As we all know, a successful business does not build itself. Capital does not arrive out of thin air, clients and customers do not come knocking on the door out of the blue, and a formidable team of employees does not appear without great effort. It takes perseverance and passion, a willingness to keep going even in the face of obstacles and challenges, and many long hours in the office. It all begins with a daydream, then a concept, and then a business model, innovation, or service that hopefully makes the lives of many others better or more exciting in some way.
Your business is your livelihood, and you may have many others dependent on you too, from those who work for you to a spouse and children. Protecting your company—and your brand—is priority. And while there are numerous types of protection to invest in, from insurance to accounting to legal representation, intellectual property can be critical too; in fact, as soon as you design a trademark or a service mark, it is yours. Work with an experienced intellectual property attorney like Shane Coons to make sure it is registered though, meaning that you will have legal recourse should another individual or entity decide to use it without permission.
Intellectual property covers everything from patents to copyrights, to trademarks. There is a lot to learn, but once you narrow down your needs, your attorney will be able to help you with registering appropriately. Many don’t realize that within the category of trademarks are service marks too. While you may have a logo or a stamp that sets you apart from your competition, if you offer a service you may have a slogan or catchy phrase that serves as your service mark (designed by SM after the term, as opposed to TM). And if you offer goods and services, you may have both a more conventional trademark too to designate the goods you provide.
Both trademarks and service marks must be registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. In applying, you must be able to clearly explain the goods and services offered and meet other legal requirements.
If you have concerns about intellectual property or possible infringement, consult with Attorney Shane Coons. Our law office represents clients involved in a wide range of businesses and legal issues, and we would be glad to review your case and help you explore your options. Call now at 949-333-0900 or email us at Shane.Coons@seclawoffices.com.