Are you looking to protect your logo and brand identity from being copied or misused? You are not alone.
As a business owner, one of the biggest challenges you face is standing out in a crowded market. With so many companies competing for attention, it can be hard to make your brand recognizable and trustworthy. One of the most important ways to protect your brand identity is that your logos need to be trademarked.
Simply designing a logo is not enough to fully protect it. While using a logo does offer some basic protection, it is not fully secure unless it is trademarked. If you do not trademark your logo, you could end up wasting time and money trying to settle legal issues in the future.
Beyond preventing future issues, trademarking offers benefits to businesses, which this post will explain further.
Let us first take a look at what a trademarked logo is…
What Is a Trademarked Logo?
A trademarked logo refers to an intellectual property representing your brand that you own for commercial purposes. So, no one can legally use it without your permission.
Nevertheless, there are Fair Use exemptions that will allow others to use your logo, such as in a news article about current events involving your business. Outside of such situations, you have the right to protect your property from infringements.
Usually, trademarked logos are distinctive because otherwise, a country’s trademark office will refuse them. Provided that your logo is unique in appearance and name and does not simply describe your product or service, the trademark office will most likely accept it.
The Benefits of Trademarking Your Logo
After you have successfully registered your logo with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, your logo will be secure within the US. Likewise, if you register it in other countries where you do business, you can also secure it there and gain these intellectual property rights corresponding with that nation’s laws.
Along with the securing of your intellectual property rights, you will also gain the following benefits:
Increases Brand Recognition
First things first, trademarking your logo aids you in increasing brand recognition. With this one unique image, you can decorate your products, marketing material, and other business property.
When current and potential customers see this repeated image (logo) tied to your brand, they will naturally start to recognize it, making your brand more memorable.
One such memorable logo is Coca-Cola, which you can recognize even in different cultures because of their specially trademarked letter format.
Establishes Brand Identity
With a trademarked logo, you can create and reinforce your brand identity. Through the elements depicted in your logo, you can represent your business’ core values or convey a special message.
For instance, Nike’s logo has the word ‘NIKE’ and a swooping tick that perfectly goes with their slogan, ‘Just do it’.
In fact, your logo can even cleverly depict your business name such as Target’s simple logo that looks like a practice target.
Safeguards Unique Position
Just as a trademarked logo is unique, it also protects your unique place in the market. So, another entity cannot capitalize on the customer loyalty you have earned by using your logo.
Presuming you have not licensed your trademarked logo, then you will be able to enforce your intellectual property right. With legal action, you can stop other entities from using your logo and even receive damages depending on your case.
Offers Licensing Opportunities
A major advantage of securing your logo is that it allows you to license it. This process allows others to use your logo at a cost, such as in franchises.
This is especially useful in the modern economy since it conveniently allows you to profit from markets across the world without having to heavily invest in setting up businesses in different regions.
Ensures Customer Trust
Whenever you have a trademarked logo, your customers can have more trust in your products and services. This is because they are sure the goods and services they receive truly come for your business. Therefore, they are aware of the quality of your products and services and can be sure that they will be up to your standards.
Conversely, products with generic logos or none at all can cause distrust. In addition, they can make it difficult for customers to know how to lodge complaints or report issues, which can cause them to distrust your goods and services.
Minimizes Risk of Costly Legal Disputes
Last but not least, having a trademarked logo can reduce the legal cost of disputes. When another entity uses your logo or a similar one, they can affect your business by taking customers away or altering your reputation. Even though you could pursue legal action with a logo with no trademark, the process may be lengthy.
Yet with a trademark, you have the presumed right from the get-go – even if the other entity is a well-known brand. Plus, when you register with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, your trademarked logo is publicly listed. This will deter well-meaning entities from accidentally using your logo.
How Can I Best Protect My Logo Trademark?
Although common law affords you some legal protection, there is a risk that another entity will infringe on your rights. This could confuse your customers and even start a legal dispute.
To prevent long and costly legal battles, you will need to proactively defend your logo. With the help of expert attorneys such as Xavier Morales, Esq, you can enforce your intellectual property rights.
By seeking counseling from this trademark specialist, you can gain crucial insights that will help protect your business’ intellectual property. Moreover, if you have yet to trademark your logo, you can rely on him to easily navigate the trademark application process.
The Bottom Line
In accordance with the global market, it is essential for you to protect your logo more broadly. With the more robust protection of a trademark, you can stop infringements of your intellectual property rights in other countries.
Besides, trademarking offers a variety of advantages, such as allowing you to use licensing as another revenue stream. In addition, it creates a lasting and unique identity that customers easily recognize. Plus, trademarks can reduce the risk of lengthy disputes.
With so many advantages discussed, considering specialized attorney services such as those offered by Xavier Morales, Esq can also be a good decision to protect your logos. Good luck!
Also Read: Top Platforms to Design a Free Logo Online Quickly and Easily
