A Comprehensive Guide on How to Get a Trademark in Illinois

How do I get a trademark in Illinois?
To file for an Illinois state trademark, applicants must complete and file Form TM/SM-15, the State of Illinois Trademark or Service Mark Application, and an application fee. The mark must be filed under the applicant’s name.
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Businesses that want to safeguard their intellectual property and brand identification must first register their trademarks. A trademark is a recognisable sign, symbol, or statement that sets one good or service apart from another in the marketplace. In order to register a trademark in Illinois, you must first conduct a trademark search, submit an application, and pay a fee. The detailed instructions in this article will show you how to register a trademark in Illinois.

Search for trademarks

A thorough trademark search must be done prior to submitting a trademark application. If your intended trademark is in conflict with any already-registered marks, a trademark search will assist you find those. The trademark database of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) can be used for this search. To search for state-level trademarks, you can also use the website of the Illinois Secretary of State.

Application for a Trademark

The next step is to submit a trademark application after conducting a trademark search and discovering that your proposed trademark is eligible for registration. Applications for trademarks are filed with the Illinois Secretary of State’s office. A sample of the trademark, the date of first use, and a description of the products or services connected to the brand should all be included in the application.

The application fee must be paid. In Illinois, a trademark application costs $50 for each class of products or services. Even in the event that the trademark application is rejected, this money is not refundable. Additionally, there will be additional costs for upkeep and renewal of the trademark if the trademark application is authorized. Register a logo as a trademark in Illinois

The same conditions that apply to a typical trademark must be satisfied for a logo to be trademarked in Illinois. The logo must be unique and not overly similar to any other trademarks already in use. The emblem must also be connected to certain products or services. You must file a trademark application and the associated cost in order to register a logo.

Summary

To sum up, in order to register a trademark in Illinois, you must do an exhaustive trademark search, file a trademark application, and pay the associated filing fee. Make sure your proposed trademark is unique and doesn’t look too much like any other trademarks already in use. Furthermore, to provide for adequate processing time, trademark applications should be filed well in advance of any product launch. It is important to speak with a trademark lawyer to establish the best course of action for your unique business needs because the expenses associated with registering and maintaining a trademark can differ.