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How do you distinguish your product from your competitors? What do you use to help your business stand out? Odds are your tools are words, names, logos or symbols that build a unique identity which sets you apart. A registered trademark protects this brand identity.
If you run a local business and have absolutely no plans of expanding outside of a set geographical location, an Alaska registered trademark might be all you need. Offering more protection than a common law trademark, a state trademark generally ensures that no other business can profit from the identity that youve built. Best of all, you only need to be sure that no other national or state business is currently using your name. If a local business in another state has the same name but only a state trademark, no problem. How can you do a trademark search? Check out the United States Patent and Trademark Office website or use a professional trademark search firm, such as LegalZoom.
For more information and to get a state trademark application, contact your Secretary of State. Most state trademarks follow the same guidelines and requirements as federal trademarks; they simply offer protection that is, generally, limited to the state.
If you are thinking of expanding your business at all, consider registering federally. If you sell goods in another state, want to start a website or a mail order catalogue, you will be doing business outside of your local area and are available for federal trademark protection. No one in any state will be allowed to infringe on your trademark, and you take precedence if someone starts a business with an identical name. A registered federal trademark allows you to expand, opening up more long-term options for your business.
LegalZoom is a great resource for federal trademarks. Check out our free, online legal library to get more information on just how a federal trademark will help your business and what youll need to get one. If you decide to go ahead and register with the USPTO, a quick online questionnaire will take you from un-registered to registered from the comfort of your computer. Plan for a growing business register today!
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