Protect Your Brand Name with Trademarking
Want to protect your brand name before someone else grabs it? Trademarking your name is one of the smartest moves you can make. With Legal Zoom, the process is straightforward, even if you’ve never filed legal paperwork before. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to trademark a name using Legal Zoom.
Step 1: Choose Trademark Registration
Start by visiting the Legal Zoom website and selecting the trademark registration option from their business services. This is your entry point into securing your brand name.
Step 2: Enter Your Name
You’ll be prompted to enter the name you wish to trademark. Legal Zoom will guide you through a basic questionnaire about how you plan to use it—whether it’s for a business name, product name, or even a logo.
Step 3: Conduct a Trademark Search
Next, Legal Zoom will perform a trademark search to check if someone else already owns a similar name. This part is crucial; it helps you avoid wasting money on filing for a name that’s already taken. You’ll receive a report to help you decide whether it’s worth moving forward.
Step 4: Application Preparation
If the search results look promising, you’ll proceed to the application step. Legal Zoom’s team will prepare and file your trademark application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). You won’t have to worry about complicated forms or missing legal details; they handle everything for you.
Step 5: Wait for Review
After submission, you’ll wait a few months while the USPTO reviews your application. If there are any issues or office actions, Legal Zoom can assist you in responding. Note that this may incur an extra fee.
Finalization and Protection
Once your application is approved, you gain federal protection for your name—it is now officially trademarked. This step is crucial in safeguarding your brand against potential infringements.
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