One of the most important aspects of building your business is branding. This includes setting legal protections over your intellectual property (IP) and the logo, name, or other branding that your customers associate with your business. Both federal and Michigan laws recognize that there are certain catchphrases, symbols, and words that represent a brand identity and are valuable parts of a business’s marketing initiatives. If you are a business owner, you may be seeking information about how to file a trademark in Michigan. That’s where our services can be invaluable.
At Trademark Lawyer Law Firm, we represent business owners like you in the trademark process, from researching to ensuring that your proposed trademark will be accepted through filing the application, including providing any necessary samples. We also offer trademark protection and monitoring and can initiate legal action if your trademark is infringed upon. Contact us today to learn more.
Legal Insight Into How To File A Trademark In Michigan
If you are a small business operator in Michigan and you aren’t currently a multi-state entity (especially if you aren’t planning to be), then registering your trademark with the state may be the most cost-effective option. In fact, if you aren’t planning on engaging in interstate commerce, then you may not be able to register your trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The steps are fairly straightforward, but if you’ve never registered a trademark before, the advice of a trademark attorney can make the process easier and prevent you from making common errors that could cause your application to be denied. In Michigan, trademarks are registered with the Michigan Secretary of State’s office. Start by searching the Michigan Secretary of State database (you can do this online) to see if a trademark like yours has been registered. If not, you can fill out your application and submit it online. Registering your trademark in Michigan, even if you aren’t currently planning on engaging in interstate commerce, can be beneficial if you decide to later on or if another entity registers a trademark similar to yours with the USPTO. Your Michigan trademark registration provides objective proof of when you first started using the trademark should a dispute arise down the line.
Filing For Federal Trademark Registration
Are you ready to register your trademark with the USPTO? Our attorneys can help you with that process, as well. Federal registration provides much more protection than just registering with Michigan, and we can guide you through potential pitfalls, such as failing to provide an appropriate sample or attempting to register your trademark before you engage in interstate commerce.
Professional Advice For Registering Your Trademark—Effortlessly
Your trademark is an integral part of your brand building. Something as recognizable as the Nike swoosh or the Coca-Cola red-and-white logo makes these brands’ products stand apart. We want to make sure that the goods or services that you’ve worked so hard to develop have the proper branding protections. Your trademark indicates a certain level of quality that your customers have come to expect, and providing federal protections just makes sense. At Trademark Lawyer Law Firm, we can help you learn how to file a trademark in Michigan. Call us today to get started.
Types Of Trademark Cases We Handle
Trademark protection helps businesses establish and preserve a clear brand identity. Legal services in this area often include trademark searches, application preparation, infringement claims, licensing agreements, and litigation support when disputes arise. Our trademark practice typically assists businesses with evaluating potential marks, preparing filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and responding to application issues or enforcement concerns. Ongoing legal guidance may also include monitoring trademark use and maintaining registrations over time. Many businesses researching how to file a trademark in Michigan seek legal assistance to help protect their brand identity and reduce the risk of disputes. Trademark matters affect companies at different stages of growth, from early branding decisions to enforcement of established marks. Legal support often includes reviewing potential conflicts before filing, preparing documentation, and addressing challenges from competitors. Businesses exploring trademark registration steps often find that early planning can help prevent delays or rejections during the application process.
Trademark Registration Cases
Trademark registration involves preparing applications that accurately describe the goods or services connected to a mark. Businesses looking into how to file a trademark in Michigan often begin by confirming availability through research and clearance searches before submitting an application.
Trademark Infringement Disputes
Infringement disputes arise when one party claims another is using a mark that creates confusion in the marketplace. These cases may involve settlement discussions, written demands to stop use, or litigation when necessary.
Trademark Opposition Proceedings
Opposition proceedings happen when another party formally contests a trademark application before it is approved. These matters often focus on prior use claims, brand similarity, and evidence related to consumer confusion.
Trademark Licensing Agreements
Licensing agreements allow a trademark owner to grant limited rights to another party to use a mark. These agreements typically define payment terms, product standards, and duration of use.
Trademark Portfolio Management
Portfolio management involves maintaining multiple trademarks owned by a business entity. This may include renewal filings, monitoring unauthorized use, and reviewing new branding decisions.
Trademark Enforcement Actions
Enforcement actions address unauthorized trademark use in advertising, online marketplaces, or product branding. Legal action may include formal notices, removal requests, or court proceedings when misuse continues. Trademark litigation and enforcement often involve both preventative planning and dispute resolution strategies. Businesses researching the trademark filing process in Michigan may benefit from structured legal guidance that supports both application preparation and long-term brand protection. Companies seeking to apply for a trademark often rely on legal review to confirm eligibility requirements and filing accuracy before moving forward.
Protecting Your Brand Through Trademark Registration And Enforcement
How to file a trademark in Michigan involves identifying a distinctive mark, confirming availability, and preparing a complete application supported by accurate business information. Trademark Lawyer Law Firm works with businesses across Michigan on trademark registration, enforcement, and dispute resolution matters involving brand protection and intellectual property rights. We help businesses prepare trademark applications, address disputes, and keep registrations active over time. Businesses seeking to protect their brand identity are encouraged to contact the firm to discuss trademark protection strategies and next steps.
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.