What is Trademark Registration?
We spend so much time thinking about that perfect course name, but then we see someone with the same name we've been using for the past few years!
Now what?
Receiving a registered Trademark from the US Patent and Trademark Office prevents someone else from using your name, or something similar, to prevent brand dilution.
That means that when someone see your name in use, you'll know that it belongs to you and your company! Plus, it gives you the ability to takedown any infringing names from website, social media accounts, products, etc.
What exactly can you protect with a Trademark?
A trademark protects any name, logo, slogan or catchphrase for your business. This could be for a product, service or just a name you're using within your business.
Here are some examples:
- Business/Brand Name
- Product Name
- Logos
- Slogans
- Catchphrases
- Podcast Names
- Course Names
The complete trademark registration process usually takes 7-9 months.
How Does the Trademark Process Work?
Thorough Trademark Search
Before we file an application, I always perform a thorough trademark search to make sure there are no other marks out there that would prevent yours from getting a registration.
Filing the Formal Application
Once we ensure that nothing will conflict with your application, then we determine which classes (categories) apply and file the formal application.
There is a $250 filing fee per class.
The Examining Attorney
An examining attorney assigned to your file to make sure your intended trademark fits within the legal guidelines.
The attorney will also see if your mark conflicts with any other applications.
Receiving Office Actions
Often times the US Patent & Trademark Office asks for additional information, called an "Office Action". This is incredibly common, but may delay the approval.
The Publication Process
Once you've reached this stage, the US Patent & Trademark Office submits your mark for publication for 30 days to see if anyone opposes your mark for registration.
Receiving a Formal Registration
This is the final step!
Hooray!
The application process is complete and you've received a full trademark registration. You can now use the ® symbol.
Maintaining Your Trademark Through Monitoring
Now that you have the registration, make sure no one is using it by continually monitoring it! We're here to help you through that process.
Hi! I'm Natalie!
I was scared s*&tless when I first opened up my law firm. I didn’t know anything. I felt so overwhelmed and so alone in figuring it all out. Being an attorney I didn’t want to ask for help because, well, attorneys should know it all. I just dove right in… but man was it overwhelming!
I know what it’s like to feel like a boss b*&ch but I also know what a journey it is to get there in your business. People constantly talk about how to be confident in your business, how to have the right mindset, but no one ever talks about all of the legal nuances that you need to have in place.
Getting your contracts in order is one thing, but protecting your the intellectual property that you worked hard to create is something entirely different!
When we know we have our Trademarks and Copyrights in order we show up with a different energy and in a difference space... we show up with more confidence and leadership!
So before you do the “scary things” in your business… let’s make sure you protect it first.
Schedule a FREE 15 Minute Trademark Consultation
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
IS THE TRADEMARK SEARCH MANDATORY?
I HAVE MORE THAN ONE TRADEMARK THAT I WANT TO FILE - CAN I JUST PURCHASE ONE APPLICATION?
HOW LONG DOES THE TRADEMARK SEARCH TAKE?
WHAT HAPPENS IF SOMETHING COMES UP IN THE TRADEMARK SEARCH?
HOW MUCH ARE THE FILING FEES?
HOW QUICKLY CAN WE FILE THE APPLICATION?
HOW LONG DOES THE WHOLE PROCESS TAKE?
WILL I RECEIVE A REFUND IF MY APPLICATION IS DENIED?
WHAT IS AN OPPOSITION AND HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO FIGHT?
Have More Questions?
Download my FREE trademark checklist!
This checklist runs through the exact trademark process, what you can and can't trademark and how to make sure that you're not infringing on anyone else's trademark.
