Protect your intellectual property and brand identity with the help of our Chicago, IL trademark branding lawyer. Schedule a meeting with the Trademark Lawyer Law Firm and keep an edge on the competition by securing your rights.
How A Trademark Branding Lawyer Can Help You
You may want to consider trademarking your company’s name, slogan, or logo to help maintain your brand identity and protect it from being used by competitors. Our trademark branding lawyer is knowledgeable of the intricacies of trademark law and is available to assist you with trademark research, filing, and applications. Get help establishing important protections such as:
Determining whether or not a trademark is available and whether it is unique enough to pass the approval process
Prepare all trademark filing papers and submit applications to the proper regulatory commissions
Manage all aspects of the trademark filing process, including appealing rejections and monitoring renewal dates
A brand assessment with recommendations on trademark opportunities
Handling trademark infringements to stop unauthorized use of your intellectual property
Drafting and enforcing licensing agreements that permit limited use of trademarks by third parties
When To Hire A Trademark Branding Lawyer
If you own a business or are making money off your name, you need a trademark branding lawyer. Leaving your company unprotected gives the competition an opportunity to encroach on your revenue by leveraging your intellectual property for their own benefit. Establishing trademarks early will support the growth of your business and further strengthen brand recognition for consumers. In addition to keeping competitors at bay, trademarks are an excellent money-making opportunity. Third-party retailers or manufacturers might want to use your trademarks on their products. You can benefit from this type of partnership by entering a trademark licensing agreement. As the owner of the trademark, you can make all the decisions about when and how that trademark is used. Our Chicago trademark branding lawyer will draft the contract, negotiate on your behalf, and explain all the potential implications of issuing that license. We protect your brand rights to ensure you maximize your return on your trademark. In the event that someone uses your trademark without permission or violates a licensing agreement, our trademark branding lawyer will take legal action. From sending cease and desist letters to filing lawsuits, you get peace of mind knowing that the use of your trademark is being monitored and protected to the fullest extent of the law. Furthermore, trademark law is complicated. There are rules as to what can and cannot be trademarked. Understanding the guidelines ensures your applications are approved without delays. Our trademark branding lawyer will do a full review of your company and offer trademark suggestions. Reevaluating trademark opportunities on a consistent basis is an effective strategy to expand your brand’s reach in a secure and profitable way. The procedure of researching and securing a trademark can be daunting without legal assistance. Rely on our Chicago trademark branding lawyer for a smooth and stress-free experience securing your brand rights and identity. The Trademark Lawyer Law Firm will guide you through every step so you can continue to grow your business confidently.
Understanding The Process Of Trademark Search And Registration Process
To ensure that your brand is protected and has distinction in the marketplace, securing a trademark is an essential next step. The trademark search and registration process involves several key steps that help safeguard intellectual property and prevent potential conflicts with other brands. While the procedure may appear straightforward, it requires careful attention to detail to meet all legal and regulatory requirements and assistance from a trademark registration lawyer. Beginning with a comprehensive trademark search, the process confirms whether a mark is available for use and registration. Consulting with a Chicago, IL trademark branding lawyer can be helpful in identifying potential risks during this process.
Conducting A Thorough Trademark Search
The initial step in trademark registration is conducting a thorough search to determine if the desired mark is already in use. This search typically involves reviewing state and federal trademark databases, as well as other resources, to uncover any conflicting marks. Our trademark compliance lawyer can help to identify these conflicts early to avoid investing in a mark that may lead to disputes or legal challenges. It’s not just about identical matches—similar marks in related industries can also present issues. To establish a stronger foundation for the registration process it’s important to address these factors upfront.
Filing The Trademark Application
Once the search confirms that a mark is available, the next step is filing an application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This application includes detailed information about the mark, its intended use, and the goods or services it will represent. The USPTO will review the application to determine if it meets the requirements for registration, including whether it is distinctive and unlikely to cause confusion with existing marks. During this review, it is important to respond promptly to any office actions or inquiries from the USPTO. A Chicago trademark branding lawyer can help streamline this phase by addressing procedural issues effectively.
Maintaining The Trademark
Securing a trademark is not the end of the process. After registration with help from a trademark filing attorney, it is essential to monitor and maintain the trademark to protect its validity and exclusivity. Regular use of the mark in commerce and periodic filings, such as the Declaration of Use and renewal applications, help preserve the trademark's active status. Additionally, keeping an eye on potential infringements ensures that the mark’s integrity is upheld over time. Proactive measures at this stage can significantly reduce the risk of disputes or challenges.
Bringing Your Brand To The Next Level
A pivotal part of creating a distinctive and legally protected brand is to conduct a trademark search and subsequent trademark registration. Whether launching a new business or strengthening an existing one, investing time and effort into this process is a valuable step toward building lasting brand recognition. Working through each phase carefully helps establish a strong foundation for your intellectual property. If you’re ready to secure a trademark for your business or need guidance with the registration process, our Chicago trademark branding lawyer can assist. We have registered more than 7,000 trademarks. Contact us today, anytime 24/7, to protect your brand’s future. Attorneys at Trademark Lawyer Law Firm are well-versed in trademark registration matters and can help safeguard your business interests.
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Client Review
"I have dealt with Trademark Lawyer Law Firm, PLLC, for several years. This time I needed to have my trademark renewed within a week as a deadline was approaching. As always, they prepared the paperwork professionally and in an expedited manner. Our communication to confirm details was smooth and quick. In a matter of days, they submitted the trademark renewal request. The service of this group of professionals is excellent." O. Garcia
Trademark Lawyer Law Firm
3300 Washtenaw Ave. 2nd Floor #277
Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (888) 505-5102
Suspensions are when your application is on hold. There are various reasons a trademark application can be suspended. However “likelihood of confusion” with prior application(s) filed and submission of foreign application are the most common reasons the USPTO may suspend an application. During a trademark suspension period, your lawyer will provide guidance on the next steps and whether it might be best to file an argument or pursue a coexistence agreement.
What are Disclaimers for Trademarks?
A disclaimer usually refers to a statement which indicates that you are not claiming exclusive rights to use the word(s) or a design element in your trademark application. A disclaimer allows for registration without creating a false impression of the registrant’s rights. A good example of this is disclaiming “café” if your services are for a café.
What is the Supplemental Registry?
If a trademark is not eligible for the Principal Registry, there is sometimes an option to register on the Supplemental Registry. In cases where the USPTO finds the trademark application is merely ornamental, merely descriptive, or primarily geographically descriptive, the USPTO may allow the application to be registered on the Supplemental Registry. However, over time, the mark may acquire distinctiveness and possibly become eligible for the Principal Registry.
What is the Date of First Use?
Two dates must be specified in a trademark application: Date of First Use Anywhere: The “anywhere” refers to use in the U.S. or elsewhere. This is the date the goods were first sold or transported, or the services were first rendered under the mark. The use must also have been bona fide and in the ordinary course of trade. Date of First Use in Commerce: This is the date when the goods were first sold or transported, or the services were first rendered under the mark in interstate or international commerce. The use of the mark must have been bona fide and in the ordinary course of trade.
What is the Renewal Timeframe for a Trademark?
The renewal timeframe for a trademark is between the 9th and 10th year anniversary of the trademark registration, and then in ten-year intervals. It is important to be aware that the USPTO also requires a registrant to provide an affidavit at the 5th and 6th years of ownership stating that the trademark is still being used in commerce. Failure to comply with the renewal timeframes or the affidavit requirements will result in the cancellation of the trademark registration.
Meet Your Team
J.J. Lee
Principal and Founder
Erin C. Bray
Trademark Attorney
Experienced Trademark Attorneys Committed to Protecting Your Brand
Founded by J.J. Lee, the Trademark Lawyer Law Firm, PLLC has successfully registered more than 6,500 trademarks with the USPTO. Dedicated to ensuring that your mark is protected from misuse or theft, our attorneys and staff work closely with clients, taking the time to understand the specific needs of their businesses. Professionally handling each matter with integrity, efficiency, and the personalized attention it deserves, you can rest assured that you have a team on your side who is committed to safeguarding your unique brand.
