What is a Trademark?
To establish a trademark is called ‘standard character mark.’ This protection only applies to the name and does not shield against other companies using similar coloring, fonts, or styling. Registering a company name prevents other businesses from using it or anything considered too similar. Your name is protected despite whatever styling other companies use.
Once you create a website, pursue copyright and trademark registration to protect your name and logo from infringement. It ensures no company steals your idea and logo design.
Costs and Registration
There are costs associated with registering a trademark like application fees and lawyer fees. Depending on use, particularly in commerce, there may be additional fees. Once registered, occasional maintenance fees must be paid.
Trademarks allow you to protect the name and logo in their entirety, ensuring ownership cannot be challenged. If someone tries, trademarking allows you to sue them. The first person or company to use a unique mark gets the trademark, limited to a small area. For wider protection, the trademark must be registered with the US Patent and Trademark Office. Trademarks also help companies build loyalty. Trademark a logo after the design is finished.
You must trademark to protect yourself. Trademarks prevent others from reproducing or using identifying brand features without permission. This extends to names or logos easily confused with yours. All brand elements are trademarked as soon as they’re in use. Formally register trademarks. If you don’t, taking action against theft is more difficult.
Since trademarks identify a company or brand, it makes sense to file for protection on the brand name, logo or image. Your image may also qualify for copyright protection. You can establish a “common law trademark” for free by opening for business. The benefit is it’s free and you don’t need to fill out forms.
FAQs on Trademarking
How much does it cost to trademark a logo and name?
Can you trademark a name and logo?