The United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) recently announced a significant overhaul of its trademark filing fee structure. These changes, marked by substantial increases across various categories, will undoubtedly affect businesses seeking to protect their trademarks and brands. We highlight the key changes and impacts below. Continue reading
Tag Archives: trademark registration
Should I Register My Mark? Yes!
A pal and I walked across the parking lot at the Maryland State Bar Association conference last month looking for a lunch joint; the topic of our conversation was whether and why copyright and trademark registrations are necessary and beneficial.
My bud correctly pointed out that a trademark acquires common law rights as soon as it is used on goods or services, and a copyright exists as soon as the work is fixed in a tangible medium of expression. The bulb over my head lit up; my June column was born. I offered to buy him an adult beverage, or two, for the idea.
“You’re correct,” I said. “Both copyrights and trademarks exist without registration, but registration of both confers substantial and valuable rights.”