When opening a business at The Document People/We the People Santa Monica or incorporating at The Document People/We the People Woodland Hills, we are often asked whether a trademark protection is needed.
Well, the official answer (according to the Trademark Commission’s website) is that it is possible to establish rights on a certain mark solely by the legitimate use of said mark.
However, there are several advantages in actually owning a federal trademark registration, including the exclusive right to use of the mark nationwide in connection with the goods or services provided, and more importantly, the ability to bring an action to stop other from doing the same.
Trademark protection is not restricted to the name protected. It extends to every name that could be conceivably considered similar to the one registered.
Also, and this is a little known fact, owning a federally protected mark allows the owner to prevent the importation of foreign goods that are infringing on said mark (ex. cheap knockoffs in the garment industry).
Finally, the U.S. registration of a mark can be the basis to obtain registration in foreign countries, therefore allowing international protection of the mark.
The Document People is a network of legal document assistants who share a common purpose: helping customers with preparation and filing of trademark filings in Woodland Hills, Santa Monica, San Fernando, Torrance, Anaheim, Glendale and Oceanside. We offer preparation and filing of Federal Trademarks at all locations.
The information contained in this blog – including information of a legal nature – is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter.