Why Trademarking Your Business Name and Logo Matters
Starting a business is an exciting venture, but as you build your brand, there’s an essential step many small business owners overlook: trademarking. While it may seem unnecessary, especially for a small business, trademarking your name and logo protects you in the long run. It’s not about hunting down others who might copy your name, but safeguarding your identity in case someone else creates a similar one. This proactive step helps avoid confusion and legal disputes down the road.
The Importance of Trademarking
Trademarking ensures your business name and logo are legally yours, preventing others in your industry from using similar branding. This is especially crucial as your business grows and your brand recognition increases. You don’t want a competitor or even an unrelated business creating confusion with a similar name or logo.
And no, we’re not advocating for a "Taco Tuesday" trademark war—a situation where companies battle over commonly used phrases (read more about it here). Instead, trademarking is a preventative measure to protect your brand identity.
Steps to Trademark Your Business Name and Logo
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the trademarking process:
1. Search for Existing Trademarks
Visit the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website and use their Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS).
Search for your business name and logo to ensure it’s not already trademarked.
2. Identify Your Industry Category
Trademarks are registered under specific categories, or "classes," that define the industry you operate in. For example, a bakery and a software company can use the same name because they fall under different classes.
Use the USPTO’s Trademark ID Manual to determine your category.
3.File Your Application
Once you’ve confirmed your name and logo are available, file a trademark application with the USPTO.
Prepare to provide detailed information about your business and your logo design.
4.Pay the Trademark Fees
Filing fees typically range from $250 to $750 per class of goods or services. The cost depends on the filing option you choose and the number of classes you’re registering under.
5.Monitor and Maintain Your Trademark
After your trademark is approved (which normally takes around 6 months), it’s your responsibility to monitor for potential infringement and renew your registration periodically.
Why Work with Roble Creative?
Trademarking can be a complex and time-consuming process, especially when you’re already busy running your business. At Roble Creative, we take the stress out of the equation. Here’s how we can help:
Logo Creation with Trademark in Mind: Our designs aren’t just visually stunning; they’re created with trademark eligibility as a priority.
Comprehensive Trademark Research: Before we bring you any name or logo concepts, we thoroughly research their trademark viability, ensuring your brand is unique and protectable.
Step-by-Step Guidance: From searching for existing trademarks to filing your application, we’ll guide you through every step of the process.
Whether you’re developing a brand from scratch or considering a rebrand, Roble Creative provides sustainable marketing solutions that make sense for your business. Contact us today to protect your brand and build a foundation for growth.
