A trademark is a symbol or word that identifies and distinguishes your product or service from the goods or services of others. Trademarks help consumers understand the source of a product or service and protect their legal rights against counterfeiting or fraud. An experienced Los Angeles trademark lawyer can provide legal guidance for your business.
When to Hire a California Trademark Lawyer
If you are starting a new business, it is important to secure a trademark for your brand name as soon as possible. A skilled trademark attorney can guide you through the process of registering your mark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). They will also perform a comprehensive trademark search to make sure that your desired mark is not already in use. A thorough trademark search can save you valuable time and money down the road.
The USPTO has a free trademark search tool that can be used to check whether your proposed mark is available for registration. However, a good trademark attorney will conduct a more thorough search using both the free and paid databases. They will also look at state registrations and the Secretary of State’s records to ensure that your potential mark is not too similar to any other existing registered trademarks.
After your mark is registered, a reputable Los Angeles trademark lawyer can help you enforce it against those that might infringe upon your rights. Trademark infringement cases can be complex and can involve the violation of federal and state laws. Your lawyer can develop a strategy to protect your intellectual property, from sending out a cease and desist letter to pursuing damages in court.
If you want to transfer ownership of your trademark to another party, it is necessary to execute a formal assignment agreement. Your trademark attorney can prepare and execute this document on your behalf.
In addition to handling trademark infringement matters, a good Los Angeles trademark lawyer can assist you with other intellectual property issues such as copyrights, patents, and unfair competition law. They can also help you with a trademark watch service to monitor and protect your mark from potential infringers.
Trademark Infringement Disputes
As you grow your business, you may encounter situations where someone else is using a similar mark as yours. This is called trademark infringement and it can be very damaging to your brand. A good California trademark lawyer can help you resolve the dispute quickly and efficiently. This can range from sending a strongly worded cease and desist letter to pursuing a lawsuit for damages and attorney fees.
It is also important to keep your trademark up-to-date by renewing it every 5 years. Our seasoned trademark attorneys will ensure that your mark is renewed on time and correctly. They can even handle international trademark registrations for our clients. Call our firm today to discuss your trademark needs with one of our knowledgeable lawyers. We can provide you with a complimentary consultation and answer any questions you have about trademarks and intellectual property law.