Without even realizing it, we see countless trademarks every single day. A trademark is what lets people identify certain goods and services and recognize the quality of what they see. A trademark is critical to the success of your business, and the experienced trademark attorneys at CoffyLaw, LLC can help you navigate the legal process of registering your trademark in addition to protecting it from misuse by others looking to take advantage of your company’s goodwill with consumers. Call the office or contact us today to schedule an appointment to discuss your trademark needs.
A trademark is an indicator of source and a symbol of quality for a particular good or service. It can be a brand name, word, symbol, sound, device, or any combination of these things to identify and distinguish your goods and services from those of another. A trademark is a business’s intellectual property and source of goodwill with its customers. There are three main types of trademarks — trademarks, service marks, and collective marks.
In order to register a trademark, the first step is conducting an initial search, which involves a brief review of the trademark register through the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) at the United States Patent & Office (USPTO) and a common law search, which may be conducted on search engine websites such as Google or Yahoo. This step can save a lot of time, money, and headache. An additional search using a third-party vendor may be needed depending on the circumstances. This ensures that no one else has already registered your idea for a trademark or business name. The second step is filing an application with the USPTO online with the Trademark Electronic Application System. This application requires a considerable amount of information that our trademark attorneys can help you complete. One of the most common questions our office receives is, “How much is a trademark?” Depending on the class of goods, the filing fee for an application is between $250 and $350.
An examiner will review your application and notify you of any issues. If none exist, the trademark will be published in the Official Gazette where other people will have a chance to oppose it. If no one does, then your trademark is officially registered. If problems do arise, our team is prepared to fully defend your trademark against any claims and protect your company’s rights to its intellectual property.
The knowledgeable trademark attorneys at CoffyLaw, LLC can help you through every step of the trademark process. We help our clients register a trademark by filing the application and tracking the approval process. We pride ourselves on our constant level of communication with our clients throughout the process. CoffyLaw, LLC also provides trademark consulting services with advice to clients about the best ways to protect their trademarks and other intellectual property. With over 80 years of combined experience defending clients against trademark infringement claims, our team of highly skilled professionals offers a wide scope of legal services for clients requiring legal assistance with their intellectual property.
To learn more about how CoffyLaw, LLC can help you with your trademark needs, call or contact the office today to schedule an appointment to discuss how best to create, protect, and defend your trademark rights.
Drawing on years of experience in national and regional trademark law firms, representing a diverse client portfolio, including Fortune 500, mid-size companies, and entrepreneurs, CoffyLaw, LLC is positioned to strategically stay on top of the laws that affect our clients. CoffyLaw, LLC protects and defends your creations and inventions, preventing others from misappropriating what you have accomplished.
Trademark law plays an important role in business growth, brand building, and long-term protection of intellectual property. When our New Jersey trademark lawyer talks with business owners, many share the same questions about trademarks, registration steps, enforcement, and how legal guidance may help them move forward with confidence. Below, we put together a series of frequently asked questions to give clarity on common concerns surrounding trademark legal process and the laws surrounding trademarks.
Many new business owners ask what types of elements qualify for protection. A trademark may cover names, symbols, designs, taglines, and identifying features consumers associate with a product or service. When we discuss trademark legal process matters with clients, we often explain that protection focuses on identity and recognition, which prevents others from using similar marks that may confuse customers. The broader and more distinctive a mark is, the stronger the protection may be. This protection may also extend to future variations of a logo or phrase if they remain tied to the original brand concept. The goal is simple: ownership of a recognizable identity that sets a business apart in the marketplace.
We are often asked about the best time to file. In many cases, the right time is early, ideally before major marketing investments are made. Early registration gives a level of peace of mind, allowing a business to grow with reduced risk of conflict. If a mark is already in use without registration, waiting too long could invite disputes or limit enforceability. Our New Jersey trademark lawyer advises clients to consider filing once a brand name or logo is chosen and intended for continuous use. Tactical early planning often leads to fewer issues down the road.
A common question involves how long protection remains active. Registration does not expire quickly, but it does require maintenance. After the initial term, filings must be updated at regular intervals to keep protection valid. If those deadlines are missed, rights may lapse, and someone else could attempt to register a similar mark. Our top-rated team walks clients through renewal deadlines, evidence of continued use, and strategies for keeping documentation current. When maintained properly, trademark registration law benefits can last indefinitely.
Businesses sometimes discover another party using a similar name or logo. When this happens, there are steps we may take to address the issue. Our New Jersey trademark lawyer begins with research to confirm whether infringement exists. If so, we may consider communication such as a cease-and-desist notice or other enforcement options. If the issue continues, trademark legal support may be needed to pursue stronger remedies. In many cases, conflicts are resolved through early communication and clear evidence of ownership, which is why registration matters.
Another topic we often hear about is expansion outside the United States. Protection here does not automatically extend to other countries, so additional filings are required. There are systems in place to streamline international registration, but they still involve separate legal review. Businesses planning to sell worldwide should consider this early to avoid confusion in international markets. Trademark rules vary by region, but with proper planning, a brand may secure protection in multiple territories.
Our team at COFFYLAW has seen firsthand how valuable early registration and strategic protection can be for long-term growth. If you’re ready to protect your mark, expand your presence, or defend what you’ve built, we welcome you to reach out for a free consultation to discuss next steps together in a clear, simple way.
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