Getting a trademark, patent, or copyright can be a head-scratching process. It’s helpful to understand the difference between the three to figure out which one your business needs and how it will protect you.
What is a trademark?
A trademark is a design, word, or phrase that your company uses to identify its brand, goods, or services. Trademarks not only help to distinguish your company from competitors, but they also prevent others from copying your original ideas.
A great example is Paris Hilton’s popular catchphrase, “That’s hot!”
There are both state and federal-level trademarks, each with its own application and registration process.
Advantages of a trademark
When you receive a trademark, your competitors are not legally allowed to register the same or any deceptively similar variation of your trademark for the same category of goods and services.
When you register a trademark, a public record is created that establishes your ownership of it. You can then legally use the Ⓡ symbol, which helps your brand:
- Build trust with consumers
- Establish the legitimacy of your brand
- Prevent others from copying it!
A federal trademark gives you a broader scope for enforcing the protection of your trademark. It also allows you to seek mark registration in other countries.
