Protect your intellectual property and brand identity with the help of our Chicago, IL trademark branding lawyer. Schedule a meeting with the Trademark Lawyer Law Firm and keep an edge on the competition by securing your rights.
How A Trademark Branding Lawyer Can Help You
You may want to consider trademarking your company’s name, slogan, or logo to help maintain your brand identity and protect it from being used by competitors. Our trademark branding lawyer is knowledgeable of the intricacies of trademark law and is available to assist you with trademark research, filing, and applications. Get help establishing important protections such as:
Determining whether or not a trademark is available and whether it is unique enough to pass the approval process
Manage all aspects of the trademark filing process, including appealing rejections and monitoring renewal dates
A brand assessment with recommendations on trademark opportunities
Handling trademark infringements to stop unauthorized use of your intellectual property
Drafting and enforcing licensing agreements that permit limited use of trademarks by third parties
When To Hire A Trademark Branding Lawyer
If you own a business or are making money off your name, you need a trademark branding lawyer. Leaving your company unprotected gives the competition an opportunity to encroach on your revenue by leveraging your intellectual property for their own benefit. Establishing trademarks early will support the growth of your business and further strengthen brand recognition for consumers. In addition to keeping competitors at bay, trademarks are an excellent money-making opportunity. Third-party retailers or manufacturers might want to use your trademarks on their products. You can benefit from this type of partnership by entering a trademark licensing agreement. As the owner of the trademark, you can make all the decisions about when and how that trademark is used. Our Chicago trademark branding lawyer will draft the contract, negotiate on your behalf, and explain all the potential implications of issuing that license. We protect your brand rights to ensure you maximize your return on your trademark. In the event that someone uses your trademark without permission or violates a licensing agreement, our trademark branding lawyer will take legal action. From sending cease and desist letters to filing lawsuits, you get peace of mind knowing that the use of your trademark is being monitored and protected to the fullest extent of the law. Furthermore, trademark law is complicated. There are rules as to what can and cannot be trademarked. Understanding the guidelines ensures your applications are approved without delays. Our trademark branding lawyer will do a full review of your company and offer trademark suggestions. Reevaluating trademark opportunities on a consistent basis is an effective strategy to expand your brand’s reach in a secure and profitable way. The procedure of researching and securing a trademark can be daunting without legal assistance. Rely on our Chicago trademark branding lawyer for a smooth and stress-free experience securing your brand rights and identity. The Trademark Lawyer Law Firm will guide you through every step so you can continue to grow your business confidently.
Chicago Trademark Branding Infographic
Trademark Branding Law FAQs
When creating a brand, it’s important to protect names, logos, and slogans. Trademark branding law gives businesses the tools to secure those brand elements and stop others from using them unfairly. From filing an application to enforcing exclusive rights, the process involves a series of legal and strategic steps. The attorneys at Trademark Lawyer Law Firm have worked with clients in industries ranging from fashion and software to food and retail, helping protect what makes each brand unique. Anyone looking for long-term brand protection benefits from working with a Chicago, IL trademark branding lawyer early in the process.
What Is The Purpose Of A Trademark?
A trademark exists to identify the source of a product or service and distinguish it from competitors. It gives the owner the exclusive right to use that word, phrase, or design in commerce. This legal protection helps prevent consumer confusion and builds long-term brand value. Once a trademark is registered, it can also be licensed, sold, or used to stop infringing businesses. Trademarks serve both as marketing tools and legal safeguards.
How Do I Know If My Business Name Is Trademarked?
Before investing in branding or signage, it’s important to check if a name is already taken. A search of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database can reveal whether a mark is registered. However, unregistered trademarks may also have legal standing under common law. That’s why many businesses work with a brand protection attorney to perform a thorough clearance search, which includes similar names, spellings, and uses that may not show up in the basic database.
Can I Trademark A Logo And A Name At The Same Time?
Yes, both a business name and a logo can be registered, though they require separate filings. The name is usually registered as a standard character mark, while the logo is filed as a design mark. Registering both gives broader legal coverage. If a company changes its logo down the line, it may need to file again, but the name registration remains valid. Working with a trademark registration attorney helps make sure all relevant elements are filed correctly.
What Is The Difference Between A Trademark And A Copyright?
A trademark safeguards brand elements such as names, logos, and slogans used in business. A copyright protects original creative works, such as artwork, writing, music, or software code. For example, a business may copyright a promotional video and trademark the name of the campaign. The protections serve different purposes and are handled by different government offices. A trademark and copyright lawyer can help clarify what protections are appropriate based on the asset in question.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Trademark Approved?
On average, the trademark registration process takes 8 to 14 months. After a mark is filed with the USPTO, it goes through a review period where an examining attorney checks for conflicts or technical issues. If any arise, an Office Action is issued, and the applicant must respond. Once approved, the mark is published in the Official Gazette, and third parties may oppose it. If no objections are raised, the registration certificate is issued. A Chicago trademark branding lawyer can help avoid delays by preparing a complete and accurate filing.
Get Support With Trademark Branding Law Today
Establishing and protecting a brand begins with informed legal choices from the start. A Chicago trademark branding lawyer helps with clearance searches, filings, and enforcement strategies. For businesses looking to protect their name, logo, or slogan, the team at Trademark Lawyer Law Firm provides the experience and industry insight needed to move forward confidently.
Related Intellectual Property Services
At The Trademark Lawyer Firm, PLLC, we provide comprehensive trademark and copyright services tailored to protect your business and creative assets. Explore our related practice areas below to learn more about how we can assist with your intellectual property needs.
Trademark: Full-service representation for individuals and businesses seeking to protect their brand.
Trademark Registration: Guidance through the USPTO application process to secure and protect your trademarks.
Trademark Infringement: Protect your brand against misuse and unauthorized use with experienced legal advocacy.
Trademark Litigation: Courtroom experience and strategic representation in complex trademark disputes.
Copyright: Protection of creative works including literature, music, art, software, and more.
Michigan Copyright: Assistance with registration, enforcement, and defense of copyright rights.
Don’t see the service you need? Contact our team — we can review your situation and explain your legal options.
Client Review
"I have dealt with Trademark Lawyer Law Firm, PLLC, for several years. This time I needed to have my trademark renewed within a week as a deadline was approaching. As always, they prepared the paperwork professionally and in an expedited manner. Our communication to confirm details was smooth and quick. In a matter of days, they submitted the trademark renewal request. The service of this group of professionals is excellent." O. Garcia
Trademark Lawyer Law Firm
3300 Washtenaw Ave. 2nd Floor #277
Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (888) 505-5102
Suspensions are when your application is on hold. There are various reasons a trademark application can be suspended. However “likelihood of confusion” with prior application(s) filed and submission of foreign application are the most common reasons the USPTO may suspend an application. During a trademark suspension period, your lawyer will provide guidance on the next steps and whether it might be best to file an argument or pursue a coexistence agreement.
What are Disclaimers for Trademarks?
A disclaimer usually refers to a statement which indicates that you are not claiming exclusive rights to use the word(s) or a design element in your trademark application. A disclaimer allows for registration without creating a false impression of the registrant’s rights. A good example of this is disclaiming “café” if your services are for a café.
What is the Supplemental Registry?
If a trademark is not eligible for the Principal Registry, there is sometimes an option to register on the Supplemental Registry. In cases where the USPTO finds the trademark application is merely ornamental, merely descriptive, or primarily geographically descriptive, the USPTO may allow the application to be registered on the Supplemental Registry. However, over time, the mark may acquire distinctiveness and possibly become eligible for the Principal Registry.
What is the Date of First Use?
Two dates must be specified in a trademark application: Date of First Use Anywhere: The “anywhere” refers to use in the U.S. or elsewhere. This is the date the goods were first sold or transported, or the services were first rendered under the mark. The use must also have been bona fide and in the ordinary course of trade. Date of First Use in Commerce: This is the date when the goods were first sold or transported, or the services were first rendered under the mark in interstate or international commerce. The use of the mark must have been bona fide and in the ordinary course of trade.
What is the Renewal Timeframe for a Trademark?
The renewal timeframe for a trademark is between the 9th and 10th year anniversary of the trademark registration, and then in ten-year intervals. It is important to be aware that the USPTO also requires a registrant to provide an affidavit at the 5th and 6th years of ownership stating that the trademark is still being used in commerce. Failure to comply with the renewal timeframes or the affidavit requirements will result in the cancellation of the trademark registration.
Meet Your Team
J.J. Lee
Principal and Founder
Erin C. Bray
Trademark Attorney
Experienced Trademark Attorneys Committed to Protecting Your Brand
Founded by J.J. Lee, the Trademark Lawyer Law Firm, PLLC has successfully registered more than 6,500 trademarks with the USPTO. Dedicated to ensuring that your mark is protected from misuse or theft, our attorneys and staff work closely with clients, taking the time to understand the specific needs of their businesses. Professionally handling each matter with integrity, efficiency, and the personalized attention it deserves, you can rest assured that you have a team on your side who is committed to safeguarding your unique brand.
