A federally registered trademark protects your brand name, logo or slogan from unauthorized use by others. A registered trademark provides legal protection and enforceable rights under the law against competitors and provides a basis to sue for trademark infringement if someone starts using your mark without permission on similar or related goods or services. A federally registered trademark guarantees:
Use of the registered trademark symbol (®) alongside your brand or logo.
Constructive notice to the public of your claim of ownership and exclusive right to use the mark in connection with the goods or services listed in the registration.
National priority of ownership against anyone who attempts to use or register a confusingly similar mark.
The ability to bring legal action concerning the mark in federal court.
In a case of trademark infringement, registered trademark owners are entitled to seek triple damages plus attorneys’ fees.
United States trademark registration may be used as a basis to obtain registration in foreign countries.
A federal trademark registration may be filed with the U.S. Customs Service to block the importation of infringing (counterfeit) foreign goods.
The ability to shut down Internet domain names, social media usage, Amazon, Etsy and other competing e-commerce use that attempt to infringe upon your mark.
After five years of registration, your right in the mark becomes incontestable, eliminating nearly every defense to trademark infringement.
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