Protecting the Name and Identity of Your Business
A business’s name, logo, slogan, and other identifying features can become some of its most valuable assets. As your business grows, protecting that identity becomes increasingly important.
A trademark identifies the source of particular goods or services and helps customers distinguish one business from another. Federal trademark registration can provide important legal benefits and can become an integral part of protecting the goodwill and reputation a business has developed.
At Cook Tillman Law Group, we assist entrepreneurs, business owners, and established companies with trademark matters as part of our broader business law practice.
Trademark Planning for New and Existing Business
Trademark issues should ideally be considered early in the life of a business. Registering a business name with the state or obtaining a domain name does not necessarily establish the same rights as trademark protection. Before investing significant time and money in a new brand, it is important to consider whether the name or mark can be protected and whether its use could conflict with existing trademark rights.
Our attorneys can assist with matters including:
-
Evaluating proposed business names, logos, and trademarks
-
Reviewing potential conflicts with existing marks
-
Preparing and filing federal trademark applications
-
Responding to issues raised during the registration process
-
Advising businesses regarding ownership of trademarks and other intellectual property
-
Transferring trademark rights in connection with business transactions
-
Coordinating trademarks with entity formation, contracts, and business succession planning
For closely held and family businesses, ownership of intellectual property should also be considered when planning for a future sale, transfer, or succession of the business.
Protecting the Brand You Have Built
A trademark is more than a registration. It represents the reputation and goodwill associated with your business. Addressing trademark protection as part of your overall legal planning can help avoid disputes, preserve the value of your brand, and provide greater certainty as your business expands.
Cook Tillman Law Group provides business owners with practical legal guidance throughout the business life cycle—from entity formation and contracts to succession planning and protection of valuable business assets.
Contact us to discuss trademark protection for a new venture or an existing business.