Protecting your brand starts with one important step: registering a trademark. Whether you’re launching a startup, building an online store, or creating a personal brand, securing your business name and logo is essential to stop copycats and build trust with your customers.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to trademark a business name and logo in the USA, step by step.
What is a Trademark?
A trademark is a legal protection for your brand name, logo, slogan, or other identifiers that distinguish your goods or services. Once registered, you can stop others from using similar marks and gain exclusive rights to your brand nationwide.
Step-by-Step: How to Trademark a Business Name and Logo
1. Conduct a Trademark Search
Before filing, you need to make sure your business name or logo isn’t already taken. Search the USPTO trademark database (TESS) to check for:
- Similar names
- Sound-alike trademarks
- Confusingly similar logos
Pro Tip: A professional trademark clearance search goes deeper than a basic online check and can save you from rejection later.
2. Identify What You’re Trademarking
You can trademark:
- Your business name (word mark)
- Your logo design (design mark)
- Or both (file separately or together)
Make sure your logo is finalized before filing, as changes after submission will require a new application.
3. Determine the Trademark Class
Every product or service falls under a specific trademark class. You must select the correct class (or multiple) when applying.
Examples:
- Clothing: Class 25
- Business consulting: Class 35
- Software: Class 9
Choosing the wrong class can delay or reject your application — get help if you’re unsure.
4. File Your Trademark Application with the USPTO
You’ll file through the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) using their TEAS system.
You’ll need:
- Owner information
- Your business name/logo file
- Description of goods/services
- Filing fee ($250–$350 per class)
5. Respond to Office Actions (If Any)
Sometimes the USPTO will issue an Office Action, asking for clarification or rejecting your application due to conflicts or technical errors.
Responding correctly — and within the deadline — is crucial.
6. Wait for Approval and Registration
If no issues arise, your trademark will be published in the Official Gazette. If no one opposes it, the USPTO will register your trademark and send you a certificate.
This process can take 6–12 months or longer.
Why Trademark Your Business Name and Logo?
- Legal ownership of your brand
- Exclusive rights to use your name/logo nationwide
- Ability to stop infringers and counterfeiters
- Stronger brand recognition and trust
- Access to Amazon Brand Registry
- Protection on platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and Instagram
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Every day, businesses lose their names or logos because they didn’t register in time. Someone else can legally claim your brand — and you could be forced to rebrand, lose customers, or face legal issues.
Get Help Filing Your Trademark (The Right Way)
At IP Bureau, we make trademark registration fast, affordable, and attorney-reviewed. We’ll help you:
- Conduct a thorough trademark search
- File correctly with the USPTO
- Avoid delays or rejections
Schedule Your Free Trademark Consultation
or
Start Your Trademark Registration Now
