4 Reasons Why Every Business Should Get A Trademark

You may not realize it now, but everyday you deal with trademarks. Check the shoes that you’re wearing, or the phone you’re using, all these brands are most likely registered trademarks. A lot of startups and budding entrepreneurs may not see the importance of owning one since they’ve just started out, but little did they know about all the benefits their business can get from registering their name with the USPTO. 

In this article, you will learn 4 different reasons why every business should get a trademark! 

1. Trademarks can serve as a communication tool

Trademarks can convey your brand’s identifiable attributes that can directly affect your company’s products, services, and even its reputation. This is because a trademark doesn’t have to be a word. It can be logos or designs that can easily be recogniable regardless of the language that you speak. 

The Nike Swoosh, or the Mercedes Benz logos are perfect examples. These are global brands that are so popular that you don’t even need to see the name to know that the product is theirs. So if you’re building your brand into something recognizable, a trademark would be a good asset to your business.

2. Trademarks make it easy for customers to find you

Aside from being a communication tool, trademarks actually make it easier for people to recognize the products and services that you offer. Try checking your credit card statement. You will notice that 7 out of 10 purchases you made was on brands that are actually trademarked. 

People buy from businesses they trust and trademarks give them a message that you’re serious about your brand. With thousands of businesses in the marketplace, you have to do anything in your power to make sure your brand stands out. 

3. Trademarks make it easier to avoid IP theft when advertising on the Internet

In this day and age, advertising isn’t limited to print media anymore. The shift towards digital marketing is growing each year and with this happening, the number of IP theft is swiftly going up as well. Trademarks are a legal tool use to protect brands from these thieves. Be it cybersquatters or businesses that unintentionally infringe on your brand, having a trademark gives you a guarantee that you can tell them to stop using your trademark, or face legal charges and pay for damages. 

4. Trademarks are an asset to your business

While most people think that trademarks are just a tool to protect a business, they don’t realize that it’s a valuable asset that only grows through the years. Let’s start with the fact that a trademark is the only form of intellectual property, that can, in theory, last forever. You just have to pay the renewal fees every 10 years, and that’s it! 

Going back to turning your brand into an asset, a trademark adds value to your business if you decide to sell or franchise it. Just take McDonald’s as the biggest example. It is one of (if not the) largest fast-food chains in the world and the reason why nobody can copy the Golden Arches or anything related to their brand is because they were trademarked.