Trademarks411 | Trademark A Logo Design In The United States Of America

The value of a trademark can not be brushed aside as it serves in the best interest of your business. Providing your brand a legal protection locally and internationally depending on the where it is filed, it gives the brand the right to attack ( sue) when infringements occurs. 

Any word, phrase, design, logo, sound or representation attaching your product to your business constitutes a trademark. What is a logo? Should it be filed locally or federally? What will it cost to trademark a logo design in the United States of America? How long does trademarking your logo take? What are some reasons why some brands decide against trademarking their logos?

What a logo is

This includes all designs used in every visual aid identifying your brand to the product describes a logo. Some popular logos include the swoosh mark used by Nike, apple logo for Apple amongst others. Some logos include names of the companies such as Samsung.

Where should you file your trademark your logo design?

The choice depends largely on you and the coverage of your brand. Filing your trademark locally in a state is a easier process compared to filing it federally. Although, it is cheaper than filing federally, its protection is limited and doesn't extend out of the state.

Trademarking your logo design federally increases your protection in a many ways. It allows the registration of your logo internationally, enabling your to receive cash for the damages done when your trademark has been infringed. Your business enjoys 'prima facie' when a dispute arises, this means no further proof of ownership is required from you in a court. You can file a lawsuit in any federal court when you register this way and you become listed online in the records of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Cost of trademarking a logo in the United States of America

The class which your product or service falls determines the prices. If the prices falls in more than one class the price gets higher. The electronic filing has its initial mark set at $225 for the first option, $275 and $400 for the second and third options respectively. The total cost can get as high as $600 and above depending on the options you choose and the additional fees attached to it.

How long does it take to trademark your logo

In normal circumstances, the process spans between 6-9 months and up to 3 years in complex situations. You will receive a serial number after six months of your initial filing to track your application status.

Trademarks411 is an online website that features web based do it yourself trademark filing software that helps businesses protect, monitor and file their own trademarks with the United States patent and trademark office.

Why some brands decide against trademarking their logos

Not all brands trademark their logos. There are different reasons why this happens

l  Common law trademark

This is used locally. When a logo is associated with a commercial entity, it becomes protected. The owners of some brands know is fact and claim their logo by using the "TM" symbol.

l  Cost

Registering the business name and logo might not be affordable to every brand. In such situations, it is best to register the business name. A small business may also decide against registering the business logo for easy change when the need for expansion arises.