Intellectual property can be worth millions of dollars, as consumers respond to images, sounds, and words they recognize and trust. By trademarking your intangible assets, you protect them from copycats who wish to capitalize on the success of your ideas.
Here are the steps to trademark something.
- Design a strong intangible product. While ideas themselves cannot be trademarked, the physical expression of such ideas can be. Jingles, logos, names, and figures are among the company assets that can be protected under law.
- Check whether an identical or similar product already exists in the trademark database. Search the federal trademark database at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. You can also expand your search using popular online search engines like Google or Yahoo!.
- Note that looking for similar images will take much longer than looking for similar names. Not only will checking for similar objects with existing trademarks allow you to modify your design accordingly, but it will also alert you to the possibility of trademark infringement on your part and give you time to adjust your design to avoid a potential lawsuit. You can also hire a consultant who can effectively search several channels for you.
- Apply for a trademark online. Fill out the application form, upload a copy of the product, and then pay the fee of $375 for examination and approval. If you are expanding to other countries, check whether your trademark applies there and then take the appropriate steps.
- Track the approval process. It may take months for the Trademark Office to approve your product as they compare it with existing trademarks. The office will notify you of their decision.
- Maintain your trademark. Once your application has been approved, you may add “TM” to your product in all your marketing and labeling to signal its trademarked status.
- Consider hiring a trademark lawyer. While a lawyer can be expensive, they have the knowledge and experience to guide you smoothly through the application process. Ask for recommendations for a good lawyer, consult them on the design you have, and then give them permission to file the application for you. The same law firm may also litigate all subsequent trademark infringement cases on your behalf.
- Consider purchasing an existing trademark. If the object you want to trademark already exists in the database but you are determined to pursue it, you have the option of purchasing it from the trademark holder. There is always a chance the company or individual is in financial difficulty and is willing to part with its intellectual property for a reasonable amount. Have your lawyer locate and contact the holder, then open discussions for a trademark transaction.
The trademark process can be expensive, but losses, bad press, and missed opportunities resulting from infringement can be more financially damaging to your company. Apply for a trademark for your intangible assets as soon as you can afford it to allow you to proceed with peace of mind as you continue to build your brand.
Trademark Something
Trademark Something : Multi-thousand tips to make your life easier.
Intellectual property can be worth millions of dollars, as consumers respond to images, sounds, and words they recognize and trust. By trademarking your intangible assets, you protect them from copycats who wish to capitalize on the success of your ideas.
Here are the steps to trademark something.
- Design a strong intangible product. While ideas themselves cannot be trademarked, the physical expression of such ideas can be. Jingles, logos, names, and figures are among the company assets that can be protected under law.
- Check whether an identical or similar product already exists in the trademark database. Search the federal trademark database at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. You can also expand your search using popular online search engines like Google or Yahoo!.
- Note that looking for similar images will take much longer than looking for similar names. Not only will checking for similar objects with existing trademarks allow you to modify your design accordingly, but it will also alert you to the possibility of trademark infringement on your part and give you time to adjust your design to avoid a potential lawsuit. You can also hire a consultant who can effectively search several channels for you.
- Apply for a trademark online. Fill out the application form, upload a copy of the product, and then pay the fee of $375 for examination and approval. If you are expanding to other countries, check whether your trademark applies there and then take the appropriate steps.
- Track the approval process. It may take months for the Trademark Office to approve your product as they compare it with existing trademarks. The office will notify you of their decision.
- Maintain your trademark. Once your application has been approved, you may add “TM” to your product in all your marketing and labeling to signal its trademarked status.
- Consider hiring a trademark lawyer. While a lawyer can be expensive, they have the knowledge and experience to guide you smoothly through the application process. Ask for recommendations for a good lawyer, consult them on the design you have, and then give them permission to file the application for you. The same law firm may also litigate all subsequent trademark infringement cases on your behalf.
- Consider purchasing an existing trademark. If the object you want to trademark already exists in the database but you are determined to pursue it, you have the option of purchasing it from the trademark holder. There is always a chance the company or individual is in financial difficulty and is willing to part with its intellectual property for a reasonable amount. Have your lawyer locate and contact the holder, then open discussions for a trademark transaction.
The trademark process can be expensive, but losses, bad press, and missed opportunities resulting from infringement can be more financially damaging to your company. Apply for a trademark for your intangible assets as soon as you can afford it to allow you to proceed with peace of mind as you continue to build your brand.