Tips from the Trademark Insider: Register Your Trademarks!

Sure it may seem obvious. But many don't do it until its too late. Register all marks in the United States Patent & Trademark Office.

Federal registration gives you nationwide priority to the mark as of the filing date of the application. A registration will prevent third parties from acquiring superior rights to the mark in remote areas or markets.

Also, the Trademark Office allows an “intent-to-use” application to be filed when the mark is not yet in use. The advantage of filing an “intent-to-use” application is that when your mark registers, you will obtain the filing date (which will obviously pre-date your first use date) as your priority date to the mark. Registration gives you an important advantage over those who attempt to use your mark after you file for registration.

The Trademark Company