Embark on a journey through the USPTO Federal trademark process with us! Our series breaks down everything from best practices for trademark searches to applying and ultimately registering your brand. We provide the essential knowledge you need to protect your brand from potential conflicts and secure its trademark.
Trademark Dilution Explained for Small Businesses When building a brand, most small business owners focus on creating a unique name, logo, or slogan. But even without intending to, your brand could unintentionally affect someone else’s well-known mark. This is where trademark dilution comes into play. Understanding trademark dilution is crucial—not just for protecting your own […]
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Can You Trademark a Scent? Yes, it’s possible to trademark a scent—but only in rare cases. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) allows scent trademarks when the smell serves as a source identifier rather than a functional feature of the product. So, what does that mean? According to the Trademark Manual of Examining Procedure
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What Is a Trademark Specimen Farm? You’ve chosen the perfect name for your business. You’ve designed a logo. Now you’re ready to file a trademark application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). But here’s something many entrepreneurs don’t realize: submitting your application is only the beginning. The USPTO requires proof that you’re
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Collective Membership Trademarks Ever notice those special logos or symbols that professional association members display on their websites, business cards, or office walls? Those aren’t just fancy graphics—they’re likely collective membership trademarks, a powerful branding tool that helps organizations build credibility while giving members a way to showcase their professional affiliations. Understanding Collective Membership Trademarks
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Trade Names vs Trademarks When starting a business, one of the first decisions you make is choosing a name. But not all names are created equal, and understanding the difference between trade names and trademarks is essential for protecting your brand. Many small business owners, startups, and entrepreneurs confuse these terms, which can lead to
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Collective Trademarks When we think about trademarks, the first image that usually comes to mind is a single company protecting its logo or brand name. But not all trademarks are tied to one business. Some trademarks are designed for groups, allowing multiple members of an association, union, or cooperative to use the same mark. These
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Trade Secret vs Trademark When it comes to protecting your business’s intellectual property, trade secrets and trademarks are often mentioned in the same conversation—but they work in very different ways. Understanding how each one functions can help you decide what’s best for your brand, products, or business strategy. What Is a Trade Secret? A trade
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Trademark Confusion Explained When two brands look or sound alike, customers can easily get mixed up. In trademark law, this is called trademark confusion or, as it’s officially known, likelihood of confusion. It doesn’t just cause headaches for consumers—it can also put your brand rights at risk. Trademark confusion happens when the public might believe
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5 Signs Your Brand Name Needs a Trademark Your brand name is one of your business’s most valuable assets. It’s how customers remember you, find you, and talk about you. But if you haven’t taken steps to trademark your brand name, you might be leaving it vulnerable to copycats, legal conflicts, or even total loss.
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Can You Trademark a Color? Short answer? Yes—but it’s not easy. If you’ve ever admired Tiffany’s signature blue boxes or recognized a UPS truck just by its brown paint, then you’ve already seen color trademarks in action. While it’s possible to trademark a color, the process is far more complex than filing for a name
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Top Trademark Questions Business Owners Ask When you’re launching or growing a business, protecting your brand should be high on your list—but for many entrepreneurs, trademarks are unfamiliar territory. The good news? You’re not alone. At TradeMark Express, we’ve worked with thousands of small business owners, startups, and branding professionals, and the same top trademark
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Trademark vs Domain Name Your business name is more than just a label—it’s your brand identity. Protecting that name online is critical to building trust, attracting customers, and standing out in a crowded marketplace. But when it comes to online protection, many confuse trademarks and domain names, thinking they’re interchangeable. Understanding the difference between trademark
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New Rule Alert: Easier Way to Update International Trademarks in the U.S. If you’ve registered your trademark internationally through the Madrid Protocol, there’s a new rule in the U.S. that might make things easier for you. Starting July 2, 2025, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will allow a partial replacement of your
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Trademark Lawyer vs Trademark Service – What’s Right for You? If you’re a small business owner, startup founder, or entrepreneur, protecting your brand is essential for long-term success. A trademark safeguards your business name, logo, or slogan from being used by others, helping you stand out and build trust with customers. But when it comes
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New USPTO Security Checks Start May 15 To crack down on fraudulent trademark activity, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is rolling out new security measures for select TEAS (Trademark Electronic Application System) forms. Beginning May 15, these updates will impact forms used to abandon an application, cancel a registration, or withdraw an attorney
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Should You Trademark Your Personal Name? If your name is tied to your business, you might be wondering if it’s worth protecting. Whether you’re running a consultancy, personal brand, or product line that features your name, it’s a valid question: Should you trademark your personal name? Let’s walk through when it makes sense—and what’s involved.
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What Happens If Your Trademark Becomes Generic? Your trademark is more than a name — it’s the identity of your business. But what if, over time, your trademark becomes so popular that people start using it as the generic name for the product itself? While that may sound like a sign of success, it can
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USPTO Offers Relief for Trademark Owners Affected by California Wildfires The recent wildfires in California have had devastating effects on businesses and individuals alike. If you’re a trademark owner or applicant affected by these fires, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has put special relief measures in place to help protect your rights.
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2025 Trademark Fee Changes As we move into 2025, significant changes are coming to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) fee structure. These adjustments aim to ensure the agency can continue providing the resources necessary to administer trademarks effectively. If you’re planning to register or maintain a trademark in 2025, it’s essential to understand
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6 Trademark Registration Benefits Trademarks play a critical role in protecting a business’s brand identity and ensuring a distinct presence in a crowded market. For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), securing a trademark can be the difference between maintaining brand recognition or facing brand dilution. This post explains the benefits of trademark registration, why a
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