It Ain't Official Without A Trademark [Tips]

It Ain’t Official Without A Trademark [Tips]

I work hard to develop positive campaigns that help benefit our community; especially the children in our communities. So when I came up with the idea of bringing Charm School in the Charm City and Man Camp to Baltimore, I didn’t know how much of an impact it made on so many businesses and families who are looking to better the lives of their young ones.

I noticed that it was a good thing when people wanted to make it their own. Now, I’m not a selfish person, but I know that if I put work into it, sacrifice my family, sleep and my time, then it’s mine! So why not trademark it?

Trademarking may seem intimidating, but I’m hearing that’s really not. It just takes some patience and financial obligations to have your ideas trademarked. Follow these steps and good luck:

Trademarks can be established simply by use in commerce. In other words, if I start selling “Momma Sarokin’s JuJu Juice”, then that product name becomes mine (as long as no one else is using it!). If someone else gives the same name to a different product, then I could make a legitimate claim that I own the name, and that their use is infringing on my trademark.
You can make your trademark claim more plainly by adding a “TM” designation (usually in small print) next to your product name. This alerts the public, and any potential business rivals, that you are actively claiming a trademark on the name. But you can’t use the “®” symbol… not yet!
The circle-around-an-r trademark registration symbol, “®”, is an indication that a trademark is formally registered with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Although registration of a trademark is not required, it does confer a number of advantages. It serves as an official record of the trademark, and can therefore be compelling evidence in who-used-the-name-first type of dispute. It also means the registered party can bring an action in federal court regarding the trademark.
Visit the USPTO website for procedures regarding trademark registration. The Resources section has more information on this important legal protection for your intellectual property.

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