If you are breaking new ground in your industry, such that your product or service is novel, you may want to file trademark applications in several different classes. Many owners of Internet-based businesses face this dilemma because the trademark classes are designed for more traditional types of businesses.
Or if your business combines products with services, you may want to apply for registration in a trademark class for products and a trademark class for services. Last reviewed October Intellectual Property Contents. Conflicting Marks Within a Class The USPTO may be reluctant to approve a trademark application if a trademark already exists in the same class that is very similar to the mark in the application, and the products or services associated with each trademark also are very similar.
Choosing the Appropriate Class Sometimes classes will appear to overlap. Intellectual Property. Categories of Marks. Cybersquatting Involving Trademarks and Service Marks. Trademark Infringement. Strength of Trademarks and Service Marks. Trade Dress. Trade Names. Trademark Dilution. Enforcement of Trademark Rights.
Trademark Registration. Trademark Classes. Specifically, it helps you:. An attorney can help you with a more thorough search of the same or similar names, filling out the often technical and confusing application, and staying on top of your application. In addition, you should search beyond that database to ensure no other company currently uses your business name with an unregistered trademark. You can conduct this secondary search by using an internet search engine, researching domain databases like GoDaddy or Name.
After completing your research to ensure no other company currently uses your preferred business name, you must then prepare and submit your application. You may wish to consult an attorney to ensure your application contains no mistakes and to help you meet filing deadlines and any other important dates. After filing your trademark application, you should respond to any feedback from the USPTO in a timely manner.
An examiner may request corrections to your application, additional documents, or answers to additional questions. The submission of your application initiates a day period in which other parties may contest your trademark if they believe it would infringe on their existing trademark and cause confusion. However, a registered trademark can provide greater protection for your brand while helping you build your brand and drive business growth.
What is a Trademark? Trademarking Product Names vs. Trademarking a Business Name If your business sells products, you may wish to register your business name for trademark as well as your products. Benefits of Trademarking Your Business Name Registering your business name for a trademark offers several key benefits.
Specifically, it helps you: Prevent Confusion: The main purpose of trademarks is to prevent consumer confusion. Get legal help. Mon-Fri: 5 a. PT Weekends: 7 a.
Our agents are based in the U. Ready to register your trademark? The waiver is for LegalZoom's fees only and does not include filing fees. LegalZoom does not endorse or recommend any lawyer or law firm who advertises on our site. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Pulse Global Services Limited formerly known as, and currently doing business as, LegalZoom Legal Services.
SRA ID Home Business Intellectual property Trademark registration. Trademark registration. Protect your name, logo, or slogan Register your trademark so competitors can't profit from it.
Stop copycats Own the exclusive rights to your brand names, slogans, and logos. Defend and enforce your rights Make it easier to sue those who steal your mark.
What to trademark. A name like Nike. A logo like the swoosh logo. A slogan like "Just do it". A song, book, film, or other original creative work. Get a copyright instead. An invention like a technical process, machine, manufactured good, or chemical formula.
Look into a patent. What not to trademark.
0コメント