You’ve worked hard to build your business from the ground up. You’ve put in the long hours, made the tough decisions, and sacrificed a lot to get where you are today. So it’s no wonder you want to protect your hard-earned business name. After all, it’s part of your brand identity, and you don’t want anyone to be able to use it without your permission.
The good news is that you can trademark your business name to help protect it from being used by others. This can give you the legal right to stop others from using your business name without your permission. You can also use the third party tools to stay up-to-date about business like Risethestudio.com
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to trademark your business name:
Check if your business name is already trademarked
Before you start the process of trademarking your business name, you first need to check if it’s already been trademarked by someone else.
You can do this by searching the USPTO’s trademark database. If your business name is already trademarked, you’ll need to choose a different name for your business.
Choose the right trademark class
There are 45 different trademark classes, and you’ll need to choose the one that best describes your business.
For example, if you’re a clothing company, you’ll want to choose the “Clothing” class. But if you’re a software company, you’ll want to choose the “Computer Software” class.
Fill out the trademark application
Once you’ve chosen the right trademark class, you’ll need to fill out the trademark application. This can be done online or by mail.
Pay the filing fee
The filing fee for a trademark application is $275 per class. So if you’re applying for two classes, the total fee will be $550.
Wait for the USPTO to review your application
Once you’ve submitted your application and paid the filing fee, the USPTO will review your application to make sure it meets all the requirements.
This process can take several months.
Respond to any objections
If the USPTO has any objections to your application, you’ll need to respond to them.
For example, if they think your business name is too similar to another business name, you’ll need to prove that there’s no confusion between the two names.
Your application will be published
If your application meets all the requirements, it will be published in the Official Gazette. This is a weekly publication that lists all the newly trademarked business names.
Wait for oppositions
After your business name is published in the Official Gazette, anyone who thinks your trademark should not be granted can file an opposition.
This opposition must be filed within 30 days of publication.
Respond to the opposition
If you receive an opposition, you’ll need to respond to it. This response is due within 60 days.
Wait for a decision
After you’ve filed your response, the USPTO will make a decision on whether to grant or deny your trademark.
If your trademark is granted, you’ll need to pay a $325 registration fee.
Congratulations! You’ve now successfully trademarked your business name.
