separate application and fee. There
After you receive your trademark registration, you might wonder what the next steps are and what do I need to do to maintain the registration. Within approximately two (2) months after you have filed your Statement of Use and it is approved, the United States Patent Office will issue a
You should not file a trademark application without first researching the process and doing a trademark search to determine whether another business is already using a trademark that is identical or similar to yours. You should search both word marks (for example, corporate names) and image marks (for example, logos).
It is important for you to have an understanding of why trademarks are important assets and can help your business to grow. Trademarks are a very effective communication tool. With a single brand or logo, trademarks can convey positive or negative messages about you, your company, and your company’s reputation,
Have you heard of the Madrid Protocol in relation to trademarks? You are probably wondering what it is. The Madrid Protocol is one of two treaties that comprises the Madrid System for international registration of trademarks. The Madrid protocol makes it possible to protect a trademark in a large number
Register a Trademark to Maintain Your Rights If you’re the owner of a new business or service and have come up with a great name for your business, you’ll want to protect it right away to prevent it from being used by others. What’s even better is that the process