Building one’s brand is an essential part of running a successful business in Georgia. Simply building a brand is not enough if one does not also make an effort to protect it. Trademarking important information like names and logos is one of the easiest steps a business owner can take to protect his or her brand. However, there are a few steps to take before securing a trademark.
Is the business name actually unique?
It can take a lot of time and energy to come up with a unique business name that sets one apart in a crowded field. It is not a good idea to immediately put that name to use. It is possible that another business might already have that trademarked name, and using that name even without realizing it was already in use would constitute a trademark violation. It is always a good idea to thoroughly research a business name before using or attempting to trademark it.
Complete all the steps
It can be tempting to skip a few steps during the trademark registration process in order to save some money. Unfortunately, any financial benefits would probably be short lived, as paying penalties for violating other business’ trademarks or fighting violations against one’s own trademarks can be quite costly. Common steps that business owners tend to skip include:
- Skipping the registration process
- Filing an application without seeking advice
- Responding to objections without guidance
- Changing business or product names without fully considering the consequences
It is easy to feel overwhelmed when dealing with anything related to trademarks. After all, there is a lot riding on the validity and security of a business’ trademark. This is why Georgia business owners are generally well-advised to speak with a knowledgeable attorney when dealing with trademarks or any other type of intellectual property related to their business.
