As a business owner in St. Petersburg, you may be wondering how to trademark a logo for your company. Trademarks are words, phrases, designs, symbols, and terms that identify or distinguish a company’s goods or services from others. Businesses with unique logos should pursue trademarking to protect the image from infringement and to protect the company’s brand name in the market.
For businesses in the St. Petersburg area, rely on the experienced lawyers at Larson and Larson for assistance with registering intellectual property.
Step One: Determine if Your Logo is Unique
You cannot trademark a logo if it is too similar to another that is already registered. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) wants to make sure that one registered logo is not too similar to another. The reason for this is because the logo is meant to distinctly differentiate one brand from another. If your logo is not unique enough, it may be rejected. To find how to trademark a logo, you can consult with an intellectual property attorney in St. Petersburg. They can help you determine if it is unique by searching the USPTO’s database and other resources.
Step Two: File a Trademark Application
This can be one of the most labor-intensive steps of the process. Filling out an application requires information and specific details. While not as arduous as filing a patent, when you are looking at how to trademark a logo, be prepared to get into the details on the application. You can file an application on your own, but your chances of making errors or mistakes decrease greatly when you work with a professional. An intellectual property lawyer can answer your questions, conduct research, help you complete the application, and also ensure that you receive a follow up from the USPTO. If anyone ever infringes on your registered property, your lawyer can provide you with legal advice.
There are three different versions of the application to choose from:
- TEAS Plus. This online-only application is the strictest. To file this application, you need to pay all your fees up front, choose an approved description of your goods and services, submit the application, and agree to communicate electronically with the USPTO.
- TEAS RF. This application offers a reduced fee, and all communication must be electronic.
- TEAS Regular. This application is the least stringent and does not require electronic communication. It also does not demand the same compliance measures as TEAS Plus or TEAS RF.
If you are not sure how to trademark a logo or which application version is for you, consult with an attorney at Larson and Larson in St. Petersburg.
Step Three: USPTO Response
After filing your application, the USPTO should respond within six months or so. They will notify you whether your application has been accepted or rejected. The USPTO may have more questions about your application before making any decisions. If that is the case, they will send you an office action letter. Your attorney can help you understand the problem, address it, and submit the changes. At Larson and Larson, we can help clients who have submitted applications, received action letters, and need assistance with filing responses supporting registration of the mark. During a scenario like this, it is critical to have an experienced legal professional helping you conduct your communication with the USPTO because everything you say may remain on file.
Wondering How to Trademark a Logo? Call Larson and Larson for Help
After the acceptance of your application, you can continue to use your trademark freely to differentiate your company from others on the market. If there are any issues, an attorney at Larson and Larson in St. Petersburg can help protect your interests from a legal perspective. To schedule a consultation or to learn how to trademark a logo, call us today at (727) 546-0660 or contact us online.