It is very important for every business to protect their business name so that no one can stop you from advertising or claiming that he/she has the sole right to carry this name. Nationwide trademarking is a complex subject. Here we are sharing some important tips to keep in mind before submitting your application.
- You can trademark your services or goods.
- Proper search is the key to trademark your services or goods to make sure the name is not already in use to avoid the possibility of rejecting your application. This must be done with thought and care. You can search USPTO database for trademark registrations and applications by mark, owner, or serial/registration number with Trademark Electronic Search.
- USPTO standard estimated time to complete trademark registration is nine to twelve months.
- Selecting the proper class(s) is important to make sure your business name is properly covered to avoid any legal litigation against your business name or possibility of rejecting your application.
- You can use the same trademark if your class or function is different than the already registered trademark of an existing company. For example, The NashCollection is selling clothing and already trademarked with the USPTO. You can use the same trademark if your class or business function is different. For example, you can use Nash Collection of manufacturing cars.
- A trademark typically protects brand names and logos used on goods and services.
- You can trademark your domain name too. For example, nash.com. If you are advertising your business without trademarking the business name and later on someone trademarks the name you are using to advertise a business, he/she can ask you to take down your name and you can lose all the goodwill that you have created over the years.
- You can register a trademark under your legal name or a registered business entity with the Secretary of State or County.
