The 7 Biggest Trademark Mistakes! - TME026

Trademarks Made Easy

Want a roadmap of what not to do with your trademark? That's what today's episode is all about. We talk about a few of the biggest mistakes trademark owners make, and how they can be avoided!

Don't be a victim to a lack of knowledge! Grab a pen and notepad, and take notes:

1. Failure to register a trademark. {Common law rights are fine, but I promise...being proactive with brand protection will be a lot less expensive than being reactive!}

2. Failure to do clearance searching prior to use and filing of a trademark. {Don't let a lack of funds prevent you from searching. There are searching options for lots of different budgets, and I give some tips for you DIYers.}

3. Domain name is an address only; it does not substantiate trademark rights. {Don't get hung up if the pure domain name isn't available! Don't forego a great trademark just because you cannot get the pure domain name. So many cool and creative ways to get around this!}

4. Failure to monitor and enforce your trademark rights! {DIY tips included!}

5. Allowing the death of their trademark by genericide! {Buh bye "aspirin" and "escalator!" I have a solid tip in here to prevent this from happening if you've created your own totally new product!}

6. Failure to use the proper notice symbols. {I also clear up a common misconception!}

7. Failure to file the appropriate trademark registration maintenance documents! {Pay attention and use a perpetual online calendar like Google, or get these on the docket of a trusted trademark attorney!}

Resources:

https://privatelabeluniversity.com/live-events/ {Karen and Neil are the creme de la creme of private label education. If you register for their upcoming live event in Denver, I'll give you free access to the Trademark Trailblazer: The Brand Name Creation Blueprint. But, you have to sign up by 9/1/2019 and let me know by that date!}

http://www.TrademarkQuickstart.com

https://www.CompuMark.com (robust searching and trademark monitoring)

https://www.uspto.gov

https://knowem.com/ (solid searching platform for common law and social media handle use)

I also talk about an amazing Trailblazing Trademark: FURZERTS {https://amzn.to/2HlO48t ~ This IS an affiliate link!}. I love a good portmanteau.

Watch out for "coined" trademarks. These are trademarks that are made up words you wouldn't find in a dictionary. It's really hard to create an emotional connection with your consumer with a coined trademark. Further, word-of-mouth marketing is HUGE. If people cannot pronounce your trademark, or they aren't confident in the pronunciation of your trademark, they are going to be much less likely to share your brand. And one more thing! Voice-enabled searching is only going to grow (a la Alexa and Siri!) So, you want a trademark that is easy for your consumers to find online. While coined marks generally fly through the legal process, proceed with caution and keep in mind these marketing concerns. It's a balance!

Finally, we talk about proper trademark usage, so you can be proactive about growing the value of your brand name over time. It doesn't happen overnight! Consider a "brand bible" for your business! You are never too small to start. I promise!

*** Please share with anyone you think who benefit from this information.

Also, if you are a totally rad brand owner yourself, and would love to be featured as a “Trademark Trailblazer,” either on our YouTube Channel or Trademarks Made Easy Podcast, we would love to talk! {See below for the Trademarks Made Easy Podcast Interview Application form.}

And don’t forget to click that SUBSCRIBE button, so that you never miss an episode!

~Let’s Get Started!~

FREE Trademark Trailblazer Quickstart Bundle: http://www.TrademarkQuickstart.com/ Trademark Trailblazer ~ The Brand Name Creation Blueprint: http://www.TrademarkTrailblazer.com/ My Rad Website: https://www.theprivatelabellawyer.com/ Apply to Work With Me: https://www.theprivatelabellawyer.com...

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~Let's Collaborate!~

Trademarks Made Easy Podcast Interview Application: https://forms.gle/jLS8VuXrE7MwCZ349 Eiger Dreams Mastermind Application: https://forms.gle/M2nKiVgvp651zqCy7

And finally, I am not your attorney. This information provided for education and entertainment. I do my best to stay up-to-date with changes in the law but remember, like us, the laws are constantly evolving, thank goodness! You should hire an attorney to discuss your specific situation.