A vital first step in creating your brand identity is naming your company. It’s crucial to safeguard your company name, and one method to achieve this is by filing for either trademark or copyright protection for it. But which one ought to you pick? The distinctions between trademark and copyright will be covered in this article, along with whether one is most appropriate for your company name. Using a trademark versus using a copyright A trademark is a design, word, or expression that sets one good or service apart from another on the market. It serves as a source indication for the products or services and serves to deter unauthorized usage of the same name or trademark. For original works of authorship like books, music, and artwork, a copyright is a type of protection. It grants the owner the sole authority to make, share, and exhibit the work. Registering Your Business Name as a Trademark Trademarking your company name is the best course of action if you want to stop others from using a name or logo that is similar to yours. Additionally advantageous is the fact that it provides you with cross-jurisdictional legal protection if you choose to take your company international. Even while trademark registration can be a hassle, it’s ultimately worthwhile. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) charges between $225 and $400 to register a trademark for each class of products or services. Purchasing a business name from someone You can either buy the full company or simply the trademark if you wish to purchase someone else’s business name. If you only want to purchase the trademark, you will have to bargain with the owner and come to a price. Remember that the owner has the right to decline, and even if they do, the price may be high.
You can still register a trademark for a name that is already in use but not currently being used. To make sure there aren’t any trademarks already in existence that might compete with yours, it’s crucial to do a comprehensive search. If there are already trademarks in existence, registering your own could result in legal action. Working with a trademark lawyer is essential to making sure you aren’t violating anybody else’s rights.
In conclusion, the best strategy to prevent others from using your company name is to trademark it. Before registering your trademark, it’s crucial to undertake a comprehensive investigation to make sure there aren’t any rival marks out there. Depending on the goods or services you offer, the cost of trademark registration can vary, but it’s ultimately worthwhile. If you’re thinking about buying someone else’s company name, either buy the whole thing or try to get only the trademark. Last but not least, consulting a trademark lawyer can help you understand the legal nuances of trademark registration and guarantee that your company name is safeguarded.