Frequently Asked Questions About Trademark Law In Florida

I am attorney Zoe Bernstein, and I want to help you understand more about trademarks. Here are the answers to some questions you may have here in Boca Raton:

Why is it important to register a trademark?

The purpose of a trademark is to help protect a business’s good name. If a competitor uses a trademark, it could potentially tarnish a business’s reputation, hurt customer relations and lead to a loss of revenue.

A business can also use trademarks to build a long-lasting brand that is quickly identifiable by customers. Trademarks offer legal rights against infringement, create licensing rights, ensure brand differentiation and otherwise assist with valuable IP asset protection.

How do I register a trademark?

First, you need to do significant background work and research to make sure that the trademark is available. Then, you are typically ready to file for a trademark, which can be done by submitting the appropriate information through the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) or via a paper application, along with your fee and supporting documentation.

You then must wait on a notice of allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). At that point, you submit documentation of the mark in use with a Statement of Use to receive your registration certificate.

What are the costs involved in registering a trademark?

The cost of registering a trademark can greatly depend on the number of trademarks a business is seeking and the number of classes. The filing fees associated with the application to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a single trademark generally run between $250-$350, but legal fees related to your attorney’s assistance are separate. You can discuss attorney fees at your initial consultation.

How long does trademark registration last?

With a successful trademark application, a business can have a trademark for 10 years before the terms need to be renewed. A renewal can lengthen the term of a trademark as long as a trademark is identified with products and services.