Trademarks are important in protecting your intellectual property and your brand. As a business owner, you certainly want to trademark anything that is directly connected to your company and the goods and services you offer. This helps to limit consumer confusion and strengthens your brand.
What can you trademark? There are many different options. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) notes that “almost anything” can be trademarked if it is connected to your company and indicates the source of the goods or services that consumers are receiving.
Common examples of trademarks
Here are a few examples of trademarks to keep in mind:
- A word or a slogan: Even a single word or a simple phrase could be a major part of your branding, such as Nike’s “Just Do It” or McDonald’s “I’m Lovin’ It.”
- A design or image: You can often trademark logos, images and other designs that identify your company. If you have good brand recognition, these instantly make your products known to your customers.
- Colors, scents, and sounds: Many people don’t realize that any of these can potentially be trademarked. A jingle for your company or a specific sound that plays when a user opens an app or a computer program can qualify.
Every situation is unique, but the key is simply to identify the information that is directly related to your business that needs to be protected. This is a far more complex process than many people realize, and it is essential to work with an experienced attorney to protect your trademark and your business.
