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Avoid the Legal Horrors

Posts on patents, trademarks, and business strategy for founders, small business owners, and inventors

4 Ways to Avoid Trademark Infringement Trouble

Here are Four Ways to Avoid Trademark Infringement Trouble

  1. Do a Trademark Search Before You Name Your Business. A quick Google search isn’t enough. Check the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database to see if a similar name is already registered.
  2. Do a Trademark Search Even If You’ve Already Named Your Business. It’s NOT too late. It’s better to find out sooner than later that you’re risking an infringement action. If that’s the case, you can work on rebranding right away and maybe get that done before any trouble happens.
  3. Consult a Trademark Attorney. We can help you assess the risk of infringement before you invest in branding, once your business is up and running, or at any time, really!
  4. Be Prepared to Change Your Name If Needed. If you get a cease-and-desist letter, ignoring it could lead to an expensive lawsuit. Consult a trademark attorney to see what the best response is. It’s often better to rebrand early than fight a losing legal battle.

If you’re launching, growing, or just unsure whether your business/brand name or your logo are truly protected, let’s talk. I help entrepreneurs across the U.S. make smart, legally sound decisions about names and logos.

If you’d like to consult with me, you can use my contact form or book a consultation online at kingpatentlaw.com or by calling my office at 312-596-2222 or 217-714-8558.

Please check out the other posts and pages on my website for more information on trademarks and other intellectual property and business law issues.

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Picture of Julie King

Julie King

Julie is a licensed patent attorney and the founding attorney at King Patent Law, PLLC, with over 25 years of legal experience. Her practice focuses on intellectual property, business, and estate planning, and she's passionate about helping clients use IP tools to protect and grow their businesses. When she's not helping clients, you can find her at a live rock show, watching a horror movie, or playing the guitar (badly).

This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney.

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