Protecting Your Logo: Patent vs Trademark

Are you looking to protect your logo? You may have heard that you can patent an idea, but logos cannot be patented. The term patent describes the property that protects inventions, and logos are not inventions. However, logos can be similarly protected by a trademark or service mark. Trademarks protect logos attached to products, while service marks protect logos attached to services. Before taking any other step in the process, it is important to demonstrate that the logo you developed is actually available.

This means that you must conduct a search to make sure that no one else has already registered a similar logo. If someone else has already registered a similar logo, then you will not be able to register yours.

Trademarking Your Logo

Once you have determined that your logo is available, you can begin the process of trademarking it. This process involves filing an application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The application must include a description of the logo, as well as a drawing of it.

You must also provide information about how you plan to use the logo. Once your application is approved, your logo will be registered with the USPTO. This registration will give you exclusive rights to use the logo in connection with the goods or services specified in your application. It also gives you the right to take legal action against anyone who uses your logo without your permission.

Benefits of Trademarking Your Logo

Trademarking your logo provides several benefits. First, it gives you exclusive rights to use the logo in connection with the goods or services specified in your application.

This means that no one else can use your logo without your permission. Second, it gives you the right to take legal action against anyone who uses your logo without your permission. Finally, it gives you the right to use the ® symbol next to your logo, which indicates that it is registered with the USPTO.

Conclusion

Logos cannot be patented, but they can be protected by a trademark or service mark. Before taking any other step in the process, you must demonstrate that the logo you developed is actually available.

Once this is done, you can begin the process of trademarking it by filing an application with the USPTO. Trademarking your logo provides several benefits, including exclusive rights to use it and the right to take legal action against anyone who uses it without your permission.