A trademark is any word, name, symbol, design or combination of these used in commerce to identify the manufacturer or seller of goods from others. If you have a start-up or are planning a new venture, it is critical to have a trademark strategy in place to protect your company and goods from any vulnerability. Follow these critical trademark tips to ensure that your new company is protected properly from the beginning.
Check Your Competitors’ Trademarks
Before you offer to provide services to your customers, get an idea of what’s out there. Are potential competitors using your name, or would your name get easily confused with another company? It’s important that you do your research beforehand, because you could potentially be infringing on another’s mark even if the company provides an entirely different service than yours.
Choose Your Name Carefully
In Florida, a good place to start your name search is with www.sunbiz.org, the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations registry of business names. However, this should only be the beginning of your search, not be the end. You should also be searching the USPTO database to see if your trademark conflicts with another entity’s. If you are in the slightest doubt as to whether there will be any conflict, you should consult a trademark attorney.
File For Registration
Filing for registration essentially saves you a spot in line, whether you decide to use the mark or not. There are different types of trademarks you can file for, depending on your circumstances. Determine which method is best for you, after you consult with your trademark attorney.
Trademarking Abroad
Other countries have their own rules when it comes to trademark rights, and may require separate filings. If you are thinking of doing business in another country, consider filing an application for trademark protection as soon as possible, in order to protect your rights.
Since 1977, Sanchelima Law has dedicated its practice exclusively to securing and preserving the intellectual property rights of its clients, including securing patents, trademarks and copyrights for our clients, and defending our clients from all manner of related litigation. Our firm is a results-oriented organization blending our resources with those of our clients to pursue their objectives. Contact us for a consultation with one of our knowledgeable Miami trademark attorneys today.
