You don’t have to have any special training or experience to register a trademark. However, you do have to express diligence, patience, and attention to detail. Otherwise, the daunting process (which generally takes about ten months, given there are no kinks) can turn into a costly nightmare (the patent office won’t give you a refund if your application isn’t approved). If you want to do it right, and the first time, then you will need to follow some specific steps to a T:
Conduct a Trademark Search
If your business trademark is too similar to the trademark of another business that offers the same product or service, then you won’t be able to register yours. Therefore, you should conduct a trademark search via the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) official website before you even begin filling out a registration application. This can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
Create a Concise Business Description
Your registration application can be rejected by the USPTO for being too vague, abstract, or ambiguous. Therefore, you should take some time to determine what, exactly, your business offers and how you can best put it into words, in a way the USPTO will be able to understand.
Complete the Application
Proper completion will be determined by a number of factors. If you plan on doing business across states, then you will need a federal application; otherwise, you will need a state application. If you want to trademark your domain name, then you will first need to read over all of the USPTO requirements for domain name registration. Lastly, application will require that you choose whether you are currently using your trademark (“in commerce”), or whether you “intend to use” your trademark in the future. If you are currently using your trademark, then you will need to provide a specific date for when you first began using it.
Provide High-quality Images
If your application is for a mark that contains a logo or other image, then you should provide the highest-quality image possible. If you are not tech-savvy, then it is worth investing in the services of a professional who can provide you with a high resolution copy that you can submit electronically.
Pay your Application Fee
This is necessary for the processing of your registration application. Depending on the specifics of your application (federal or state, for example), your application fee may be anywhere from $275 to $325 per trademark request.
Your business trademark is an integral component of your business branding and you can read more online if you’re not sure about it. Protect it properly by filing for registration with the United State Patent and Trademark Office. Just be prepared that the process will require some time and due diligence, and that it is your responsibility to ensure it is done correctly. These tips will help you do just that.
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