We have several Members who need to register trademarks, copyrights, etc. and most believe they need to consult an IP Attorney (sometimes they do) but actually, it’s pretty easy to do this work yourself and the system is kinda self guided.
Prerequisites: Experience on Government Sites...ugh! And ability to use a browser.
Difficulty Level: Member • Nerd • Platypus
Estimated Time: 22 minutes
Expected Outcome: Search for existing usage of your idea. Register your idea. Pay. Get a Receipt
Tools Required: Computer. Browser. Internet Access. Sample of your idea. Credit Card.
Steps to Perform
- First, you need to use the Trademark Electronic Search System to see if your mark is already in use somewhere.
- Basically, you want to see if your mark is in use by another company or individual. Even if your mark does show up in the search results, that doesn’t mean you can’t register it. Next you need to see if they are using the mark in the same category of goods or services you offer. Marks are specific to a certain type of business product or service.
- The online DIY trademark registration costs between $275 & $325 and requires information such as categories, date of creation, date us use in commerce, etc.
- If you’re registering a domain name, we recommend not registering the .net, .com, etc. just register the name before the dot.
- Also, it’s more difficult to register names deemed too generic like “Piano Bar” or “Buy Cars Here”.
- When you’re ready to register your mark, you need to visit the Trademark Basics page.
- Visit the Online Application page to apply for your mark!