When people think of trademarks, logos usually come to mind first. But in practice, one of the most powerful and commonly filed types of trademarks isn’t a logo at all — it’s a word mark. A word mark protects the name, wording, or text of a brand, regardless of how it looks visually. Because of[…]
If you’ve ever seen a brand name, product label, or logo with a small “™” next to it, you’ve encountered the TM symbol—often called the TM logo. Many businesses add ™ to their branding to signal ownership, deter copycats, and communicate that a name or logo is meant to be used as a trademark. But[…]
Businesses often want trademarks that can evolve over time—changing dates, locations, series numbers, or product versions. This desire leads many to consider filing what are known as phantom marks. But in U.S. trademark law, phantom marks are one of the most common (and most frustrating) reasons for USPTO refusal. They appear simple, but they violate[…]
If you’ve come up with a unique business or product name, the next logical step is to protect it — but one of the most common questions new entrepreneurs ask is:“How much does it really cost to trademark a name?” The short answer? It depends.The cost of trademarking a name varies based on several factors[…]
In today’s competitive market, a brand name or logo is often a company’s most valuable asset. Yet, many businesses unknowingly step into legal trouble by adopting trademarks that are too similar to existing ones. This misstep is known as trademark infringement — a costly mistake that can lead to lawsuits, forced rebranding, and irreparable damage[…]
In trademark law, not all names are created equal. Some brands — like Nike®, Coca-Cola®, or Airbnb® — enjoy strong trademark protection because they are distinctive. Others sit at the opposite end of the spectrum: generic marks. A generic mark refers to words or phrases that are common names for products or services. Because they[…]
After trademarking motions and sounds, it is now time for scents or smell marks to get a unique trademark of their own. YES! While it sounds amazing to trademark a unique smell, the process is much more complicated. Let us see what olfactory marks are, why they are beneficial, and how to register them. Let[…]
If you use your iPhone to post about your business, design products, or communicate with customers, you’ve probably needed the ™ (Trademark) or ® (Registered Trademark) symbols at some point. These symbols show that a brand name, product name, or slogan is legally protected — or that you’re claiming rights to it. The good news?[…]
Success in business depends largely on sending the right message and cultivating a strong, memorable image. If your products or services get lost in the crowd, customers will struggle to recall your brand.This is largely because people tend to trust and prefer what feels familiar. As a result, companies invest millions of dollars into creating[…]
Choosing a new brand name is an important decision — and not one to take lightly. Before committing to a name or logo, it’s essential to confirm that it doesn’t infringe on any existing trademarks. That’s where a trademark knockout search comes in. Acting as an initial screening step, it helps you quickly identify potential[…]
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