Trademark Law
A trademark protects a company’s logo or name, serving as a visual representation of a brand.
This symbol not only identifies but also distinguishes the source of goods from one party to another, essentially acting as a brand identifier.
Legally, a trademark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or combination used or intended for use in commerce. This helps to identify and differentiate the goods of one manufacturer or seller from those of others, while also indicating their origin.
Similarly, a service mark refers to any word, name, symbol, device, or combination that is used or intended to identify and distinguish the services of one provider from those offered by others, thereby highlighting the source of those services.
Why should I register with the USPTO?
Registering with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) offers several key benefits, which include:
- Nationwide Protection: You gain constructive notice of your claim, informing others of your rights.
- Ownership Evidence: Registration serves as strong evidence of your ownership.
- Federal Jurisdiction: You can enforce your rights in federal courts.
- International Opportunities: Registration can serve as a foundation for obtaining trademark registrations in foreign countries.
- Customs Protection: You can file your registration with the U.S. Customs Service to prevent the importation of infringing foreign goods.
