A trademark is used to identify the source of goods or services. Some of the most recognizable consumer brands in the world are also the world’s most valuable trademarks. According to a recent survey, the world’s most valuable brands are, in order, Wal-Mart, Google, Coca-Cola, IBM and Microsoft. All of these brand names, and their accompanying logos, resonate with the public and create a clear image in the consumer’s mind of what goods and services those companies offer.  For businesses where the brand can make the difference between you and your competitors, an aggressive trademark protection strategy and enhance the value of your company.
A registered trademark can increase the value of a brand, especially for companies providing consumer goods and services, those that are in knowledge-based industries and businesses that may be looking to franchise. Trademarks can also be vital to businesses that are providing services and goods over the internet or in more than one state. In contrast, there is usually little value in trademarking the name of a local business that serves a very localized clientele.
As knowledge-based businesses become more important to the economy, a valuable brand name and accompanying trademark can help you stand out from the crowd when much of the business’s value is in your head. Most importantly, obtaining a federal trademark registration makes good business sense before investing substantial effort and resources in building brand awareness and equity. Do you really want to spend years and thousands or millions of dollars to promote a brand name only to find out that you cannot protect it or that it impermissibly conflicts with a deep-pocketed competitor’s trademark? In addition to those benefits listed on the Trademarks page, obtaining a federally registered trademark can enhance the trademark owner’s ability to gain control over some of the most valuable real estate on the web – domain names related to or containing that trademark.
Contact us at info@skattorney.com with questions about trademarking your business name and logo.
