As a business owner, it is exciting to have a business that is making progress and becoming well-known. While you continue your operations, it is a good idea to consider trademarking your business name. There are many benefits to obtaining a trademark and doing so will ensure that your business name stays unique to your company and can’t be used by someone else. When you are ready to take the next step, a Dallas trademark attorney will be able to guide you through the whole process.
What is a Trademark?
A trademark is a representation of a business in the form of a word, phrase, design, or symbol that specifies the source of the goods or services of one entity from others. It helps to establish your distinct identity and helps consumers build trust and loyalty to your brand.
How To Trademark a Business Name?
The process for trademarking your business name starts by performing a trademark search using the search portal of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Once a search shows that your business, or something similar to your idea hasn’t been trademarked, you can begin the application online. It is important to keep in mind that your trademark will be exactly as you submit it in the application. Additionally, note that not all names are eligible for registration. Those that are too generic or are not distinctively related to your business may be more difficult to get accepted.
If you, however, do not wish to trademark your business name, there are protections you still have. Though there are protections that are in place, your name is more secure once trademarked.
What Are the Benefits of a Trademark?
Aside from your name and symbol being recognized as yours, there are many other benefits to being trademarked. When you register your business name, you have:
- Protection throughout the United States of your business name
- Possible name registration abroad
- Bona fide ownership of the name, and the right to initiate legal action in the event that someone attempts to steal your name
- Your ownership status will be listed in USPTO’s database as well as your actual trademark so that it shows up when someone else performs a search
- The right to use the trademark symbol with your registered trademark
Legal Guidance
Navigating the realm of trademarks can be quite complex, so guidance from an attorney is critical. An attorney not only knows how to trademark a business name, but they can continue to offer legal advice once you’ve passed that step. If you’re looking for a Dallas trademark attorney, let our firm offer you the services of:
- Evaluation of your prospective trademark
- Registering your trademark with the USPTO
- Registering your trademark in individual states
- Trademark maintenance filings
- Trademark monitoring
- Trademark defense
- Trial and appeal board opposition and cancellation proceedings
- Trademark litigation
Business progress should be awarded with being trademarked so that it is recognized by consumers as a brand that stands apart from others. Contact our office assist you in making this monumental move.