How to Get Started on Defining Trademarks
When it comes to building and protecting your business’s brand, one important tool is trademark registration3 min read
When it comes to building and protecting your business’s brand, one important tool is trademark registration. Defining your trademark—in other words, selecting a symbol, word, or combination of words that will exclusively identify your product or business—can be a daunting task for any business. A trademark can include logos, slogans, names, and more, and each one carries important legal consequences. To get started on the process of defining your trademark, here is a brief overview of the basics to get you started.
Finding the Right Trademark Attorney
When you are looking for counsel to help you with your trademark needs, it is important to find an attorney who understands trademark law in your area. Because regulations vary from state to state, it is especially important to find an attorney with intimate knowledge of New York regulations if you are based in New York.
UpCounsel is a great resource for connecting with experienced, vetted attorneys who have a keen understanding of local trademarks law. You can find attorneys who specialize in trademark registration to help guide you through the process.
Trademarks: Basic Guidelines
Having an attorney to help guide you through the trademark registration process is an invaluable resource, but it is also important to have a basic understanding of the fundaments of what a trademark is and how it works.
First and foremost, a trademark is any symbol or combination of words that can be used to differentiate your products from those of your competitors. It can be a logo, a name, a phrase, a picture, a sound, or a combination of elements. You, as a business owner, must take care to ensure that your trademark does not infringe on another business’s trademark, as that may lead to legal action.
Your attorney can help you determine if you should try to register a trademark with the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office). If successful, you will be able to receive a certificate that proves you exclusively own that mark. While it is possible to own a trademark without registering it, registration makes it much easier to protect the mark and take legal action against those who infringe it.
Trademark Advice from Experienced Attorneys
Your trademark protection is extremely important to the success of your business. To ensure that you are starting off on the right foot, it is prudent to consult with experienced attorneys to help you with the process.
At UpCounsel, you can find trusted business lawyers who specialize in trademark registration. An UpCounsel attorney can not only help determine whether it is in your best interest to pursue trademark registration, but can also ensure registration is completed properly so that you have the best protection for your mark. UpCounsel attorneys have an average of 14 years of experience, so you can trust that the advice you receive is of the highest quality.
Having a solid grasp of the foundations of trademarks is essential for any business, whether you are just starting out or have been in operation for years. To get started, it is important to connect with experienced and qualified attorneys with a special understanding of local regulations. With UpCounsel, you can find attorneys capable of guiding you through the process, ensuring your trademark is protected and exclusive.
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