Trademark Basics: How to Protect Your Name as a Trademark

Trademark basics: This primer on trademark law will help you understand what a trademark is, and how to protect your brand, company name, slogan, logo or symbol from inception through trademark registration.

[@MONEYMAKINGASSETS-888]

You just answered my question! Yay!!!

[@decorcare]

Wich class are man and women lather bags as travelers bags, luggage, purse, laptop bags ,basically all types leather bags and leather phone cases and watch strap thank you

[@TheHarryPlinkett]

What would you use if you make videos. TM or SM?

[@Chose1ne]

I have an abandoned artist name, why is that? I never abandoned it. What should i do to get it back and protect it? Notify them every so often or what?

[@IsleMarketing]

Very informative video! Thank you!

[@thedudeandstuff169]

What would be the protocol for tradmarking a band name and or logo? SM, TM?

[@likebliss]

saschadubin I'd like to know the same thing. Have you found out?

[@thedudeandstuff169]

Ryan Garcia nope never--- gonna have to spend some $ to speak with an attny

[@likebliss]

saschadubin oh, thanks for the reply! :)

[@trafficiskey]

Thank you!!

[@FreakComputer2001]

I have a question say that there's a company with a registered trademark by the name of 'Bananaboat' in the U.S but none within Australia. Would it be possible to make a different logo and product line but using the same name?

[@iTheNem3sis]

That won't be a good idea. It's like using Nike but for toothpaste.

[@trademarkexpress4803]

Yes. Each country is a separate legal issue. Within each country - Similar names in sound, appearance and meaning matter. Customer, distribution channels matter. Related goods/services matter. There's plenty of examples of product names - which can easily expand worldwide - cannot be used in a certain country. McDonald's cannot use Big mac in the European Union because a food trademark exists from Ireland. This is a problem for all companies with multi-national intentions / aspirations.

[@trademarkexpress4803]

A great way to save $ is to hire a trademark attorney to file your trademark AFTER using a specialty firm like us to do the needed $400 COMPREHENSIVE SEARCH that takes 5-6 hours to catch if a proposed trade name may be infringing on anyone else's prior trademark at the USPTO or any of the 50 States or under Common Law where companies have rights if they are using the same or LIKE name in sound, appearance or meaning even just 1 day before you in commerce. This is a very specialized task and needs a trademark attorney to analyze any resulting conflicts or similarities. IF clear, and you have the funds - get the trademark - as you should if advertising on Amazon. Own the name. No surprises later. What you build you keep. IF you do not have the $275 to file a trademark application, then wait. Test the market. If all goes well, THEN trademark. If not, you spent $400. Cheap. BUT IF the name is blocked, pick another name!

[@VerseOnee]

very helpful video.. thanks

[@TheDVDHOUR]

IS IT NECESSARY TO TRADEMARK MY PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESSS?

[@Skyehiii]

no but its necessary to turn off capslock

[@chrisg4433]

You can do an SM or TM

[@trademarkexpress4803]

No, but the name you want does need to be legally clear. You CAN trademark a name, but the only NEED you have is to know you will never have to change it. Practically speaking of course, if your business is so small, like a photography business, and if you ever got a cease and desist order and all it took was printing new business cards and telling 50 to 100 old customers of your new name, then save your $. There a reality side to it! Besides there is only a 35% chance someone has a Fedrl trademark, a State trademark or common law rights in your trade area / home town.

[@sporklifty3800]

failed to mine ^