If you’ve created a new logo, slogan, or phrase relating to your product or service, you’ll want to get a trademark. This allows you to prevent it from being used by your competitors.
When you apply for a trademark, you’ll have to go through an application process. This may seem like simply filling out some forms, but it can be very confusing. This is why you should hire a trademark lawyer to help you from the start.
What Are the Benefits of Registering My Trademark?
Consider some of the big brand names you know. The logos and slogans associated with them generate instant brand recognition. You can do this for your business by obtaining a federally registered trademark.
You will need to file for this trademark through the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to be granted the exclusive rights to use this trademark. It will prevent others from infringing upon this form of brand identity. With an infringement, the infringer will be barred from using your trademark and likely ordered to pay damages.
However, when you file for your trademark, you should ensure you do things right. There is no requirement that you must hire a lawyer for this process. It will be to your greater benefit when you have a trademark rights advocate serving as your legal representation.
What Can a Trademark Lawyer Do to Help Me?
Trademark lawyers don’t just fill out the application for you. They do a great deal more, including offering legal advice on the use, selection, and registration of your trademark. They can also thoroughly research existing trademarks to ensure that your creation isn’t already being used in your industry.
Additionally, trademark lawyers will look at the strength of your proposed trademark and make suggestions on ensuring it is unique enough that it won’t be confused with another brand. When you’re ready to register your trademark, your trademark attorney will help you file your application, meet the deadlines, and ensure that all of the USPTO requirements are met. The attorney will also be instrumental if issues of trademark infringement arise.
You can file a trademark by yourself, but it may end up costing you more. You may run into issues such as trying to apply for a trademark that isn’t unique enough and face issues where you’ll need to stand up for yourself against a lawyer. With your attorney, you’ll always have an advocate.
The Best Time to Hire a Trademark Lawyer
If you need to trademark a slogan, logo, phrase, or brand name, it is always best to hire a trademark lawyer right from the start. They will be your partner in ensuring all the legal aspects of your trademark are handled properly, allowing you to focus on your product or service.
While it may be tempting to do it yourself, it is rare that people without intricate knowledge of trademarking can do this correctly on their own. Ultimately, they wind up spending more time and money than if they’d started with a lawyer.
