Seattle, Washington Businesses Use Cohn Legal for Trademark Services
Serving Seattle, Washington companies, Cohn Legal, PLLC is a boutique law firm that focuses on providing excellence in intellectual property protection for startups and entrepreneurs. Extensive experience in handling complex IP law has equipped our attorneys with the requisite knowledge and expertise to deliver work of truly extraordinary quality. We relish the opportunity to help our clients build their brands and protect their businesses.
Top 9 Questions Seattle Businesses Have About Obtaining a Trademark
What is a trademark?
A trademark is a word, phrase, or logo that sets companies that sell the same products or services apart from each other. It allows consumers to identify which company manufactures the product or provides the service.
What is a priority date and why is it important?
The date you submit your trademark application to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will become your priority date. Anyone who submits an application for a trademark that’s similar to yours after that date will not be approved. This is another reason to start the trademark registration process as soon as you can. It locks in some limited protections, even while your application is pending.
Will the USPTO let me know if someone is infringing on my trademark?
The USPTO will not monitor your trademark or alert you to potential infringement. Their role is to review applications and make determinations of approval for both trademarks and patents. Trademark monitoring is the solely the responsibility of the trademark owner and his or her trademark attorneys.
How long does it take to register a trademark?
It generally takes 6 to 8 months from the date of an application submission to approval, assuming everything goes smoothly. It can take longer if the USPTO has questions about your application or someone challenges your trademark application. An experienced trademark attorney can help the approval process goes as quickly as possible by submitting an accurate and complete application on your behalf.
Can I request that the USPTO expedite approval of my trademark?
Generally, you can’t request an expedited approval of your mark. However, are limited circumstances in which the application process can be expedited. Specifically, if you are involved in matters of litigation, there exists the possibility of trademark infringement, or there exists a unique need to obtain a U.S. trademark to procure a foreign registration. If any of these scenarios apply to you, then it’s best to consult with a trademark attorney before requesting an expedited review.
Is my brand protected if I just register my business name?
While registering the name of your business is an important part of protecting your brand, it likely isn’t enough. It’s also critical that you register anything that represents your brand, which includes your business name, but also includes your product name, logo, slogan, signature color, or even sound. If you are unsure about which aspects of your business could benefit from trademark.
What can a trademark attorney do for me?
An attorney who is licensed to practice trademark law in the U.S. can help you:
• Determine if your chosen trademark can be legally protected.
• Determine the appropriate filing basis for your trademark application.
• File a trademark application with the USPTO that is complete and accurate.
• Select an appropriate specimen that shows how your trademark will be used in commerce
• Respond to questions you may receive from an examining attorney.
• Understand the scope of your trademark rights and the best ways to enforce them.
• Fight challenges brought by others against your trademark.
Is a Google search the best way to determine if the trademark I want is available?
Google searches, or any online search for that matter, should not be used to determine if someone else has the name or logo you want. Online searches will only reveal exact matches to your business name, product name, or slogan. You also want to know who out there has a trademark that is very similar to the name you want, which may not come up in a search. Also, an online search won’t reveal which trademarks are pending approval with the USPTO. Contact a trademark attorney who can help you conduct a thorough search of existing and pending trademarks and give clear guidance on the availability of your desired trademark.
I’m a one-person operation. Do I need to worry about trademark registration?
Every business, large or small, should take steps to register and protect their trademark. A strong trademark gives small businesses the confidence to invest in their brand and grow. Even one-person operation should protect their intellectual property by applying for trademark registration with the USPTO.
Why Trademark Registration Matters for Seattle Businesses
If you’re setting up a new business in the Great city of Seattle, then you need to make sure you seek the advice of a trademark attorney right away.
A trademark attorney has the skills and knowledge to research, select, and register your trademark. That means, your brand will be protected and stop others from using names or logos that are similar to yours.
Imagine the following: Jack wants to open an independent bookstore near Amazon. He comes up with the name Chapter & Verse for his new venture. He didn’t seek the advice of a trademark attorney before moving forward with creating a business plan, marketing materials, store signage, and a website.
What Jack didn’t realize was that there was already a small book store chain in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut using the name Chapter & Verse. The owners of the small chain of stores registered the trademark with the USPTO more than 10 years ago.
Jack was only in business for 3 months when he received a cease-and-desist letter in the mail. The letter asked that Jack stop operations and not re-open his store until he rebranded.
This would be devastating to any new business. If Jack had consulted with a trademark attorney right from the start, he would have known the risks of using the name Chapter & Verse. His attorney could have advised him to choose another name. All-in-all he would have saved himself thousands of dollars and countless hours in rebranding.
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 Seattle and yet it can assist businesses from Washington in registering a federal Trademark because trademarks are governed under federal law.