trademark basics

If you’re building a brand and considering trademark protection, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: How long does it take to get something trademarked? The short answer: between 12 and 18 months on average. The long answer: It depends on many factors—and it can take...

You’ve named your venture, sketched a sharp logo, and you’re ready to show the world. Now comes the part many founders search for: how to protect that brand for the long run—ideally for free. The internet is full of promises about “free” filings and instant protection. In...

You’ve named your venture, sketched a sharp logo, and you’re ready to show the world. Now comes the part many founders search for: how to protect that brand for the long run—ideally for free. The internet is full of promises about “free” filings and instant protection. In...

An Important Step Trademarking Your Brand: Waiting on a Trademark ExaminerHow much does it cost to apply for a trademark? One of the major assumptions made in that projection is whether or not the trademark is accepted the first time through. If you have to refile, those application fees can...

The answer: “Can’t” means one thing, is it legal or not? It should not be surprising that people act illegally. People may still attempt to use your trademark regardless of the law and your trademark protection. However, you have legal recourse should someone infringe on your trademark rights. “Use”...

Do You Need to Be Incorporated to Register a Trademark?No, you don't. In most countries, you can register a trademark as an individual whether you have an incorporated business or not, it does not matter. There are some countries out there that may require you to follow a certain...

Whose Name Should I Apply For My Trademark With?Typically, big corporations don't ask this question because they have already figured it out. They already know through their corporate lawyers which of their entities should hold onto their intellectual property. Also if you are a one-man show without a company,...

Trademark Symbol Copy: Look-Alike and Sound-Alike TrademarksLet's say you come up with a brand, research, and see that someone else has already come up with this idea. Not only did they come up with that idea, but they also trademarked that. And the question is, if you changed your mark...

The Microsoft Example: Trademark Services Gone AmuckLet's say I wanted to start a software company, and call it The Microsoft, or replace all O's in the name with zero's and all I's with ones, so it still looks like Microsoft. I could come up with all sorts of, or add...