Federal registration may be obtained by contacting the United States Patent and Trademark Office at 800-786-9199.
To insert the trademark symbol (™) in your logo or text, you can follow these steps: Keyboard Shortcut: On a Windows computer, you can use the keyboard shortcut “Alt + 0153” (numeric keypad) to insert the trademark symbol (™). Make sure the Num Lock is enabled.
How to make sure you have a strong logo design for your trademark. Use a unique image or graphic design rather than something generic. Keep it clean and clear with a good use of color and empty space. Use easy-to-read typography. Make sure your design represents your brand identity and appeals to your target audience.
You may use a trademark symbol anywhere around your trademark, although most trademark owners put the symbol in a superscript or subscript to the right of their trademark. You can use “TM” for goods or “SM” for services.
Yes, any trademark owner can use the TM symbol at any time. You don't have to ask for permission or have the approval of the US Patent and Trademark Office. In fact, a trademark owner can continue to use the TM symbol even if the US Patent and Trademark Office rejects their trademark application.
The trademark office will then evaluate your application to see if it qualifies for trademark protection. Best of all, they will not consider the other business who is using the same name if they haven't filed for trademark protection. This means you can get a trademark even if someone else is using your business name.
A clear and concise trademark description should include an identification of the goods and/or services, the specific use of the trademark, and any distinctive features such as color schemes, design elements, and stylization. It must accurately and specifically define the scope of the trademark.
Many businesses have a logo that they use to promote their goods or services. Often this is in addition to their name, which might just be plain words. Ideally, if you have a logo, which is more than just a stylised version of your words, then it would be preferable to register both the plain word mark, and the logo.
You can trademark your logo in either black and white or color. If you choose black and white, your trademark registration will cover any colors you may choose for your logo in the future, giving you flexibility to change colors and still retain your trademark protection.
U.S. trademark law enables you to protect a logo design, word mark or any other brand identifier from being used by another third party in connection with a similar product or service to yours.