Bakersfield, California Businesses Use Cohn Legal for Trademark Services
Serving clients in Bakersfield, California, Cohn Legal, PLLC is committed to delivering unparalleled legal counsel and expertise for their clients. The startup and trademark lawyers of Cohn Legal operate with the singular goal of acting as your legal consigliere, continuously striving to provide you with the best legal advice and strategies to protect your intellectual property and business interests.
Top 8 Questions Bakersfield Businesses Have About Obtaining a Trademark
When do I need to register a trademark?
It would not be an exaggeration to say that time is of the essence – the moment you put your branding asset, or trademark into the stream of commerce for competitor observation, you want to make sure that you have already protected it. Registering your trademark allows you to confidently build your brand and business without worrying about the competition stealing your brand identity. Of course, conducting a trademark search before you do anything else can help you feel confident that you’re taking all of the necessary steps to protect your trademark and your business.
Is my U.S. registered trademark only valid in the United States?
Yes, your U.S. trademark can only be used within the borders of the United States. If you want to use your trademark in countries outside of the United States, then you’ll need to consult with a trademark attorney who can help you get trademark protection in other countries.
When will my trademark expire?
The good news is that once registered, your trademark won’t ever expire. You just need to keep up with the renewals. The first renewal for your trademark will be due about 5 years after the date it was first registered. The second renewal will be due about 10 years after the date it was first registered. Subsequent renewals will be due every 10 years.
What is TEAS?
You can submit your trademark application to the USPTO online using the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS). This online portal is easy to use. You should be able to complete the entire process in 60 minutes or less.
Is a Google search a reliable way to see if my business name has already been trademarked?
No. That is one of the biggest myths out there. The only way you can be sure that the name you wish to have trademarked is available is to do a thorough search of the USPTO database. The database will not only identify existing names that may be similar to your desired trademark, but it will also reveal similar trademarks that are pending publication. You will never be able to conduct such a thorough search using Google or any other search engine.
What is the role of an examining attorney?
Once you submit a trademark application, it’s the examining attorney’s job to review the application. He or she will search the USPTO database to identify any trademarks that may be too similar to the trademark you’re attempting to register. If your mark is unique, then the examining attorney will have it printed in the USPTO’s Official Gazette for a 30-day period. During that time any third party can oppose the application if they can prove that your trademark infringes upon theirs.
Should I register my trademark before I start selling my goods or services?
There’s no law that says you must have your trademark registered before you start doing business. However, any trademark attorney would advise you to register your trademark ASAP. Registering your trademark protects your business’s name, logo, and other brand identifiers against competitors.
I was asked to provide a “specimen” as part of my trademark application. What is that?
If you’re asked for a specimen, then you can supply the USPTO with a product label, a website screenshot, packaging, flyers, brochures, or another piece of marketing collateral with your logo or business name on it. Anything that shows how you will use your registered trademark in commercial activity is acceptable as a specimen in the eyes of the USPTO.
Why Trademark Registration Matters for Bakersfield Businesses
There’s never been a better time to start a new business in Bakersfield, California. The economy is strong and the population is growing at a steady pace. New business owners in the area know that kicking off a new venture requires a ton of work. But no matter how much work needs to be done, it’s never a good idea to overlook trademark registration.
Imagine the following: Desmond sees a unique opportunity to start a new business in Bakersfield. He wants to open up a fried chicken restaurant near Buena Vista Museum to capitalize on the heavy foot traffic in the area. He plans to call his restaurant University Chicken.
Desmond finds an excellent location, signs the lease, then gets to work. Next, he renovates the space, interviews potential new hires, invests in signage, orders menus, and so much more. He knows that trademark registration is something that he needs to take care of, but he just doesn’t have the time.
Desmond finally makes it to his grand opening and enjoys early success as college students tourist flock to his restaurant. Before long, however, he receives a cease-and-desist letter. There’s a small chain of fried chicken restaurants in California City with a similar name. They trademarked their name years ago and they believe the name of Desmond’s restaurant is too similar to theirs. Now, he has no choice but to close down his restaurant and spend time and money on rebranding and renaming.
This hassle could have been avoided if Desmond had worked with a trademark attorney from the very start.
If you have questions about trademark registration, then contact the attorneys at Cohn Legal for a no-cost trademark consultation.
* *Cohn Legal, PLLC is not located in Bakersfield and yet it can assist businesses from California in registering a federal Trademark because trademarks are governed under federal law.
Trademarks Services for Bakersfield Businesses
Submit Your Trademark
Now in 4 Easy Steps
TRADEMARK INFORMATION
Complete the Trademark Registration Form.
PRELIMINARY SEARCH
Our IP Attorneys will run a search of your trademark in the USPTO.
TM APPLICATION
We draft your TM Application and send it to you for your Review.
USPTO
We File the Application with the USPTO.