Why Register My Trademark?
While registering your trademark is not mandatory, registration offers many advantages. The following only scratch the surface at the benefits of trademark registration:
It gives notice to the public and to your competitors that you claim ownership of the trademark. An owner of a registered trademark is presumed to be the rightful owner, unless proven otherwise.
If someone else tries to use the same or a similar trademark, you can then assert your ownership rights. This can be accomplished by sending a cease and desist letter or filing a claim for infringement.
You can allow others to use your trademark by licensing the rights to use your trademarks. You can control the way your trademark is used: for particular purposes, in certain places, or for a given length of time. This strategy is fundamental in business growth, business development, and franchising.
Registration with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office provides a basis for you to apply for trademark registration in other countries. On a related note, you can prevent infringing foreign goods from being imported.
