Trademark Registration
Experience you can trust
As America's top trademark filer, our law firm ensures you'll receive expert support at every step.*
Save time and money
Complete the trademark filing process in 3 simple steps, saving you up to 75% compared to the cost of a traditional law firm.**
File with confidence
We have registered more than three times as many trademarks as our leading competitors and boast the highest application approval rate.
Increase likelihood of approval
Over 50% of trademark applications filed by lower-cost online competitors are rejected after a 14-month waiting period.
Tell us about your trademark
Just answer a few questions about your trademark and business, and an attorney will reach out to discuss the next steps.
We’ll research it & report back
Your attorney will conduct a thorough trademark search to ensure no similar marks are in use. If any issues arise, we’ll conduct a second search for free.
We’ll complete & file your paperwork
Once the attorney confirms that everything is in order, they will file your application electronically with the USPTO.
What is a trademark?
Trademarks distinguish your products and services as uniquely belonging to your brand, setting you apart from competitors. You can register a trademark for various types of intellectual property, such as your business name, product name, tagline, logo, symbol, or design. For a trademark to offer real protection against infringement, it must be used in commerce. While the trademark registration process can be complex, attorneys can guide you through each step and handle the filing of your application.
What does a trademark mean?
A trademark signifies that a business name, brand name, tagline, logo, symbol, or design is officially registered with the USPTO, granting exclusive rights to its use and preventing others from using it. Registering a trademark is a legal process that protects your branding from being copied by competitors.
Ready to register your trademark?
What’s the difference between a trademark and a copyright?
While copyrights and registered trademarks both help protect your intellectual property, they are used for different things.
Copyright
Copyrights protect creative works
Copyrights protect creative works like stories, poems, song lyrics, films, and even software code.
Copyright is automatic
As soon as you create a piece of art or write song lyrics, you automatically establish ownership. However, there is a legal process you can—and should—follow to secure stronger legal protection.
Copyrights expire
A person’s copyright lasts for their lifetime plus 70 years. Different rules apply to works created anonymously or under a pseudonym.
Trademark
Trademarks protect brands
Trademarks protect brand names, business names, product names, logos, and slogans, helping a brand establish recognition and stand out from competitors.
Trademarks need to be registered
Although you receive some protection as soon as you begin using your brand name and logo, registering a trademark with the USPTO is necessary to fully safeguard your brand.
Trademarks can be renewed
Your trademark will not expire as long as you renew it—after the first five years and then every 10 years thereafter.
How to trademark a phrase
Using a distinctive phrase connected with your business—such as a slogan, motto, or tagline—can help improve your brand recognition. To prevent other companies from using your phrase, you can register a trademark for it—starting with a comprehensive search. However, not every phrase can be trademarked, not everyone can trademark a phrase, and registration does not provide complete protection. A trademark attorney can advise you on the best next steps for registering a trademark for your particular phrase.
How to do a trademark search with GetGoLegal
Your application must be filed with the USPTO, and it must include:
1. The name and address of the mark’s owner
2. The name you want to protect
3. The goods or services that you want to register your name for
4. Whether your name is already being used in business (“in commerce”) or you haven’t started using it yet (“intent to use”).
5. A label or a package (the “specimen”) that shows your name in use if you’re filing your trademark as “in commerce.” (If you file as “intent to use” you will need to provide your specimen later and pay additional federal fees.)
How to register a trademark for a name and logo
You can register a trademark for a logo that includes your name, but the logo and name together will be treated as a single trademark. If you want them protected separately, you’ll need to file two applications. While using your logo grants you common law trademark protection, filing a trademark application offers full legal protection. Since the trademark registration process can be complex, it’s always beneficial to seek guidance from a trademark attorney.
Why trademark registration is important
Stop copycats
Prevent competitors from copying your branding and benefiting from your hard-earned reputation.
Stand out
Build a brand as unique as you are, with the assurance that it can be protected.
Own your brand
Protect the exclusive rights to your names, slogans, and logos.
Make it legal
Create a strong, exclusive brand with the protection of the ® symbol.
Enforce your rights
Be empowered to legally claim your unique branding.
Defend what’s yours
Simplify the process of taking legal action against competitors who infringe on your trademarks.
Frequently asked questions
Generally, no, as it could lead to confusion.
However, if the other mark is used for different products or services, it may be possible, as consumers might not be confused about which company offers what.
For instance, Delta Dental, Delta Air Lines, and Delta Faucet Company can all coexist as business names because their products are distinct enough to avoid consumer confusion.
Yes, the USPTO allows only one trademark—whether it’s a name, logo, or slogan—per application.
You can register a logo that includes your business name, but in that case, the design and text together are treated as a single trademark. If you want them protected separately, you’ll need to file two applications during the trademark registration process.
Trademark registration can involve one or multiple classes, depending on what you sell. The USPTO categorizes all products and services into 45 classes. For example, if you own a restaurant, your services would fall under class 43 (food services). However, if you also sell cookbooks or offer cooking classes, you might want to register under class 16 (paper goods) and class 41 (education and entertainment services). Typically, your trademark protection is confined to the classes specified in your application.
The trademark application process typically takes six to 12 months, including the time spent waiting for a response from the USPTO, if you’re using the trademark in commerce.
The USPTO will review your application within a few months, then either issue an office action with questions or concerns, or approve your trademark for publication. If your trademark is published and no objections are raised within 30 days, your registration is complete, and you officially have a registered mark.
If you’re not yet using your trademark in commerce, the process may take longer. After progressing through the previous steps, the USPTO will issue a Notice of Allowance, indicating they will register your mark once you submit proof of use in commerce via a Statement of Use. After this is submitted and approved, your mark will be officially registered.
Yes, the USPTO’s examining attorney may reject your trademark if there’s a risk of consumer confusion with another mark. For example, if your business name is too similar to another in the same industry, it could lead to confusion. Working with an attorney during the trademark registration process can help prevent these issues.
Yes, you should register your trademark to protect your business or brand assets. While using your trademark and having common law protection is a good beginning, it doesn’t provide the full legal protection that comes with completed trademark registration.
You can use the ™ symbol on your logo while you’re in the process of applying for a trademark. This signals to others that you intend to secure a trademark. Once your trademark is officially registered and approved, you can replace the ™ with the ® symbol.