Running a business is not easy. To acquire customers, increase sales and profits, and grow your business, you need to be proactive. One way to ensure this is to stand out among your competitors and establish a brand identity. Obtaining a trademark can enhance your brand identity.
A trademark is a logo, representation, or design used to identify a service or product. It sets you apart from your competitors. But don’t stop there. Trademarks must be registered to prevent other brands from using the same trademark. This can confuse your customers and potentially cause you to lose them along the way.
To register a trademark, you must be careful to avoid errors that can make the process long and frustrating. This article explains the do’s and don’ts of this process. Read on to gain insight!
what to do
Do you know what a trademark is?
The first step in registering a trademark is understanding what it means. In addition to the basic definition of a trademark, you should know its complete definition based on your state.
For example, most states require that trademarks do not contain obscene words, double meanings, plurals, verbs, or common words. Knowing this will help you know how to frame your trademark before starting the registration process. You don’t want to start the process only to find out that your name isn’t eligible for trademark registration.
Submit usage statement
Trademark registration is intended to protect names in use, as opposed to names not actively used by the registering party. Based on this, most states require you to submit a statement of use.
This is a document that certifies the use of a trademark after it has been registered. In most cases, after successful registration, an allowance notice will be issued by the registrar. Thereafter, he has six months from the notification to submit a statement of use of the trademark. This documentation must include evidence of the use of the trademark on goods or services.
How much does a usage statement cost?? That’s a question you might ask. Different states have different fees. If you live in the US, you can expect to pay around $100 USD per class.
act quickly
Trademark registration is often done on a first-come, first-served basis. Another company may apply to register a logo similar to yours. If they obtain registration first, your application will not be completed and you will be back to square one.
Therefore, it is important to act quickly. If you are planning to register a trademark, we recommend that you start working on your trademark as soon as you start your business. However, don’t make mistakes by rushing the process. Be quick and thorough.
Make sure your trademark is unique
When creating a logo, phrase, or design, you may follow all the rules of creation. However, if there is something similar that is registered as a trademark, your application may be rejected. You can counter this by making sure your trademark is unique. how?
Be sure to use logos and expressions that are more difficult to create. Other companies are less likely to create the same thing. To do this, take the time to create a phrase or logo.
Also, make sure the final design has not yet been used. You can use various online sources to check similarities with existing sources. The more unique your design or logo, the more likely it will be successful. Trademark registration that.
What not to do
don’t work independently
Applying for trademark registration is often a simple process, and some registration agencies allow the process online. This problem is caused by errors that can occur during the process and is frustrating.
For example, suppose your brand name is Jay. I would like to register this as a trademark. However, there is a section for Jays to fill out when submitting the form. Since the two are different, the registration process will not be successful.
Working with a trademark agent or expert can minimize, if not eliminate, such possibilities. These professionals are skilled at their work and will ensure that there are no mistakes in the process.
It also acts as a communication link between you and the trademark registration agency. When working with these professionals, make sure they are good at their job and have experience working with several other clients. It may be helpful to see a client portfolio as evidence.
Please be sure to update
As mentioned earlier, trademark registration is not a one-step process. You need to be proactive in preserving your trademark rights. One way to do that is through renewal.
Most states require trademark registrations to be renewed 10 years after the date of registration. After that, it must be renewed every 10 years. The renewal indicates to the Registrar that you are still using the trademark and will not transfer it.
When counting this number of years, note the specific registration date and work from there. Do not operate during the registered month. You may lose your trademark due to delays in renewal.
Don’t forget to monitor
It is very important to monitor your trademark during registration. Other companies may use your trademarked expressions, logo Made by honest mistake or malice. As a business, you want to avoid this situation as much as possible. If your customers buy from another company because they think it’s your brand because of a phrase or logo, you could lose them.
The only way to avoid trademark infringement is to monitor other businesses. Be wary of other businesses using your trademark or similar trademarks, as this can cause confusion. If you find one, you can report the issue or seek legal action. Different states have different ways of dealing with this. Be sure to find out what works in your state.
conclusion
Achieving a brand identity with a logo or phrase takes time and a lot of effort from you and your team. Therefore, it makes sense to protect it. You don’t want another business to profit from your sweat.
From the above explanation, you can see that the right way to protect your brand identity is to register it as a trademark, and for that purpose, registration is necessary. We have also covered the do’s and don’ts of the process to ensure it is done correctly.
Business owners considering trademarking a sign, expression, or design should strongly consider taking advantage of the insights in this article. The process will be much easier and faster.