Trademarks Attorney in Kansas City, MO

In 2020, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office received over 730,000 new trademark applications. Not all of these applications will result in a registered trademark. Applying for a trademark is important to distinguish your brand and help you stand out from the competition. If you need assistance trademarking your business, product, or service properly under trademark law, consulting with an experienced Missouri intellectual property law attorney is crucial.

At the Law Office of Julie Scott LLC, I'm dedicated to offering knowledgeable legal guidance and strong advocacy to clients in intellectual property-related matters, including trademarks, patents, trade secrets, and copyrights. I'm available to discuss your unique situation and enlighten you about the trademarks application process. As your legal counsel, I can guide you through every step involved in the trademark application and represent you and your business diligently before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

My firm – the Law Office of Julie Scott LLC – is proud to serve clients across Kansas City, Missouri, and the surrounding cities of Columbia, Springfield, and Rolla and rural areas.

Understanding Trademarks

A trademark is what a customer uses to recognize your business. It is associated with your business reputation and has monetary value. Over time, a trademark can become stronger and increase in value. It can be described as an intellectual property tool that protects the brand names, symbols, designs, phrases, words, and logos that are used on goods and services. With a registered trademark, you can distinguish your goods or services from those of your competitors or other businesses.

What Can Be Trademarked?

Anything that can be used to distinguish your business, goods, and services from those of another business can be trademarked. These include:

• Product name

• Business name

• Tagline

• Logo

• Design

• Phrase

• Word

• Symbol

• Sound mark

• Device

• Color

• Slogan

What Protections Does a Trademark Provide?

Trademarks offer the following kinds of protections:

• Protection from infringement by another company

• Protection from damage of business reputation

• Protection against consumer confusion

• Protection for consumers from goods or services with unknown sources

• Protection from counterfeiting your goods and services

The owner of a unique mark, with the help of their attorney, can apply for a trademark to get the necessary protection.

When Is a Trademark Necessary?

A trademark protects brand names, words, symbols, colors, designs, or sounds that distinguish your goods and services from those of your competitors. A trademark becomes necessary if:

• They are used for commercial purposes.

• They are used in interstate commerce.

• They are used with a retail product.

• Your business is expanding nationally.

• You are worried a competitor might use your mark.

Should any of the above apply to your situation, you should consider registering your trademarks with the USPTO.

The Trademark Application Process

Here are the steps involved in a trademark application:

• Determine the kind of protection you need and select a mark.

• Set up an USPTO.gov account to access the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS).

• File your trademark application online through the TEAS.

• Submit your application with the non-refundable processing fee.

• The USPTO will review your application and determine whether your mark should or should not be registered.

Usually, it takes between 8 to 10 months to obtain a registered trademark in the United States. If your application is denied, you will receive a letter (office action) from the USPTO explaining the reasons for the refusal. An experienced attorney can evaluate your available options, guide you through the application process, and help monitor the status of your application.

Work With a Skilled Intellectual Property Law Attorney

Applying for a trademark patent involves a lot of complicated procedures. Various processes such as conducting a trademark search, evaluating potential marks, and registering your mark can make the application even more stressful and time-consuming. Therefore, if you are trying to register your trademark, you should speak with an experienced trademarks attorney for proper guidance and to protect your business interests.

At the Law Office of Julie Scott LLC, I have the experience and resources to assist and guide individuals and business owners through the complex processes involved in trademark applications. As your legal counsel, I can enlighten you about the trademark application process and help you in making key decisions. I can search trademark databases to verify whether a potential mark is available, review the potential marks, and help you make informed decisions.

I can prepare your trademark applications and file them with the USPTO. And, I can craft an effective strategy to protect your business's name, symbol, word, design, or logo, and distinguish you from your competition. Having me on your side can improve your chances of a successful trademark application. I can also assist you in obtaining and enforcing trademark licensing agreements.