When you start a business, you pour blood into establishing your brand. However, a lot of people overlook one crucial point: trademark protection. A trademark can protect your brand name, logo or slogan. If you sit on it, yes, it’s possible that someone else can take your name or sue you based on your name. Here are five common mistakes new businesses make regarding trademarks — and how to avoid them.
1. Not to see whether the name is taken.
Not everyone thinks like that, of course, but some people do: The fact that a name is available as a website or Instagram handle proves that no one owns it. That is not true. You must also do a comprehensive trademark search before you name or use a logo. And if the name has already been registered by someone else, it could get you in trouble further down the line. You’d potentially have to switch your business name, possibly after you’d spent money on branding.
2. Waiting to Trademark Your Property
Often, startups will wait too long to register a mark. They believe they only need it as the business grows.” This is risky. Another person can register it before you do and you’ll lose your rights. You want to register your trademark early in the game, as soon as you come up with a name or a logo.
3. Choosing a Super Common or Stupid Name
Sure, names like “Fresh Milk” or “Good Shoes” sound nice, but are far too plain. Trademark protection for names like these can be pretty tricky. Just come up with a cool, original name! Consider names such as “Amazon” or “Pepsi” — not simple words, but now they are household names.
4. Register the Logo Only, Not the Name
Some companies register only their logo. But this is not enough. If you adjust the logo later, the trademark will no longer be your friend. Registering your logo and brand name for full protection is ideal.
5. Thinking Only of Other Nations
You must also protect your mark there to expand your business to other countries. Many people forget this. One day, someone else can use your name in another country, and there won’t be anything you can do about it.” Claims to trademark protection in many countries, all at once (with something like the Madrid Protocol).
Conclusion
You must have a trademark for your business, madam. It is how you safeguard your name, logo and brand. Avoid these common errors. If you don’t know how, get someone with experience to help. Our team at TM provides professional trademark registration facilities. For more information, visit our website and use the promo to get your brand!