Receiving a trademark for your goods or services ensures that your brand name is protected from illegal use by other companies looking to take advantage of the brand you have created. The United States Patent and Trademarks office provides an online trademark system through which you can search to ensure your trademark isn't already being used by another company. You can even register a new brand name trademark online using the USPTO filing system (fees apply).
Instructions
1. Perform a search for your trademark to make sure it doesn't already exist. The United States Patent and Trademark Office provides a free online search function via its website (uspto.gov).
2. Write down all of the goods or services provided by your brand (be as specific as possible), for example "online news provider" or "disposable towels." Your description should be as complete as possible, describing exactly how your brand name will be used. Consult uspto.gov's "Acceptable Identification of Goods and Services Manual" if you require assistance determining acceptable identification standards.
3. Choose a "standard character format" or "stylized design format." A standard character format is simply a set of register word(s), letter(s), number(s) or any combination of each, which pays no attention to font colors, styles, sizes, etc. The stylized design format uses specific design elements for words, letters and numbers. The standard method is the most-used type of trademarking.
4. File an official trademark application using the USPTO online filing system by choosing the "initial application form" option. Follow the directions for each step. The program will lead you through each section with tips based on your company's own trademark needs.
5. Wait two to three weeks to receive a filing receipt and five to six months to receive an official trademark response from the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
