So it’s time to finally file for a trademark protection. Not sure how to do it? Here are handy tips:
- Read up on trademark basics. You need to know what and how important finding the right trademark is for your firm, says the United States Patent and Trademark Office. It must fulfill two points: you must be able to register it federally and have it protected legally. Knowing how intellectual properties such as trademarks and patents to copyrights and domain or business names affect your company in a major way can help you see why this step is crucial to your business and bottom line.
- Register your trademark. Do it in your home country first. If you plan to expand to other countries, register the trademark in those areas as well.
- If you need to file for foreign trademarks, you can spare yourself the expense and trouble, you can apply for a community trademark or opt for an international registration. The community trademark allows you to register the mark through all EU territories, all in one application and for the price of a single fee. The international registration, on the other hand, allows you to register the mark in 86 countries. That’s a whole lot of ground you can cover with a single application.
- Always run a clearance. That way, you’re confident that there isn’t another company out there using your mark or business name. Also, if you’re bringing your product or service to anywhere outside the local U.S. market, make sure to talk to native speakers. Your name or mark might have embarrassing or negative meanings or associations in the local language.
- You can course this through the Patent and Trademark Office or have a lawyer do it for you. If you prefer convenience and speedy results, hiring a lawyer who can take care of the issue for you can be your best bet.
