What is a trademark? A trademark is a mark that is used to identify goods or services. This mark can be either words and/or a design. This protection allows the owner of the mark to keep others from using that name or design in the area(s) in which the mark is registered.

There are 42 different classes that a mark can be placed in, most of them in the area of goods, with a few in the service area. It is possible to get protection in more than one class, but there is a separate fee required by the trademark office for each class that protection is seeked.

Why get trademark protection? Besides keeping others from using your mark in your particular field, there are other reasons for getting a trademark. One reason is the goodwill of your business. If someone else uses your name (or one similar to it), then its possible that consumers could be confused as to who actually is behind the goods or services. If the consumer believes that the other mark is yours, and they are disappointed with the goods or services of the other mark, its can effect your business image.

Other Trademark points. When considering obtaining trademark protection, its important to look into getting state protection as well as Federal. This will allow the registered owner greater relief from damages in the event that the trademark is infringed upon. Determining how many states registration should be sought in depends on the number of states where the mark is used. Its also less expensive to do than Federal trademark protection.

Its also possible to get trademark protection in foreign countries as well. Depending on the country your interested in obtaining registration, you can register once for protection in many countries, or register for just one.

If your interested in getting more information about Trademarks or my services, please contact me.