Trademark owners aren’t just being aggressive when they search for infringement, send cease-and-desist letters, or file lawsuits. They have to (and so do YOU). If trademark owners don’t actively enforce their trademark rights, they risk losing them. This means:
- Large companies constantly monitor new business filings, websites, and trademarks for possible infringement.
- For example, Disney has employees whose job it is to do only this. They can and do go after very small businesses. Just because not everyone committing this kind of infringement has been caught yet, doesn’t mean you won’t be!
- Even small businesses can (and do) enforce their rights, especially in niche markets. They often have automated searches run for them regularly to keep an eye out for possible infringement.
- If your business name or branding is flagged as too similar, you are likely to receive a cease-and-desist letter, or worse, a lawsuit.
- If you have federally registered trademarks, you have a duty to search for infringement, and failing to search and take action if you find any infringement can seriously diminish your rights.
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.
