Budding entrepreneurs need to take active steps to protect their brand name and logo. They should also secure their slogans and names with the US Patent and Trademark Office because it can be a competitive edge, and you would want to avoid a lot of headaches in the future. See more about a trademark when you click here.
If you’re unsure of where to start, you can get help with services that offer assistance with filing, searching for trademarks, and getting a quicker turnaround time. Even if you can start a business without the need for a trademark, you’ll be putting your company at risk of being copied in the long run.
Why Should Businesses Consider Trademark Registration?
Usually, the common law trademark is going to protect you from people who are trying to infringe on your branding, and this is when you have solid evidence that you had thought of that specific design, symbol, or product first. You can get something distinct that serves as a badge of origin, instilling trust and recognition among consumers.
Consumers can prevent confusion when they want to buy your products and services, and this is also going to prevent lawsuits in the future. Also, trademarks contribute to brand loyalty and retention because some associate positive experiences with a particular brand. They are more likely to become repeat buyers and recommend it to others when you can create an emotional connection between your brand and the target audience, fostering long-term relationships.
Tangible financial value and considering this as an asset can also make a huge difference because businesses can be licensed or franchised to generate additional revenue streams while expanding into new markets under familiar branding. Strengthen your bargaining power during negotiations with investors or potential partners if you have something beneficial to offer them.
Protecting intellectual property through trademarks also promotes innovation by providing incentives for inventors and entrepreneurs to invest time, resources, and creativity into developing new products or services without fear of being copied immediately by competitors.
Fees to Know About
Even the best firms may not be transparent about what’s included in their plans, so it’s still up to the owners to do some research. However, some of the fees can be due to filing, and it’s often more affordable to go with the electronic route. It’s going to cost around $250 to $350 per class, and the name or logo costs are separate and can range from $750 to $1050 each. Letter protest or petition costs can be up to $250, while renewal is $300.
Know that the firms don’t guarantee the approval, and the USPTO has all the rights to reject a registration, including confusion, insufficient evidence, or disclaimers. It’s best to consult with the right Trademark Services to know how you can strengthen your case and avoid basic mistakes to save time and money. Other things to know about are the following:
What’s the Process?
Conducting a comprehensive search to ensure that your desired insignia is not already registered or being used by someone else in a similar industry, and is already the first step. Doing your due diligence in the first place can help you determine if what you’re doing will be worth the effort.
After determining that your desired trademark is available, the next step is applying with the USPTO, and this requires detailed information about your business, including the type of goods or services associated with what you want to include in your sign.
The paperwork files will undergo a thorough examination process by an examining attorney at the designated government department, and he or she will review all relevant documents and may request additional information or clarification if needed.
If there are no objections raised during this phase, your trademark will be published for opposition. During this period, any third party who believes they would be harmed by registration can file an opposition. If no one opposes your registration within this timeframe, congratulations! Your mark will move forward to registration.
The final step is receiving official approval from the USPTO and paying the required fees. Once approved, you will receive a certificate of registration confirming exclusive rights to use and protect your mark within the United States. It’s worth noting that this entire process can take several months or even longer to complete, and you might need help from a lot of people who can help you with the completion of the requirements. More about the process at this link: https://www.quora.com/I-ve-recently-registered-a-trademark-How-long-would-it-take-for-it-to-process-When-can-I-use-it.
Using Trademarks as a Marketing Strategy
When you’ve obtained the coveted trademark, you can utilize it in your marketing campaigns to help reinforce your logos and brand awareness. You can also partner and collaborate with other companies that have similar traits, values, and target audiences as yours, so you can expand your visibility and reach. Tap into their customer base and show everyone that you’re credible as an organization.
Utilizing social media platforms can amplify the impact of your trademarks on consumers. Incorporate hashtags featuring your slogans or logos in posts related to product launches, promotions, or events to encourage user content sharing and engagement while increasing online visibility.
