A business puts a lot of time and effort creating their brand, and a trademark is a significant part of that strategy. Mistakes are often made in the trademark registration process, however, and those mistakes can lead to delays, denials, and disappointments. At Limelight Law, our intellectual property attorney in DC will review your intellectual property, including trademarks, and advise you on all the steps you need to take to protect your logo and your business. We handle the paperwork, the research, and more to make sure our clients' expectations are exceeded and their businesses benefit because of it. Contact us at 202-552-7365 to schedule a Trademark Consultation and learn more.
Understanding Trademarks
Trademarks are one of the most common and critical ways to grow a business and build a solid, loyal customer-base. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) defines a trademark as
any word, phrase, symbol, design, or a combination of these things that identifies your goods and services. It's how customers recognize you in the marketplace and distinguish you from your competitors.
In order to be trademarked, the word, phrase, symbol, or design must be distinctive. It cannot be generic and must not be similar to a trademark that is already in use.
A trademark does not have to be registered. However, registration provides more extensive rights and protections to the owner. For example, if a small business begins to grow outside of a specific geographic area, trademark registration can provide nationwide rights and protection.
What are the Benefits of Protecting your Trademarks?
Protecting your business's name and logo offers advantages regardless of whether you are doing so as an individual or business entity. Common benefits of IP protection include:
- Profiting from your business idea and endeavors
- Increasing your company's market share or market value through the sale, commercialization, or licensure of IP
- Increasing brand awareness
- Raising or securing funds by using IP as debt collateral
- Developing a competitive advantage in the market
Limelight Trademark Services
Trademarks are the signature of your business in the marketplace, letting customers easily & quickly identify your business as the source of the goods or services they are receiving. Limelight Law can help you obtain and protect your business name and logo in the following ways:
- Conduct Trademark searches & clearance
- Filing Trademark applications
- Trademark & service mark infringement options & opinions
- Cease & Desist Letters
- Respond to Trademark Office Actions
How Long Does the Registration Process Take?
The time it takes to register a trademark varies. Typically, however, the process takes 12 to 18 months. Once the application is submitted, it takes roughly 4 to 6 months alone to review it.
What is the Biggest Reason Leading to Denied Trademark Applications?
The top reason trademark applications are denied is this: they are too similar to an already-existing, registered trademark. The risk of confusion between the two trademarks means yours gets denied because the other one is already registered. Making sure to conduct a comprehensive trademark clearance search is critical to a smooth process.
Contact a Trademark Registration Lawyer in Washington D.C. Today
Trademark registration offers protection, but you must submit a thorough, comprehensive, adequately supported application. At Limelight Law, our trademark attorney in DC will work with you every step of the way. Limelight Law is able to handle trademark applications for clients around the country. Contact us today to schedule a Trademark Consultation either by filling out the online form or calling us at 202-552-7365.
Questions before getting started? Get in touch.