Being a business owner in a heavy dominated competition, you know how significant it is to protect your business. But, have you ever thought of protecting the name of your company? By getting a trademark for your company’s name can save you a lot of money and trouble that come with other businesses using your brand as their own. Consider trademarking your business before your reputation is at stake.
What is a trademark?
A trademark is a type of intellectual property that recognizes your business, services, or products. You can trademark a name, symbol, logo, and even sound that identify your business. A trademark prevents everyone else from using the product or services you offer. Consumers make decisions according to your business’s brand, so it’s important to stand apart from other businesses. Identifiable signs and symbols help you build relationships with customers and inspire repeat buyers.
Registered vs. unregistered trademarks
You’re not legally obliged to register your trademark but you should check the differences between unregistered and registered trademarks.
Registered trademarks
Registered trademarks give a more comprehensive and legal protection than unregistered trademarks. You can do this by registering your trademark with the USPTO. Once your trademark is registered, you use the letter “R” to show others that it is owned. When registering your business as LLC or corporation, it also offers some protection of the name but not as extensive as the protection as trademarks provides, it won’t prevent other businesses in the other 49 states from using the name. Do I need a trademark for my small business?
Trademark registration totally depends on the scale of your business. If you do not have a plan to expand and just operate your business in one state, perhaps a trademark is not necessary for your business. After you applied for business certification through your state, you acquired legal rights to company’s name. Nobody in your state can use your business’s name. But this is not applicable in the other 49 states. How to register a trademark
Check with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website’s Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS). It allows you to search for other company names that are already taken.
You are required to provide information such as the categories of goods and services you offer, the date of the first time you used the trademark, and whether there’s a design in the trademark.
It takes about 90 minutes to complete the application. The costs of registrations are between $275 and $325. You will receive a response within six months of submitting the application. You might want a lawyer to assist you in completing the registration process. Conclusion: Your business name is an essential component of your brand, so protect that valuable marketing asset seriously. If you need funding to start and leverage your business. Visit Sals Capital to see if you can qualify for 0% funding options. We also offer Startup funding, working capital, lines of credit or even equipment finance. So what are you waiting for? Better Call Sal!