A business trademark can do a lot of things to protect a company and ensure long-term growth. However, if you go through the process of choosing a company name and trademark without remembering to register, you could end up totally vulnerable and entangled in an endless legal battle. Even if you trademark your company name early with a D.C. Trademark Attorney, you still have to register it with the USPTO in Washington to make absolutely sure nobody runs off with your idea. Luckily, registering a trademark is fairly straightforward. If you want to protect your business, you can’t waste another minute. Here are 5 great reasons to get started today.
1. Boost Value
It might not seem like choosing a trademark could do that much to help your business get off the ground, but don’t be fooled: Even something as simple as registering your trademark will help put you and your business on the map. Having a simple phrase or name that consumer will know you by will help you enter the public imagination. It will also help count as a viable asset for your business. That means that your company trademark becomes a tangible mark of value, which will help you with stocks and value estimation. In short, having a clear, strong handle won’t just influence your potential audience: It will establish you as a force to be reckoned with.
2. Protect Yourself
Your trademark isn’t just a way to promote and verify your business: It can serve as important evidence in any legal case concerning property theft or intellectual infringement. Your trademark, especially if it’s registered with the USPTO, serves as a piece of evidence that you were here first, should another individual or business swoop in and claim authorship over your idea. Even if someone uses a trademark that’s a bit too similar, you’re legally protected by having your trademark on file.
3. Boost Visibility
In today’s world, it’s not enough to have an amazing business idea. You also have to know the ins and outs of viral marketing. Part of putting your business in the public eye involves having a name, image, and trademark that’s not only easy to remember, but that has the potential to become a household name associated with whatever product you’re offering. There’s a reason why we think of “McDonald’s” when we think about burgers and fries, just as we think about “Apple” when we think of computers. These brands worked hard to make their trademark work for them, and you should too.
4. Put Your Business On the Map
As a business owner, you can’t expect your business to grow before it’s even an entity. If you’re building a business, starting with your trademark is a great way to go, even if you’re not certain about any of the other details, such as customer base and plans for growth. Putting your trademark out there means establishing yourself as a corporate entity. With your trademark in place, you can create buzz, start building a web presence and elevate your business profile.
5. Clear Up Legal Problems Before They Occur
Your trademark doesn’t just protect your from copycats: It can help clear up confusion between you and a pre-existing or new entity. Once you’ve filed your registration paperwork and had it accepted, you can consider yourself legally protected.
