How can I check if a name is trademarked?
You can search for federally registered trademarks by using the free trademark database on the USPTO’s website. To start, go to the USPTO’s Trademark Electronic Business Center at http://www.uspto.gov/main/trademarks.htm and choose “Search.” Then follow the instructions you see on the screen.
What words Cannot be trademarked?
What Can’t Be Trademarked?
- Proper names or likenesses without consent from the person.
- Generic terms, phrases, or the like.
- Government symbols or insignia.
- Vulgar or disparaging words or phrases.
- The likeness of a U.S. President, former or current.
- Immoral, deceptive, or scandalous words or symbols.
- Sounds or short motifs.
Can you trademark a phrase?
The answer is yes – a catchphrase can be trademarked, but only for the protection of its use in connection with a particular product or services. The mere act of speaking a catchphrase isn’t, on its own, an act of commerce, so a trademark wouldn’t cover or protect you from someone else just saying your phrase.
Can you trademark something that is copyrighted?
Intellectual property that can be copyrighted cannot be trademarked. For example, a company can trademark its name and logo and copyright its videos and books. There are a few exceptions that can be protected by both a trademark and a copyright.
Can I trademark a name already in use but not trademarked?
If you’re wondering, “can you trademark something that already exists,” the simple answer is “no.” Generally speaking, if somebody has used a trademark before you, you can’t register the trademark for yourself.
How do I trademark a name for free?
You can not register a trademark for free. However, you can establish something known as a “common law trademark” for free, simply by opening for business. The benefit of relying on common law trademark rights is that it’s free, and you don’t need to do any specific work filling out forms, etc.
Can a single word be trademarked?
This involves registering a single word as a trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). A trademark is a word, phrase, sign, symbol, or logo used to identify a product’s owner. Trademarks give exclusive rights to a person or company to use a specific mark within an industry.
Can you trademark a single word?
How do I trademark a word for free?
How can I trademark my logo for free?
Trademark Application Process:
- Complete a trademark search.
- Secure your rights.
- Submit an initial application at uspto.gov on the Trademark Electronic Application System or TEAS.
- Fill out the TEAS form for an initial application. Be sure to upload the file of your logo.
- Submit an “intent-to-use” form.
- Pay the fees.
Can I sue someone for using my trademark?
A trademark owner who believes its mark is being infringed may file a civil action (i.e., lawsuit) in either state court or federal court for trademark infringement, depending on the circumstances. However, in most cases, trademark owners choose to sue for infringement in federal court.
What happens if you trademark a name can someone else use it?
Contested Trademarks If someone else has already registered your trademark, you’ll be unable to register the mark. However, trademark protection is not absolute. If you can show that you used the trademark prior to the registration of the other trademark, you may still own the mark.