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When considering protecting a business identity, some people think that an Oregon state trademark is all theyll need. After all, if a business is geographically limited with no plans to expand, why go federal?
State trademarks generally last for 10 years, depending on the state, and offer more protection than a common law trademark but less than the federal counterpart. Your trademarked name cannot infringe on any previous United States or state a registered trademark. The legal right to your identifying words, logos and symbols will be upheld within the state youve registered, and, usually, only within the state youve registered. For more information about Oregons rules and to get a state trademark application, contact the Oregon Secretary of State.
Registering with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for a federal trademark gives you more rights and more protections. First of all, you establish the legal right to your name nationwide. You can engage in interstate commerce with your brand identity and even expand nationally. Just because you dont plan to set up shop in every state in the union, with a trademarked name you have the right to do so.
Starting a website, creating a mail order catalog, or even selling your product in another state as a one-time thing all count as interstate commerce. If your business identity isnt protected in that state, you might not have the right to do business under that name. This type of expansion is a natural progression for a business. Lay the groundwork for a successful future with a federally trademarked name.
LegalZoom offers a free online legal library to answer any of your questions about a federal trademark. Learn whats required, how to apply and answer everyones favorite question how much it will cost. LegalZoom can do your trademark search, properly fill out your application and monitor the marketplace for any future trademark infringement. Complete a quick, online questionnaire and well get you registered in no time. Build your future, build your business trademark it.
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