Logos are essential parts of brands because they represent your brand identity. As a business identity, it is essential to trademark a logo to ensure legal protection against infringement that can harm your business.
By trademarking a logo, your intellectual property is legally protected. Therefore, consult an attorney or law firm that provides trademark services to ensure that your logo is properly trademarked. This article will thoroughly discuss trademarking your logo and the steps involved in the process.
Why You Should Trademark Your Logo
Like your product or brand name, you should also trademark a logo. Here are three reasons why you should start trademarking your logo as well.
1. Legal Protection
Having your logo trademarked will protect it against unauthorized use. This means you will have exclusive rights to your logo and can take legal action in case of trademark infringement by any individual or organisation.
This protection means you will have control over the image and reputation of your brand in the competitive marketplace.
2. Enhanced Brand Recognition
A logo with a trademark shows that your brand is unique, allowing customers to distinguish your brand from competitors. This improves your brand recognition and will help you build customer trust.
At the same time, this also improves your brand image and it will be seen as a reliable and reputable brand.
When you trademark a logo, you will have a small ® logo, which helps enhance brand recognition. This small logo signals that your logo is protected and professionally established.
You can also learn more about trademark symbols to ensure you understand them and get the correct trademark for your brand.
3. Potential for Brand Expansion
Over time, your business will grow and the value of your trademarked logo will increase. This will help you during brand expansion because the trademarked logo can be a cornerstone of brand loyalty and trust.
Your business will have more licensing opportunities or brand partnerships with trademarked logos, making it easier to upscale your business operations.
Steps to Trademark a Logo
The process of trademarking a logo can be straightforward, although it can be overwhelming for people who are inexperienced with the trademark submission process.
Here are the steps to trademark a logo. Follow them to ensure you trademark your logo correctly.
1. Conducting a Trademark Search
The first step is to conduct a trademark search in your country’s trademark database. This search ensures that the logo you have developed is available for registration.
If your future plan includes expanding your business internationally, you must also check the global databases. Look for similar logos and trademarks that other companies already register. If you cannot find any, you can trademark your logo.
You can perform this step on your own; however, hiring a law firm with experience in trademark service, such as Am Badar & Am Badar Trademark Service, is advisable. An attorney can check the database comprehensively and help prevent any legal issues that may arise later.
2. Preparing Your Application
Once you know your logo is unique, you can prepare your application. In this step, you must provide an image of your logo. Make sure the image is clear and high-resolution.
Make sure that the logo you submit is the final design. Changing it in any way after registration will necessitate a re-application.
In the application document, you must specify the colors, fonts, and graphic elements you use in the logo. Adding this description helps you define the exact version of the logo you designed.
Common law trademark rights are limited to the geographic area where the mark is used. This type of trademark right is not national, which means other businesses outside your local region can use the same logo.
To ensure strong protection against unauthorized use, consult with an attorney with experience in trademark law. They can prepare documents and all the necessary information about your logo and brand to ensure other people cannot use it.
3. Filing Your Application
Finally, once all the preparation is ready, you can file the trademark application. Make sure to file your application correctly to the appropriate trademark office.
Some offices offer online filing portals that simplify the process. It also allows you to monitor the application’s status easily online.
Once submitted, you must pay the required fee to start the process. The fees vary depending on the country and the number of trademark classifications. You should check the trademark office’s website to ensure that you are up to date with the fee schedules.
After the payment is submitted, you may need to clarify or add more information. To avoid a prolonged process, you must check your emails often and respond to them quickly.
Once all requirements are submitted, the trademark office will review your application before submitting the trademark for your logo. This process can take several months to complete.
However, if no issues arise from the application you submitted, your trademark logo will be registered, allowing you to have full legal protection.
Trademarking a logo is essential in securing your brand’s visual identity, and it offers legal, strategic, and financial advantages.
By trademarking your logo, you’re investing in your brand’s future, protecting your creative assets, and paving the way for expansion opportunities.
If you are ready to trademark a logo, Am Badar & Am Badar attorneys will protect you and your business from infringement. Search more about their services on their insight page.
You can also contact them to discuss proceeding with your logo trademark.
