Preparation is everything when it comes to business. You need to have everything in order to use and register your trademarks by the time you launch your business. In truth, however, you can actually start preparing for those trademarks even earlier. This helps to ensure that none of your competition gets their hands on your intellectual property before you have a chance to use it.
So when should you start researching trademarks? Let’s discuss the steps you’ll need to take and when in this blog.
When To Start Trademark Research
Ideally, you want to begin trademark research before you even file a business entity. For your business entity, you will need a business name at minimum. If you choose a business name that someone else has trademarked, you won’t be able to use it. Trademark research can help you to avoid this so that you can register the name you actually intend to use.
When you hire Garcia-Zamor, we can conduct your trademark research for you. We have the resources and over two decades of combined experience with trademark law. We’ll let you know if anything comes up on our searches that could potentially be an issue for your brand.
What Is “Intent To Use”?
You can file a certain type of trademark application well before you actually use the trademark. The particular trademark application is called “intent to use.” An intent to use application means that you are not currently using the trademark, but you plan to use it within the next three or four years.
This is another application you should take care of before filing your business entity. Once you know what you want for your brand name, for product names, or for logos, your attorneys at Garcia-Zamor can file an intent to use application so that, too, is protected ahead of time.
Why Prepare Your Trademarks Early?
It’s hard for businesses to stand out in the current market. You need to be able to stand out when you launch, which you can do by having a distinctive brand, complete with the name, imagery, and design elements that go with that. But it’s completely possible that while you’re preparing your business to launch, someone else opens a business with the same name or uses a similar logo. By filing an intent to use application, you can ensure that your brand stays unique even before you use it.
It can also help you from unwittingly falling into trademark infringement. If you attempt to open a business or advertise with a certain name that someone else has trademarked, they may come after you with a cease-and-desist letter. From there, you’re back to square one. If your attorneys at Garcia-Zamor conduct trademark research for you in the early stages, you don’t have to worry about scrapping your branding plans halfway to your launch.
