WHAT IS A TRADEMARK OR SERVICE MARK?
A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol or design, or a combination of words, phrases, symbols or designs, that identifies and distinguishes the source of the goods of one party from those of others. A service mark is the same as a trademark, except that it identifies and distinguishes the source of a service rather than a product. Throughout this informational summary, the terms “trademark” and “mark” refer to both trademarks and service marks.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TRADEMARK, COPYRIGHT AND PATENT?
A trademark protects words, phrases, symbols, or designs identifying the source of the goods or services of one party and distinguishing them from those of others. Copyright, by contrast, protects original works of authorship, but does not protect ideas, concepts, systems, or methods of doing something. You may express your ideas in writing or drawings and claim copyright in your description, but be aware that copyright will not protect the idea itself as revealed in your written or artistic work. However, a patent may be used to protect the underlying invention, idea, or method.
WHY TRADEMARK?
Federal trademark registration provides several important advantages:
- It prevents others from using the same or similar trademark in connection with the same or similar goods or services.
- It gives you the right to bring a legal action concerning infringement of your mark in a United States Federal Court.
- The trademark provides constructive notice to the public of your claim of ownership of the mark. This means that a claim of “innocent infringement” will not be entertained by the court if you have obtained federal registration for your trademark.
- It provides you with the ability to file the trademark registration with the U.S. Customs Service to prevent importation of infringing foreign goods.
- The United States trademark registration may be used as a basis to obtain registration in foreign countries, namely through the Madrid Protocols.
- Federal registration of your trademark will be used as a legal presumption of your ownership of the mark and your exclusive right to use the mark nationwide on or in connection with the goods and/or services listed in the registration.
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WHY CHOOSE OUR Trademark ServicesSERVICES?
Experience: Over 15 years of Entrepreneurial, International & Small Business Experience
Cost-Effective: Our suite of flat-rate legal products are designed to save you money by delivering exactly what you need without the need for high billable hours for unnecessary services
User-Friendly: Our services can be delivered “virtually” creating greater efficiency, ease-of-use and cost-savings for you. This also helps us to better meet your deadlines!
Quality & Service: Our business is dependant on our high degree of customer service and the quality of our work-product. We are committed to exceeding client expectations and going above and beyond to ensure satisfaction with our legal products. We also pride ourselves on our responsiveness!
Support: Our clients enjoy a great amount of guidance and ongoing support
- Office Actions
- Other Trademark Services
- TrademarkWatch Monitoring Service (Monthly Searches, Updates & Reports)
- Test Your Trademark with our Brand Meter(™)