When you establish a new business, it’s important to distinguish your services from other companies in your area. In order to attract customers or clients, you’ll need to set yourself apart from other businesses that offer similar services. As you create your website and begin to market your services to your customers, you may want to consider using an original logo to represent your brand. This could be an image, word, phrase, or some combination of these elements, with the goal of inspiring brand recognition over time. There are so many components to starting a business, and it’s easy to overlook trademark registration as you focus on other important tasks. However, there are several benefits to registering your trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Below are just a few reasons why you should proceed with the trademark registration process; depending on your unique needs, it’s also worth talking to a knowledgeable IP law attorney for more specific information.
1. Protect Your Business From Trademark Infringement
There are so many businesses out there, many with similar or competing services. Perhaps you notice that a new business has arrived in your area and they are using a design or slogan that your company already uses. Or, maybe their logo looks nearly identical to yours, creating customer confusion. If you have a registered trademark on file, you’ll enjoy stronger protections if you pursue a trademark infringement case against the other business. You may also decide to record your registered trademark with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to ensure that no counterfeit goods are imported from abroad.
2. Avoid Accusations of Trademark Infringement
Going through the trademark registration process involves a comprehensive search of all federally registered trademarks. The USPTO provides a free searchable database, the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS), which “allows you to search the USPTO’s database of registered trademarks and prior pending applications to find marks that may prevent registration due to a likelihood of confusion refusal.” By completing this process, you will have ensured that your trademark is distinct enough from other registered trademarks, protecting you from accusations of trademark infringement. If you are accused of trademark infringement and your trademark is not registered, you could be compelled to pay substantial legal fees and forfeit the profits you obtained under your unregistered trademark.
3. Cultivate Consumer Trust in Your Business
Once you’ve registered your trademark, you can begin to market your products using the official Ⓡ symbol. This will signal to your customers—and to the public at large—that you own a federally registered trademark and enjoy the benefits associated with it. While this symbol may seem minor, consumers will be more likely to perceive your brand as professional and trustworthy. Operating a business with a registered trademark communicates your commitment to protecting your company. It also shows that you take intellectual property rights seriously, which provides more of a deterrent to potential actions of infringement.
To learn more about the trademark registration process in the Minneapolis area, reach out to the friendly IP attorneys at Rubric Legal LLC today by calling (612) 465-0074.