Posted by Dragan Dan Ivetić | Jan 15, 2025 |
What Can Be Done to Help the Trademark Application Process Go As Smoothly As Possible?
While the process to obtain a trademark registration at the USPTO is an important step in protecting your business's intellectual property and building up your brand as a valuable asset, the process itself can be overwhelming and frustrating for those unfamiliar with it. The application process itself can be very costly, and if the application is not successful, the money spent is non-refundable. Likewise, given that the process takes over a year, it can be frustrating to be using your trademark for that entire time before finding out there is a material problem which prevents you from obtaining a trademark registration (or which may even force you to re-brand). As daunting as the process may seem, various preparations can help make the road to registration less bumpy. By taking the right steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can make the trademark application process smoother and less stressful. Here's what you need to know.
Posted by Dragan Dan Ivetić | Jan 08, 2025 |
What are the Registration and Renewal Requirements for a US Trademark?
If you are a business owner in the United States, you probably already know that a US Trademark Registration is a very valuable asset that can protect your company's brand, and/or products and services. A US Trademark Registration can help set you apart from competitors, and provides nationwide recognition and protection of your identity among consumers of your goods and services. Trademark registration gives your business the exclusive right to use your mark within your industry. This means no competitor can legally use a similar name, logo, or slogan that could confuse your customers. The exclusivity provided by a trademark strengthens your market position and builds customer trust.
But, knowing all the above, do you know what the process is to attain a Federal trademark registration? More importantly, do you know the process to keep (ie. Renew) such a Federal trademark registration? Very often, a lack of clarity or familiarity with either of these questions can cause a business owner to fail to attain a Federal trademark registration or lose one.
The purpose of this short article is to provide an outline of the process and requirements.
Posted by Dragan Dan Ivetić | Jan 01, 2025 |
How to Register Your Musical Group or Band Name as a Trademark
If you are a musician, band member, or musical content creator, you know that your stage or performance stage name is just as important as your songs or music. Your band name or stage name under which you perform is your professional identity and the way in which you stand out from other performers and establish your valuable reputation and following.
After you have poured your heart, sweat and tears into your music, it would be foolish not to undertake the same effort and dedication to building and protecting your band or stage name. Trademarking your musical group's name gives you exclusive rights to its use, ensuring no one can cash in on your hard-earned reputation.
While the trademark process is highly technical and can be confusing, we will attempt to give you an introduction to the process and what you absolutely need to know in order to register and protect your band name or stage name.
Posted by Dragan Dan Ivetić | Dec 23, 2024 |
What Happens Next, After You File a Federal Trademark Application?
You’ve just taken the very important and wise step to protect your brand by having submitted your federal trademark application to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Congratulations! But what happens next? The trademark registration process can feel complex, overwhelming, and confusing, especially for first-time applicants. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand what to expect after filing your application.
Posted by Dragan Dan Ivetić | Dec 19, 2024 |
What Proof Do I Need to Register My Trademark?
Whether you are filing a trademark application seeking to register a trademark for the provision of services or the sale of goods, you will need to prove use of the trademark to attain a registration. Depending on whether your application is based on an "already in use" or "intent-to-use" basis, the timing of that proof will vary, but the substantive guidelines on what qualifies as proper proof will be similar. Having a grasp of the various guidelines for appropriately proving use to satisfy the USPTO requirements is an essential step that can maximize the chances of a successful application process. This article will serve as an introduction on this topic, to help understand the ways you can prove use to satisfy USPTO requirements.
Posted by Dragan Dan Ivetić | Dec 16, 2024 |
Are you Ready for the USPTO Trademark Fee Increases Coming in 2025? What you Need to Know.
If you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or anyone navigating the trademark registration process, it’s time to take note. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has announced important updates to its fee structure, effective January 18, 2025. These changes include higher filing fees, along with some notable shifts in the way filings are processed. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know to stay prepared.
Posted by Dragan Dan Ivetić | Oct 02, 2024 |
What is the USPTO, and what does it have to do with your quest to attain a Trademark?
Small and medium-sized business owners have likely heard that registering their brand as a US trademark is an important step in the process and that a trademark can be the most valuable asset of a company. However, they likely do not know the ins and outs of the process to attain a trademark and may feel intimidated by a process that seems, at first blush, very technical and daunting. It does not help that unfamiliar terminology and acronyms are used by resources and attorneys alike, which confuses people. In addition to legal jargon pertaining to trademarks, one of the most common sources of confusion is when business owners hear about the USPTO. That acronym stands for the United States Patent and Trademark Office, a governmental entity in charge of both Patents and Trademarks. But for those seeking trademarks, you do not need to be scared off nor concerned about the patent side of things. The patent side of the USPTO and the trademark side function separately and thus a trademark applicant need only be concerned with the USPTO's Trademark Office. The USPTO oversees the examination and registration and thus can be a vital ally for entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners looking to protect their intellectual property.
Posted by Dragan Dan Ivetić | Sep 13, 2024 |
How Long Does a Trademark Last?
If you are an entrepreneur, small/medium business owner, content creator, or founder, you likely know that your "brand" is one of the most important assets that needs to be protected. You have probably heard about trademarks, and know that the process is undertaken via the Trademark side of the USPTO, and that, though technical in nature, it can be undertaken without an attorney. But, do you know how long a trademark lasts? More importantly, do you know what if anything needs to be done by you to keep that trademark registration valid? If the answer is "I don't know" - don't worry, because most people do not know the answer. If you would like to find out, this article will assist you.
Posted by Dragan Dan Ivetić | Jun 16, 2024 |
How E-Commerce Merchants Can Qualify for the Amazon Brand Registry
E-commerce has become one of the fastest-growing industries over the last decade. Consumers are more likely to order items online from the comfort of their homes more so than in prior years. While the number of e-commerce platforms and marketplaces has grown steadily, the most popular and famous platform and marketplace, Amazon, has become more or less a household name. From a website selling books, Amazon has now become one of the leading e-commerce platforms for selling any and all types of products online. For an e-commerce merchant, getting their brand on the Amazon Registry and marketplace can be very lucrative (since each year, several billions of dollars in revenue are generated from sales via Amazon). While being on the Amazon Brand Registry is not a guarantee of success, it can catapult merchants in the right direction. Therefore, it is unsurprising that many merchants desire to get their brands listed on Amazon. However, the process of getting accepted into the Brand Registry can be confusing, frustrating, and time-consuming for small business owners and e-commerce merchants. This article will explain the process and provide insights into how a trademark attorney can make all the difference in helping you get started with the Amazon Brand Registry.
Posted by Dragan Dan Ivetić | May 23, 2024 |
Now What?
Obtaining a trademark is crucial for any business owner or entrepreneur who wants to safeguard their brand. However, the process can be daunting for business owners who decide to go it alone without the benefit of an attorney leading the process. Receiving a Notice of Allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is a key milestone in this process. In this blog article, we'll discuss what a Notice of Allowance entails and guide you through the necessary steps to safeguard your trademark after receiving that notice. Hopefully, this information will help alleviate some of the stress and confusion revolving around intent-to-use trademark applications.
Posted by Dragan Dan Ivetić | May 06, 2024 |
Understanding Trademark Symbols: The Difference Between ™ and ®
In the intricate world of intellectual property law, trademark symbols play a crucial role in indicating the status and level of legal protection associated with a brand name, logo, or slogan. The two primary symbols you’ve likely seen alongside brand identifiers are ™ and ®. But have you ever asked yourself - which one is appropriate to use for your circumstances? While they may seem interchangeable at first glance, they signify very different things. This article aims to demystify these symbols, offering clarity on what they represent and how they should be used by businesses. By knowing the correct interpretation and usage of these symbols, you can protect your trademark rights.
Posted by Dragan Dan Ivetić | Apr 14, 2024 |
Trademark Wars: Federal vs. State Registration Explained
Did you know that you have a choice between State and Federal trademark registration? Which is better for your particular business? What are the costs of each? As a business owner, navigating the multifaceted world of trademarks can often seem like engaging in a complex strategic game, one that requires savvy decision-making to protect your brand effectively. Understanding the difference between state and federal trademark registration is critical for creators, startups, and small business owners alike. But why choose one over the other, and what are the implications of your choice?
This blog post will unpack the distinctions between state and federal trademark registrations, articulate their respective benefits, and provide insight into which might be the best choice for protecting your creative or commercial endeavors. It will also highlight the potential impacts on your brand's security, and the legal ramifications of each option.
Posted by Dragan Dan Ivetić | Apr 06, 2024 |
Strategic Insights: Preparing for the Upcoming Trademark Fee Increases
The landscape of trademark law is constantly evolving, and with it, so are the costs associated with securing these vital intellectual property rights. An impending change that has caught the attention of businesses and legal...
Posted by Dragan Dan Ivetić | Mar 31, 2024 |
Foreign Domiciled Trademark Applicants take Note, you need a US Licensed Attorney!
For many individuals or organizations based outside the United States of America looking to protect their brand, a United States trademark is a very good option. In fact, a significant percentage of new trademark ...