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Descriptive trademark basics: a plain-English guide

A quick note about the cartoonThe dialogue with Rachel below comes from our own animated cartoon—and it’s linked on this very page. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s a fun, clear explainer. Why “describing it” can backfire in trademark strategyMost entrepreneurs love names that tell...

How Are Trademarks Different from Industrial Designs (a.k.a. Design Patents)?

NARRATOR: Marilyn designed a shoe that's going to revolutionize the fashion industry. MARILYN: Yeah, I came up with this idea that if you place this rubber lizard along the insole, shoes become extremely comfortable, and no matter how hot it is, your feet don't sweat. MARILYN: I bet there's gotta...

Trademark Registration Process in Canada

NARRATOR: Mike is an app developer. He just created a cool app for iPhone. He decided to trademark its name. MIKE: Doesn't seem too complicated, you just file an application, and it gets registered, right? TRADEMARK FACTORY: Some people think that trademark registration is super simple. This is not so....

How to trademark a restaurant name: Trade name VS Trademark

In the United States, a restaurant name can function as a trade name, a service mark, or both. The difference depends on how the name is used. Registering a business name and registering a trademark are separate steps. Using a protectable restaurant name as a mark in commerce can create...

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