Performing a Trademark Search
Performing a Trademark Search is the first step to take when you need to see if the plains are clear for your trademark filing. One of the basic steps that need to be taken prior to applying for a trademark is doing a search to ensure that there are no existing trademarks in your industry that would conflict with your filing. You can either perform this search by yourself for free or hire an attorney to file the Trademark Registration.
Performing a Trademark Search Yourself:
- The USPTO Trademark Search is free: A little complex but it provides a lot of information along the way if you are patient.
Benefits:
– Can save you time on your initial research.
– It’s free.
Downsides:
– The system is confusing and if you are not experienced, it is easy to miss things.
Hiring a Trademark Attorney
Trademark searches and filings are actually more affordable than you’d think. Having an experienced trademark attorney in your corner from the beginning can help you avoid costly mistakes and help your brand get the strongest protections available.
There are many nuances to both filing for, and protecting, your trademark.
It is highly recommended that when you file, or are looking to enforce your trademark, that you work with an experienced patent/trademark attorney.
Understanding Trademarks
Trademarks are used to help a company protect it’s brands from misleading advertising from competitors or from counterfeit products. It is a legal protection that gives companies the ability to enforce their trademark, and put a stop to misleading advertising, the sale of knock off products, etc.
Trademarks Are Often Limited to Certain Categories
Just because you have a trademark does not mean no one else can use the words or ‘slogans’. Trademarks are often limited to particular categories which you filed your trademark for. Expanding to other categories often requires filing additional trademarks. Make sure to speak with your patent/trademark attorney about the best categories to protect your brand in.