Trademark Lawyer Raleigh NC: Trademark Law
If you are considering applying for a trademark, you may have a few questions regarding the process. These might include how can you protect your trademark in Raleigh, North Carolina, or how to know if a trademark is even worthy of protection. You may also want to know if anyone is currently using your trademark and how to go about registering your trademark legally. These are all great questions that a trademark lawyer Raleigh NC can help you answer, and decide if applying for a trademark is right for you.
What is a trademark?
But let's take a step back, what is a trademark?
Trademarks and service marks are valuable pieces of intellectual property that help consumers identify your goods and services. Symbols such as the Nike Swoosh or Fruit of the Loom Cornucopia are likely permanently burned into your brain and for good reason. These types of marks not only are a logo or a symbol that you have created to mark (or brand) your goods, but they ideally will also help you distinguish your goods and services from those of your competitors. In the same sense, a service mark is often a slogan or catchphrase that is associated with your business, goods or services. These markings or slogans speak volumes about what your business offers and the quality of the products you are offering.
Trademark Registration Process
Trademark registration is a complicated process. As such, a trademark lawyer Raleigh NC is essential.
First, a trademark lawyer will perform a diligent search for similar marks that are currently being used. Conducted through the United States Patent and Trademark Office as well as some state offices, ensures that your mark is original and will not infringe on the marks belonging to your competitors.
After the search is clear, your trademark attorney will analyze your mark to determine if it deserves protection, which means that it meets certain criteria for distinctiveness. Only marks with certain distinction are eligible for registration and an application for a generic mark will likely be turned down.
Finally, if you haven’t hired a trademark lawyer Raleigh NC by this point, you should consider hiring one to help you complete the registration process, which requires specific knowledge about trademarks.
Once registered, your mark is protected from use by your competitors. Only you can use it on your goods and services and the mark remains yours so long as you continue to use it and protect it from infringement.
Hire a Trademark Lawyer Raleigh NC
Hire a trademark lawyer in Raleigh, NC today, to make sure your mark is protected. For more information on trademarks and service marks and other small business needs, contact Eldreth Law Firm. You can also visit their website, www.eldrethlaw.com for more information on the services offered.
