The ability to secure the exclusive rights to a name, logo, symbol, or expression is one of the most practical tools available to businesses seeking to maximize value and create a competitive advantage in the marketplace. A registered trademark is the most effective way for business owners to do this, allowing them to prevent the unauthorized use of the company’s intellectual property and to maintain the value of the underlying product or service.

When it comes to getting the most out of a trademark registration, selecting a qualified and experienced lawyer is essential. However, this is especially true for businesses operating in the Chicago area. In this article, we examine why it’s important to choose a local legal team with expertise in the area of registered trademark law.

What is a Registered Trademark?

A trademark is a symbol, phrase, logo, or design that functions to identify, distinguish, and set apart a product or service from other companies. To avoid infringing upon the rights of another firm or individual, businesses should always run a search to ensure that their desired trademark is available. Many businesses choose to establish trademark rights by filing an application through the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This process is referred to as registering a trademark.

Registered trademarks issued through the USPTO are protection on a national level. That’s an important factor for many companies, especially those with operations that span across state boundaries. For companies with operations solely within Illinois, however, obtaining a state trademark can also be a valuable tool.

Benefits of Working With a Chicago-Based Trademark Attorney

When it comes to selecting a trademark attorney, many businesses make the mistake of simply searching online for “trademark attorneys” and selecting one without giving much thought to their location. While it’s certainly possible to work with an out-of-state attorney on your trademark registration application, there are several benefits to working with a lawyer or legal team than operates within the Chicago area.

The knowledge and understanding of local regulations that a local attorney brings to the table is especially valuable when it comes to the registration process. There are a multitude of rules and regulations that companies need to abide by in order to obtain legal protection for a name, logo, or other intellectual property. This is particularly true in Chicago, a city known for its robust legal framework. A local patent attorney understands these intricacies and can guide companies through the trademark registration process in the most efficient way possible.

In addition to providing more efficient service, working with a local trademark attorney ensures that businesses have the benefit of speaking directly with their representative as needed. This may seem like a small benefit, but it allows companies to get the answers they need and to be able to discuss their strategies with the attorney quickly. In many cases, having direct access to the attorney can help speed up the application process and save on overall costs.

Finding a Registered Trademark Attorney in Chicago

There are a variety of options available for companies seeking a qualified trademark attorney in Chicago. In addition to the more traditional methods, such as looking for lawyers in the phone book or referrals from friends, businesses can now access experienced attorneys with the help of UpCounsel. Whether a business needs a one-time consult or an entire freelance legal department, UpCounsel's network of experienced lawyers has everything they need.

UpCounsel’s attorneys are some of the best in the business, having an average of 14 years of experience. Each attorney profile displays client ratings and reviews of their recent work, making it easy to review each attorney’s past legal achievements. From small businesses to the Fortune 1000, companies of all sizes trust UpCounsel and its attorney community to provide high quality, cost-effective legal services.

Topics:

Registered Trademark,

Chicago,

Legal Services