For small or new businesses, the logical answer to this question sometimes seems to be, yes. After all, you can save quite a bit of money by filing your trademark applications yourselves, right? Well, actually… yes. And no.
While individuals and small companies can, in fact, save many upfront on trademark or patent attorney fees by doing the work themselves, or by using non-attorney companies that promise a one-size-fits-all solution, quite often this can result in huge fees down the road. Not only does the Trademark Office frequently issue rejections for improperly filed applications, those attempting to pursue a trademark prosecution may find themselves on shakier ground than they need be. And, in the end, wind up needing to hire a knowledgeable attorney to fix their trademark applications, at a much greater cost.
Trademarks are so important that it’s worth it to get the process done right, the first time. Most people know about brands and brand identity and on some level, recognize the corresponding trademark as integral to a company’s brand. Consumers, often without even thinking about it, expect that the brand product of Pepsi that they purchase in Ontario, Canada, will be the same product that they get in Los Angeles, California. That’s part of the promise, and the importance of trademarks and branding.
When it comes to protecting your product, company or brand name trademarks, the best advice is to consult a professional. It may cost a little more upfront for having a qualified trademark or patent attorney handle your application process, but the assurance that it is done correctly the first time will be worth it.
Post Date: December 18, 2013
