TRADEMARK LAW
Trademarks: Service Marks, or Product Marks
Source Identifiers
Q. Basically, in a nutshell, what are Trademarks?
Trademarks are basically anything that indicated to potential customers or clients where that product or service is coming from. Trademarks can take the form of symbols, designs, words, colors. Trademarks are sometimes called "source identifiers" because they identify the
tell you where those products or services come from or who makes them. You can also think of Trademarks as the protector of your goodwill. .
What types of Trademarks are there?
1. Word Marks (e.g. Pepsi, McDonald's)
2. Trade Dress (e.g. The distinctive shape of a Pringles can of crisps)
3. Logos or symbols (e.g. the Geico Gecko)
Trademarks can also take the form of sounds, smells, and an assortment of colors.
TRADEMARKS: What does the "R" ® stand for?
USPTO
The circle "R" ® is an abbreviation for "Registered" by the United States Patent & Trademark Office. A lot of people mistakenly believe that it is ok to put the circle r near their own mark. Actually, it is technically illegal. Instead, you should use the following abbreviations: "TM", "SM" to indicate that you consider that mark to be proprietary and is a source identifier of your goods or services.
USPTO Registration
We file Trademark Applications with the USPTO. Federal Law for all 50 States.
California Registration
We also file Trademark Applications with the Secretary of State in California.
Searches
We perform Trademark Searches by the hour as per your needs.
Consultations
We provide legal consultations regarding Trademark Law.
Branding Advice
If you need help or ideas in finding a strong mark around which you would like to build your product or service, we can help with that as well.
Assignments/ Licensing
We can also provide ancillary services related to the ownership or transfer of Trademark Rights as well.