A Trademark is used to identify the source of goods, products, or services.
A trademark can be anything consumers recognize as being linked with a particular company and/or product/service, from a symbol (think the Nike ® swoosh symbol), a single word (think Apple ®), or a phrase (think Things Go Better With Coke ®) to an entire advertising campaign (think “Where’s the Beef?”).
Brand recognition and repeat business can be fostered and reinforced using trademarks. For federal trademark protection, your trademark application is filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Even if your firm has a registered trademark, you should still be aware of identity theft, including your company name, product design, logo, or anything else that sets your product/services apart or distinguishes it from your competition.
For this reason, retaining legal counsel, such as Heimlich Law, PC, for intellectual property protection litigation is recommended.
A trademark can be listed as long as the company continues to use it. For this, the company should police the mark for encroachment by dishonest competitors who could try to cash in on the success of its trademark by using confusingly similar designs on its products. The importance of a consumer base that has come to identify a trademark with high-quality goods or services is recognized by the law when those trademarks are given legal protection. Shoppers expect the real thing, not a clone.
With the help of the Lanham Trade-Mark Act (15 U.S.C. § 1051), trademark owners now have a way to protect their intellectual property. While the use of the trademark, rather than registration, is what establishes ownership of the brand, trademark registration offers numerous advantages and is highly recommended. Successful businesses invest time and energy into registering their trademarks since doing so can make protecting and expanding their brands in the marketplace easier. Trademark registration is necessary if you want to use the Federal court system to enforce your rights.
Once a brand feature is created and used commercially, it automatically attains some rights under common law. However, many enterprises prefer the additional protection and security that Federal and State trademark registration provides.
To do so, you must first apply for a trademark or service mark with the State or USPTO (US Patent and Trademark Office). Before applying or using a mark, you or your trademark attorney should run a trademark clearance search to ensure that the name or design you chose doesn’t infringe on an existing trademark, even if the class of the trademark is different. The USPTO will reject a trademark application if the proposed mark is confusingly similar to an already registered trademark.
You may be forced to protect your intellectual property through trademark litigation with the help of a trademark lawyer. You’ll need proof that a competitor is intentionally misleading customers about your products’ true origin in court before you can successfully defend your trademark against infringement.
Should the need arise to defend your brand in court, our trademark attorneys are well-versed in the intricacies of trademark litigation. We assist in gathering the necessary proof of intentional trademark infringement, ensuring that your case is robust and stands up in a court of law. Our goal is to protect your intellectual property and secure the integrity of your brand.
Heimlich Law can assist you in defending your brand against an infringement claim.
When it comes to securing your intellectual property, the expertise of a trademark attorney is invaluable. Whether you are developing a new symbol, word, or phrase to represent your brand, a trademark attorney ensures that your chosen elements are not only distinctive but also legally sound. Their in-depth knowledge of trademark law allows them to navigate the intricate process of filing for federal protection with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
If you suspect trademark infringement by a rival, you should consult with a trademark attorney familiar with the options available to you for enforcing your trademark and protecting your business. A trademark application to the USPTO can be checked for potential infringement by a trademark lawyer who has practice in intellectual property law.
A (polite) demand letter may be needed to get the other party to stop using your trademark or logo without authorization in the event of accidental trademark infringement. If the infringer does not respond to the polite letter, trademark litigation in Federal court may be necessary as an alternative. When trademark issues arise, Heimlich Law is available to assist you.
Trademark lawyers protect your brand by preventing infringements, guiding registration, and serving as your defense against unauthorized use.
At Heimlich Law, PC, our dedicated team stands at the forefront as experts in trademark law and trademark infringement disputes. Our trademark attorneys possess the skills and experience necessary to safeguard your brand against identity theft, ensuring that your company name, product design, and logo remain distinct in the market.
A trademark attorney is not just a legal professional but a strategic partner in preserving the essence of your brand. At Heimlich Law, PC, we are committed to providing top-notch legal counsel to ensure the longevity and success of your brand in the competitive marketplace.
We are a boutique law firm specializing in intellectual property with an emphasis on patents.