Trademarks and servicemarks are protected by law. Any person who adopts and uses a mark in Maryland has the right to file an application for registration of the mark with the Office of the Secretary of State to have the mark registered. After determining whether or not all of the legislative criteria have been satisfied, the Secretary of State will issue a certificate of registration.
How much does it cost to trademark a name in Maryland?
The following items must be submitted with an application for registration of a trade or service mark: an application on a form issued by the Secretary of State; three (3) specimens of the mark as it is used in commerce; and a fee of $50. (check made payable to the Secretary of State).
Can you trademark just a name?
Only company name trademarks that are distinctive and not likely to be confused with an existing trademark will be accepted for registration by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).The easier it is to trademark a name that is easily distinguishable from others.″Coined″ or made-up names, such as ″Xerox,″ are the most straightforward to trademark and provide the most comprehensive protection.
What is the cheapest way to trademark a name?
The Trademark Electronic Application System (TES) of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is the most convenient and least expensive way to register your trademark (TEAS). Always keep in mind that you may only register one trademark in a single application.
How do I trademark a name for free?
It is not possible to register a trademark for free. You may, on the other hand, establish what is known as a ‘common law trademark’ for nothing by simply opening your doors for business. A major advantage of relying on common law trademark rights is that it is completely free, and you will not be required to perform any specific effort such as filling out forms or anything of the kind.
How long does a trademark last?
A federal trademark in the United States has the potential to endure in perpetuity, but it must be renewed every ten years in order to be valid. If the mark is still in use between the 5th and 6th year after it was registered, the registration might be extended for another year.
Is a trademark worth it?
Summary. It is not necessary to register your business name as a trademark in order to be granted trademark protection for your company name. A registered trademark, on the other hand, may give better protection for your brand while also assisting you in the development of your brand and the expansion of your business.
Do I need a trademark if I have an LLC?
Do I need to register a trademark if I have a limited liability company? Whether a trademark is used or granted is not reliant on the type of the business entity involved. It is, nevertheless, recommended that you register your own trademark. This would act as a visual representation of your company’s reputation, quality, and sort of goods or services offered.
What’s the difference between LLC and trademark?
Limited liability companies and trademarks are both important components of the economic world, yet they serve quite distinct functions. While limited liability companies (LLCs) are legal corporate organizations that shield the personal assets of business owners from lawsuits and bankruptcy, trademarks shield the intellectual property of the company.
How long does it take to trademark a name?
If there are no objections, the registration procedure will take around 4 months. Trademark registrations are valid for ten years.
How hard is it to trademark a name?
Registering a trademark for your company’s name is a simple process that most people can do. The majority of firms can complete an application online in less than 90 minutes, without the assistance of an attorney. The quickest and most convenient way to register is through the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s Web site, www.uspto.gov.
What’s the point of trademark a name?
A trademark protects others from selling identical goods and services in the United States under the same business name as the owner of the trademark. Given that the major objective of trademarks is to minimize consumer misunderstanding in the marketplace, trademark protection is limited to a certain category of products and services only.
How do I check if a name is trademarked?
Log on to the official trademark registration website in India, which is located at https://ipindiaonline.gov.in. To do a public search, select the trademarks tab and then the public search button. Searches can be conducted using one of three criteria: wordmarks, Vienna code, or phonetic.
How do I check to see if a name is trademarked?
The Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) allows you to do a free search of all trademark applications and registrations (TESS). If your mark has a design element, you will need to search for it by entering a design code in the search box.
What is the most common reason that a trademark might be rejected?
The likelihood of misunderstanding is the most often cited cause for a USPTO rejection of a patent application. Essentially, if there is a substantial likelihood that the general public would mistake your trademark for someone else’s (already registered) brand, your trademark registration will not be allowed.