The word trademark may look
familiar, but only few people truly understand what the concepts entails. Trademark protection is also one of the
aspects that a plethora of entrepreneurs ignore when they venture into
commercial activities. The benefits of understanding trademark protection cannot
be over-emphasized.
Trademarks411 is a software assisted web site that helps businesses protect their trademarks by applying for trademarks with the U.S. government.
A trademark is any sign,
design or expression which identifies a particular product or service, and
therefore differentiates it from other similar commodities. A trademark is
usually located on a package, label, or on the product itself. Legal trademark
use started in the year 1226, in England. At that time all bakers were required
to use a distinctive mark for the bread they sold.
Once a mark is registered,
other producers cannot make use of such marks to market their products. If they
do, the owner of the registered trademark may pursue legal action against
trademark infringement. Trademarks can also be licensed to others to use if the
owner of the trademark so wishes.
When a business entity registers
its trademark, it automatically prevents other businesses from using such mark;
especially businesses producing similar commodities. If another business uses a
mark similar to a registered trademark, the owner of the registered trademark
can take legal actions against such business. A good example is the case of
Zara. A fashion company finds out a restaurant in India is using its registered
trademark (Zara); although, they do not offer the same services, the court
ordered the restaurant to change its name.
Registering your trademarks
has other numerous benefits, which include:
·
The trademark
gives the proprietor the exclusive right to use the mark.
·
A registered
trademark can serve as a security to obtain loans.
·
A trademark can
be licensed to other entities for profit.
·
A registered
trademark can be used as a basis to obtain registration in some foreign
countries, facilitating protection of the brand worldwide as the business
expands.
·
Trademark also
helps customers recognize a particular product, and hence increase turnover for
such product.
Below are
the four categories of trademarks:
1. Generic: a
generic mark does not qualify for a trademark. Entrepreneurs also have to be
careful not to use generic terms as they won’t be registered. An example of
generic term is – the cloth seller.
2. Descriptive: this is a term that describes the nature
of the goods and services.
3. Suggestive: a term that makes an implication about the
commodity without describing anything. Example is greyhound (vehicle).
4. Arbitrary or fanciful: a fanciful mark is a mark that
the owner creates for the sole aim of marketing his product. Example is Nike , Xerox etc.
Learn More:
https://twitter.com/trademarks411?lang=en
https://www.bbb.org/santa-barbara/business-reviews/trademark-consultant/trademarks-411-in-santa-barbara-ca-92010207
https://www.trustpilot.com/review/trademarks411.com
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/trademarks411-releases-trademark-search-and-filing-ios-and-android-mobile-application-300540265.html
https://www.manta.com/c/mhc91d6/trademarks411
https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/trademarks411
