Model Logo Permit For Free

Now that you've chosen your brand name and created a logo for the brand, you need to ensure that your assets are protected. Many people will infringe on the intellectual and creative property without even flinching. Regardless of the industry, you're in or the size of your business, make sure to copyright your logo.

In the U.S., you don't need to register a trademark or copyright your company's logo. Once you put down the original work on paper or digital media and use it to market your business, you automatically own the rights. However, registering a trademark affords you an extra layer of protection.

You may register logos with the Secretary of State in the state where your company is based. This protects your rights within that state, so the logo cannot be copied by brands in other states. The most expensive option is to file a trademark application with the USPTO.

If you want to use another company's logo on your website, you should assume that the logo is protected intellectual property. Copyright, trade mark and consumer laws will protect most logos. Hence, you should seek permission to use the logo from the copyright or trade mark owner.

To get permission and avoid trademark infringement, write a letter to the trademark owner. Include a description of why you are asking and how the logo will be used. Third parties should never use someone else's logo without a licensed agreement, including program and corporate logos.

Those who own trademarks in California must know their rights, especially when another party is trying to claim that infringement is legal based on the 20 percent rule.

You can register a logo with the USPTO by using the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) or other online trademark service. If your logo includes design elements, you will need to upload an image, using a . jpg file, of the logo as part of your trademark application.