Many trademarked products you use every day are recognizable because of their unique designs and the logos they bear – features that that set them apart and may not be copied by other companies. If you have created a product and desire the same protection, you must register your US trademark with the federal government. Trademark is one of three legal terms used to describe intellectual property. The others are patent and copyright. A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol, design, combination of letters or numbers, or other device that identifies and distinguishes products and services in the marketplace.

Filing a US trademark is the first step to protecting your trademark internationally. International trademark registration is available through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), but in order to be eligible for international registration, the trademark must first be filed with a member country's trademark office. A US trademark can also be registered with US Customs to prevent items carrying infringing marks from being imported into the US.

Selecting a US trademark for your new business is like selecting your company's wardrobe. The name or trademark you select defines the image of your company or product and will affect your ability to appeal to a particular group of customers. Aside from the many marketing considerations in selecting an identity for your business or goods, it is important to choose a logo, name or US trademark that will give you the strongest possible rights against new competitors later, and is not confusingly similar to a trademark or name already in use, especially by one of your potential competitors.

Doing a US trademark search is a very important aspect for the whole process because you need to determine whether another business is already using a trademark that's identical or similar to the business or product name you want to use. You don't want to select a business name, print up brochures, run ads, develop a website, and develop a reputation only to be forced to stop using the name. You can do your own US trademark search with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. In addition to searching for registered trademarks, you should also do an Internet search to see how and where the name you want is being used. Alternately, you may choose to use a fee-based trademark search engine.

It is a good idea to continue your US trademark search in your state’s trademark database. The state trademark database is often part of the Secretary of State's office, though in some states it has a department of its own. You can also check one of several sites that search for trademarks registered in all 50 states. This is an especially good idea if you'll be doing business in more than one state. If you decide to work with an attorney when doing a US trademark search, you will also get a legal opinion as to whether your proposed mark is legally safe to use.

If you're ready to apply for trademark protection, there are companies which can file a trademark application on your behalf. Their online interactive programs gather all the information needed to create your trademark filing, with practical help at each step.


If you’re planning on registering a US trademark http://www.trademarkdirect.com and it’s too much of a hassle to do it yourself you can always hire professionals to help. They will perform a thorough US trademark search http://www.trademarkdirect.com to make sure you will be and stay one of a kind.