FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a trademark, and why do I need one?
A trademark protects your brand identity, like your name, logo, or slogan, from being used by others. It helps prevent customer confusion and secures your legal right to your brand.
When should I file for a trademark as a startup?
Ideally before you launch or invest heavily in marketing. Early filing helps avoid name conflicts and future rebranding costs.
What’s the difference between ™ and ® symbols?
™ indicates a claimed but unregistered trademark. ® can only be used after a successful federal registration with the USPTO.
Can I trademark my company name and product name together?
Yes, but they may require separate applications. We help you prioritize what to protect based on business goals.
How long does it take to register a trademark?
On average, 8–12 months. We help expedite prep and respond to any USPTO issues to keep the process moving.
What is a trademark clearance search?
Utility It identifies potential conflicts with existing trademarks. We search federal and common law databases to help you avoid infringement risks.typically last 20 years from the filing date. Provisional patents last 1 year, after which you must convert to a non-provisional to keep protections moving forward.
Can I trademark a domain name?
Only if it functions as a brand identifier, not just a web address. We help evaluate if your domain name is trademarkable.
What happens if someone is already using my brand name?
You may still have options depending on geography, usage, and registration. We assess risk and guide your strategy.
What does a trademark protect me from?
It prevents others from using a similar name or logo in a way that could confuse customers or harm your brand.
How much does it cost to file a trademark?
We offer flat-fee packages that include search, filing, and basic USPTO responses. Government fees are additional and based on classes.
Do I need a trademark for my SaaS product?
If your software has a distinct brand, yes. A trademark can protect your app name, logo, or tagline from being copied.
What’s a trademark class?
It’s a category of goods or services used to define what your trademark applies to. We help you select the right class(es) for your business.
Can I file a trademark before using the name?
Yes, through an “intent to use” application. We’ll guide you on timing, proof of use, and next steps.
Do trademarks protect logos and visual branding?
Yes, logos can be trademarked separately from names. We often recommend filing for both if they’re core to your identity.
What if someone is infringing on my trademark?
We help you assess the situation and, if needed, send cease-and-desist letters or escalate enforcement without overreacting.
