Trademarks are a type of intellectual property protection. The benefits of trademarks are that they allow the trademark owner’s company to indicate the source of their goods or services and distinguish those goods or services from others who may provide similar goods or services. Business owners considering a trademark should be familiar with the benefits of a having a trademark.
Benefits of owning a trademark
Trademark protection is available for certain names, symbols, devices or words that are used in connection with goods or services. The benefits of registering a trademark include:
- Constructive notice of the trademark owner’s claim on a national basis;
- Evidence of ownership of the trademark;
- Jurisdiction of federal courts may be invoked to protect the trademark;
- Trademark registration can be used as a basis for obtaining registration in foreign countries;
- Trademark registration may be filed with the U.S. Customs Service to prevent importation of foreign goods that infringe on the trademark.
Make sure to be familiar with the process
It is helpful for business owners seeking a trademark to be familiar with the process for federally registering their trademark. In addition, common law trademark protections may also be available without federal registration of the trademark. Rights in a trademark may be established through actual use of the trademark. Because trademark law can be complex, it can be helpful to have trained guidance through the process.
A trademark can be understood as a brand name that can identify the source of goods or services and can be important for success of a business. Trademark protection is important to be familiar with which is why business owners should understand the benefits and protections of trademarks.