You have a great business concept, a memorable name, and a logo that jumps off the page. But wait! Before you enter the field of branding by the window, have you considered trademark protection? Trademarks are your shield against unauthorized use of your markers, meaning that your brand is safe and unique. But the truth is that hiring a lawyer for official registration can be expensive and feel different. Fear not, budget-conscious entrepreneur! Here are five affordable online trademark registration tips to get you started:
We want to begin with a full-scale US trademark search before using online registration services. It guarantees you don't have to go through the hustle of registering already trademarked names, thus saving you time and money later. Free resources like the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS), or the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Global Brand Database are good places to begin. The more extensive a search someone makes, the less likely the case is clear. After you register a trademark, you have a chance to identify the potential issues initially.
Consider Online Filing Platforms
Many online sites can help with trademark registration at a meager fee compared to hiring an attorney. These websites will lead you along the application process to see that you adhere to all requirements and submit all required documents. Rocket Lawyer, LegalZoom, and IncFile are the most known choices. Although these services are usually cheaper than an attorney's legal fees, they can be very technical. They will offer different personalized advice and expert legal counsel than an attorney.
Commence with The Register of Trademark of The State
Federal trademark registration offers nationwide protection but could be costly and time-consuming. If you only trademark a slogan at the state level, it limits your rights to the state. It might be a less expensive approach to achieve the initial protection measure while building your brand. The state fees are based on different criteria but are commonly less costly than federal filing. Note that you may decide not to register something at the state level and instead register at the federal level.
Formatting and thoroughness.
Be careful while filing your online trademark registration application. So, your chosen name or logo is thoughtfully named, stated, and uniquely distinguished. Use specific terms, non-descriptive phrases, and unique names. Do not use terms, words, and names similar to the existing marks. Precision and integrity substantially cut back the time and resources involved in the application process. If you need more clarification about the level of your trademark's distinctiveness, you should consult with the legal advice to get a professional opinion.
Use Free Tools and Legal Help
Free materials, including legal aid, may guide you through the trademark registration procedure. The USPTO and WIPO websites provide everything one needs to know, including tutorials and user guides. Moreover, some have legal aid programs running for small companies, which would provide free or low-cost trademark assistance. When you register a trademark online, it improves your professional skills and possibly cuts legal costs.
Conclusion
Secure the online trademark registration first, and then consider trademark monitoring. Such services scan the internet for suspected infringements, alerting you if someone informally requires using one's trademark. Even while it's not needed, keeping an eye out for violations as they happen will help you avoid wasting time or money if someone sues you. Do your math and be true to what you need. Avoid the cheapest plan that provides you with an incomplete or inaccurate application.
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