The Winner Takes it All when BOTH the Name and the Logo are Protected by Trademark Registration

Why You Should Register Your Business or Brand Name as a Trademark Separately from Your Logo

Here’s what I hope you take away from this week’s posts:

If you only register your logo as a trademark, you might not get what you were expecting in terms of brand protection. For the most comprehensive trademark rights and protection,

  • Apply to register your logo in black and white if possible, and
  • Apply to register your business and/or name separately as a standard character mark.

That way, no one can swoop in and claim your name—even if they use a different design. That’s how to play the name game in trademarks.

If you want to make sure your brand is fully protected, consult with an experienced trademark attorney to develop the best strategy for your business.

Logos, one including text and one without:

Rock Star Coffee Co 1 and 2 e1752520147458
STYLIZED TEXT in black punk/ransom note font
STYLIZED TEXT in black all caps comic/horror font
Stylized TEXT in black Times New Roman Font
STYLIZED TEXT in black all caps Times New Roman Font, curved in an arc
STYLIZED TEXT in black all caps Times New Roman Font with purple outline
STYLIZED TEXT in green all caps Times New Roman Font

STANDARD TEXT

If you’d like help with trademarks, let’s talk. 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.

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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.