Top Reasons You Might Need a Trademark Attorney

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It’s no secret that the market is teeming with imitators ready to pounce on the next big business idea and poach customers. Once you have established a brand you’re proud of, you must protect it against them through trademark. It serves as a unique marker of your business and helps ensure that no other organization can infringe upon it.

Unfortunately, the trademark registration process can be complex and time-consuming. The Kinder Law Group recommends working with a trademark attorney to spare you from major headaches. Still on the fence about hiring a legal expert? We’ve listed the top reasons why you need a trademark attorney.

They assist you with trademark research

Before registering your company or product, you must ensure that no existing trademark is precisely the same or sounds similar to its name. Although do-it-yourself websites and search engines enable you to check trademarks for a low price, they typically only list exact matches. There’s a chance that you may miss other trademarks and face disputes if your brand causes confusion in the market.

A trademark attorney can help you complete more comprehensive trademark research. Instead of checking only exact word matches, they analyze existing registered names, slogans, and logos to see if they lead to conflicts or confusion. They can give you legal advice on whether you can proceed or pick a different name.

They prepare your trademark application

Sure, you may be an expert in your field, but you might not have the legal knowledge to process your trademark application alone. Choosing the suitable protection, identifying the correct class of goods, and drafting an accurate description are just some of the decisions you need to make. Working with a trademark attorney can take all the burden off your shoulders. 

With the number of rules and procedures established by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), it may take some time before you learn the entire process, not to mention the compliance with requirements and nuances. A trademark attorney can ensure that all your documents are accurate, error-free, and adhere to USPTO.

They increase your probability of success

Business owners already have a lot on their plate. When you add a trademark application to their to-do list, there’s a high chance for mistakes or even forgetting about the deadline. Hiring a trademark attorney can ensure your application process is smooth-sailing, thus increasing your probability of success.

If you received a preliminary refusal notice for your application, your trademark attorney would know how to respond effectively. They can help you address any issue with the USPTO. Furthermore, these professionals can answer questions that may arise during the registration process on your behalf.

They save money in the long run

Having a trademark attorney by your side can help you save money in the long run. Their services may not be cheap, but the consequences of a failed trademark registration may end up costing you more. Some applications may require you to pay hundreds to thousands of dollars for filing fees.

If the USPTO rejects your trademark application, they will not refund your filing fees. Additionally, a trademark lawyer can advise which aspect of your brand requires trademark protection. They can help you make well-informed decisions and avoid spending on unnecessary things.

They monitor improper use of your trademark

Although the USPTO is responsible for registering trademarks, their job doesn’t include monitoring how these are used in the marketplace. This responsibility falls in your hands. But with how busy you are growing your brand, it’s understandable that monitoring infringement will be the least of your priority. 

Fortunately, some trademark attorneys also offer monitoring services to protect your business. They can keep an eye out for improper use and implement measures to stop them. With their help, you can rest easy and focus on expanding your business. 

Takeaway

Registering for a trademark is not a simple task. Not only does it involve a lengthy process but also strict rules. Although hiring a trademark attorney is not a requirement, they provide immense help. From conducting thorough trademark research to helping you protect your brand as it grows, they can make your life a lot easier.