Given intellectual property (IP) can make up a significant portion—sometimes up to 90%—of the total value of today’s companies, it’s essential you do everything possible to protect these intangible assets. One of the first IP elements you’ll want to protect are your company’s brand name and logo.
First, secure trademarks. Register your trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Some of the leading advantages of registering your trademark include:
1. Notice of ownership: Registration of your trademark provides your company with official documentation and public notice that you’re the valid owner of the mark and have the exclusive right to use it across the entire U.S. This is in contrast to a common law trademark, which requires a company to actually use the mark in business to gain ownership, and that ownership is limited to the local area where the business is located.
2. Prevents others from using a similar trademark: Once your trademark is registered, it’s listed in the USPTO’s database, and no one else can register a confusingly similar mark in connection with similar goods and services. The federal government is essentially assisting you enforce your rights and preventing infringement before it can start, without any additional action needed on your part.
3. Protects you from infringement: Because the USPTO won’t allow you to register a similar trademark to any others registered, this also prevents you from accidentally infringing on another company’s mark. This can not only save you from a financially ruinous lawsuit down the road, but also prevent you from having to completely reinvent your brand from scratch if your mark is too similar to one that’s already registered.
4. Gives you the right to sue in federal court: Having a registered trademark gives you the right to sue for infringement in federal court, where you’ll receive the presumption of being the valid owner of the mark. The presumption of ownership shifts the burden of proof to the defendant who might try to claim they have common law trademark rights as a defense. Under this burden, the defendant must prove that he/she was first to use the mark and their use has been continuous, which can be extremely difficult, requiring extensive documentation and/or witnesses.
5. Offers additional legal remedies: Registering your trademark can increase the number of remedies available to you if you sue for infringement. Depending on the circumstances, you can go after the defendant’s profits, seek statutory and punitive damages, as well as collect for attorney’s fees and court costs. Such remedies typically aren’t available with only common law rights.
6. Allows you to publicly display your registration: Registration grants you the right to use the ® symbol with your trademark branding. Unregistered marks are only allowed to use the ™ symbol. This designation gives your company more credibility and prestige, while letting competitors know you’re serious about protecting IP.
7. Enables you to apply for trademark registration in foreign markets: While federal trademark registration is usually not enforceable outside of US borders, registering does provide you with a basis for applying for trademarks in many other countries. Having trademarks in other countries can be especially important, with the rapid globalization of the marketplace and widespread use of the internet.
8. Empowers enforcement of trademark by U.S. Customs officials: Federal registration allows you to record your trademark with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This empowers Customs officials to block the importation of infringing or counterfeit goods and allows you to bring a counterfeiting case to federal court.
As your business lawyer, we can not only help you secure the proper trademarks, but we can also work with you to develop a comprehensive strategy to protect all of your other intellectual property, as well as support the ongoing strategy of building a great business and a great brand.
AB Law, PLLC is a full-service business law and estate planning firm that serves clients throughout Texas. All consultations are free and no question is too silly, ridiculous, or complex. https://calendly.com/ablawpllc www.ab-firm.com