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Category: <span>Trademarks</span>

Category: Trademarks

Why Generic Terms Cannot Be Trademarked—and What to Do Instead

A strong trademark protects a business from competitors and builds brand recognition. However, not all names qualify for trademark protection. Generic terms—words that describe a general product or service—cannot be trademarked because they are essential for public use. Businesses that attempt to register a generic name often face rejection from the United States Patent and...

Descriptive Trademarks: Why They Are Risky and How to Strengthen Them

A trademark plays a key role in protecting a brand’s identity. However, not all trademarks offer the same level of legal protection. Descriptive trademarks are among the weakest because they directly describe a product or service, making them difficult to register and enforce. While they can sometimes gain protection, doing so requires effort and strategy....

Building a Strong Brand with a Suggestive Trademark: What You Need to Know

Choosing the right trademark is one of the most important steps in branding. A suggestive trademark strikes a balance between creativity and legal protection, making it a smart choice for businesses looking to build a strong identity. Unlike descriptive or generic terms, a suggestive trademark hints at a product’s qualities without directly stating them. This...

Arbitrary Trademarks: Why Common Words Can Create Strong Brand Protection

When choosing a trademark, businesses often assume that unique, made-up words provide the best protection. While fanciful trademarks are strong, arbitrary trademarks offer a powerful alternative. These trademarks use common words in ways that have no direct connection to the product or service, making them highly distinctive and legally protectable. What Is an Arbitrary Trademark?...

Why Fanciful Trademarks Offer the Best Protection for Your Brand

Choosing the right trademark is one of the most important decisions a business can make. A strong trademark not only helps build brand recognition but also provides legal protection against competitors. Among the different types of trademarks, fanciful trademarks offer the highest level of protection. What Is a Fanciful Trademark? A fanciful trademark is a...

Is Your Trademark Strong Enough? What Business Owners Need to Know

Trademarks are a critical asset for any business. They distinguish your brand from competitors and help build long-term recognition. However, not all trademarks offer the same level of protection. A weak trademark can leave your brand vulnerable to legal challenges, while a strong one can provide lasting security. What Makes a Trademark Strong? The strength...

How Do You Register a Trademark? A Step-by-Step Guide

A trademark is a business asset that protects your brand name, logo, slogan, or design from being used by competitors. Registering a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) grants you exclusive rights and legal protection across the country. If you are wondering how to register a trademark, this guide will walk...

The Importance of Trademark Classes: Why They Matter for Your Brand Protection

When it comes to protecting your brand, registering a trademark is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your identity and differentiate your business from competitors. But navigating the trademark registration process can be tricky, especially when it comes to understanding trademark classes. While it may seem like a minor detail, selecting the right...

The Four Primary Types of Intellectual Property

Intellectual Property (IP) refers to creations of the mind—such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, names, and images used in commerce—that are protected by law. The purpose of intellectual property rights is to give creators exclusive rights to their creations, allowing them to benefit financially from their work. There are several types of...

Should You Hire an Attorney to Register Your Trademark?

If you’re seeking to trademark intellectual property for your company or brand, whether it’s a product name, a logo, or a slogan, you may be tempted to do it yourself. And provided you live in the U.S., you’re eligible to do so without the help of an attorney. But going it alone isn’t always a...