Why Should I Register My Trademark or Service Mark?
Just like there are many reasons to form an LLC or Corporation, there are several reasons to register your trademark: Demonstrates Marketing and Business Savvy. Having the official “stamp of approval” on a trademark (i.e., an official registration) can provide influence and credibility for the business. A start-up may be working on a shoestring out of a spare room, but the business owner can present himself or herself as a savvy business owner who understands how to identify
Things That Aren’t Trademarks
You are not using your company name or logo as a trademark every time you slap it on something. And you don’t need to register a trademark for every single thing that carries your logo. This is a very hard concept for many business owners to understand. LEGAL DIRECTION® law firm provides legal services. But I also have lip balm with my logo on it to hand out to people at networking events (so you can protect your lips, too). Since I don’t manufacture or sell cosmetics, th
What Can’t Be Registered?
Besides not being able to register descriptive words, generic terms, or certain geographic terms in a trademark, there are a few other restrictions on trademark registration. Prohibited trademarks include the following: • Disparaging, scandalous or immoral material; • Coats of arms, flags or other indications of government (although elements of flags used as part of a design are acceptable); • The name, portrait or signature of a living person (without consent) or a US Pre
