Starting and running a small business comes with a lot of responsibilities, and protecting your brand is one of the most important steps. A trademark serves as your business's identity, but many small business owners make mistakes when it comes to trademarks. These...
Trademarks
How to conduct a trademark search before launching a brand
Graphics and logos can serve as a representation of a company's brand. These images can become the company’s trademark and can help set it apart from competing businesses. Trademarks can be an important component of the branding process. Organizations attempting to...
How AI is changing trademarks and the future of brands
Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing various aspects of business and law. It is transforming the field of trademarks and brand management nationwide. AI in trademark search and clearance AI technologies have enhanced the efficiency and accuracy of trademark...
FAQs about trademarks
Trademarks are an important component of protecting a business's brand identity. By registering a trademark, a business can legally prevent others from using a similar identifier that could cause confusion among consumers, which is important for maintaining a brand's...
What is a valid trademark?
Trademarks are an essential part of doing business and building a brand. They play an important role in protecting business interests by distinguishing products or services in the marketplace. But what exactly makes something a valid trademark under U.S. law? Basic...
Understanding trademark infringement
A trademark is a distinctive symbol, word, or phrase that identifies the source of a product or service and distinguishes it from others in the marketplace. Registering a trademark grants the owner exclusive rights to use it in connection with their goods or services....
What you need to know about selling a trademark
A trademark is a valuable asset for your business and part of the intellectual property upon which you build your operations. Trademarks may be crucial assets, but they are assets you can choose to sell when you determine that doing so is the right choice for your...
What happens during prosecution of a trademark application?
Trademark prosecution is the method of applying for the registration of your trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. It may take 12-18 months to register a trademark, assuming that the Examining Attorney does not refuse registration and third...
What you need to know about prosecuting a trademark application
You have a new product that is your pride and joy. As the person responsible for its creation, you want to protect it legally as best you can. If your product isn’t patentable, you won’t be able to prevent others from making, using or selling it. And others may copy...
Protecting an unused trademark that does not qualify for federal registration
Using your trademark in commerce provides a level of protection in case another business begins using a similar mark. For enhanced protection, you can seek federal registration for your trademark, but not every trademark qualifies. Review the possible alternative...