Brand Name, Product Name, Business Name – What’s the Difference?
Did you know that a brand and business are not the same thing? The names could match, but they’re not the same thing. Did you know that a product and a brand are not the same thing? Again, the names could match, but they’re not the same thing. Are you confused? Don’t worry. You’re not […]
Trademarks, Copyrights and Common Law: Possession is Only Nine-Tenths of the Law
There is a maxim that tells us, “Possession is 9/10’s of the law.” However, that doesn’t mean you can ignore the remaining 1/10. In fact, doing so when it comes to your trademarks and copyrights could cause irreparable harm to you and your business! For this concept to make sense, you need to understand how […]
When Should I File For International Trademark Protection?
Trademark rights are territorial, which means they’re granted on a country-by-country basis. There is no such thing as a “global” trademark. This means that you have to file a trademark application in each country (or region, such as the European Union, in some cases) where you seek legal protection. Where Should I File? Determining where […]
How Long Does It Take to Register a Trademark? [Infographic]
The federal trademark application and registration process isn’t quick. Take a look at the Trademark Timeline infographic below, and you’ll see that the total time from application filing to registration could vary—anywhere from seven months to two years or more! The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) processes all federal trademark applications, and according […]
Demystifying Trademark Symbols
I get a lot of questions about using the TM, SM, ®, and © symbols. Trademark symbols can be confusing, but don’t them intimidate you. Here are four things you should know about how to use trademark symbols to protect your brand and business. 1. What the Trademark Symbols Are There are three commonly used […]
All Trademark Searches are Not Created Equal
You’ve invested time and money into developing a new business name, brand, logo, or package design and you want to protect it by registering for a federal trademark. That’s great! You’re taking the right step to ensure only you can exploit your intellectual property in the marketplace and earn money from it. But wait. There’s […]
What is a Trademark and What Can You Trademark?
Trademark law provides people, businesses, and organizations a way to protect the integrity of their brand names, images, and brand reputations in the marketplace. Through a series of rules and guidelines, trademark law helps us determine who owns particular marks and to define the scope of legal protection for those marks. The textbook definition of […]
How to Choose the Right Trademark Application Infographic
If you want to file your trademark application yourself, then you need to make sure you file the right application to meet your needs and budget. Last year, the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) launched a redesigned website with the goal of making it easier for people to find the information and forms […]
Trademark Application FAQ: Use in Commerce or Intent to Use?
When you apply for federal trademark registration, you’ll be required within the trademark application to identify whether the mark has already been used in commerce or not. This is an important question that affects how long it takes to get a trademark registration and the steps you have to take along the way, but it’s […]