Why Securing Trademarks is Non-Negotiable for Growing Businesses
Candy Messer
Empowering Small and Medium-Sized Businesses | Bookkeeping, Payroll, and Compliance Expert | Author | Podcast Host | Speaker | Clockwork Certified Partner?
Why are trademarks essential for growing businesses? As a trademark attorney helping entrepreneurs protect their invaluable brands, I often get asked this question.
The answer lies in understanding what trademarks really do. Unlike copyrights that cover creative works or patents for inventions, trademarks protect the names, logos, taglines - the branding - that sets a business apart.
As trademark lawyer Andrei Mincov explains:
>"If you're married to a brand, you can't get a divorce."
This crystallizes why securing trademarks is non-negotiable. Without owning your brand legally, you have no recourse if another company steals or mimics it. Your very identity could be ripped away.
However, register a trademark and now you wield a powerful brand asset. Let's explore why:
Trademarks give you the legal standing to prevent confusingly similar brands from copying you. Before trademarking, you own nothing no matter how clever your branding.
McDonald's owes its empire to rigorously trademarks. Without exclusivity, why would anyone license or franchise under them?
Ever wonder why Apple zealots line up for products unseen? That brand recognition equals billions in built up goodwill.
Your trademark accumulates this trust and awareness over time. Eventually the brand eclipses what you initially sell.
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A strong identity makes talent and customers flock your way. It becomes an endlessly renewable resource for attracting partnerships and licensing opportunities too.
What would Nike be without "Just Do It"? Or Virgin without Branson's persona imprinted all over it? Protect your most vital brand equities.
Without a registered mark, a thriving business makes you a lawsuit target. Lawyers can claim you infringe on brands they do own.
And they will wait patiently for enough profits to pursue. Don't learn this lesson the hard way.
When it comes to trademarking, what elements do you prioritize first?
- your business, products, services.
- if symbolic and recognizable.
- if marketing genius.
Focus resources on what you would fight hardest to keep or what consumers identify you by fastest.
At this point, you may be wondering what a trademark costs. Budget $3,000+ for the full process. Steer clear of lawyers charging hourly rates that often balloon out of control.
Instead, use a flat fee service like Trademark Factory. You get guaranteed protection for one set price, or your money back.
They also provide a free brand consultation to assess what trademarks apply to your business. Their strategies have delivered over 99% approval success too.
So if you're looking to build long-term value in your business, don't leave your brand vulnerable. Secure it legally before someone else does.
Contact Trademark Factory today to get started on locking up your competitive edge for good.
Helping brands become visible | Fractional CMO | Former Inc. Magazine Columnist | Celeb Interviews: Mark Cuban & Marcus Lemonis
7 个月Trademarking your brand is essential for safeguarding your business assets.