How to Trademark a Phrase

In this video, Josh discusses how to trademark a phrase so that you can get the most value out of your slogan or tagline.

Contrary to popular belief, there’s more to a company’s identity than just a name and logo.

When you think of some of the biggest brands out there, they almost always use some kind of phrase to supplement and summarize their identity – a slogan, tagline, catchphrase, or company motto.

Done effectively, these phrases can contribute as much to the perception and selection of a particular business as the name, logo, or product or service itself.

Because phrases can acquire value and play such a major role in your success, it’s important to protect them against infringement by registering them with the USPTO. Once you do so, you’re safeguarded nationwide from any other similar businesses that might impede your success by using a similar phrase to sell their offerings.

Here are four steps to successfully trademark a phrase:

1. Conduct a full trademark search.
2. File your trademark application.
3. The trademark goes for a 30-day opposition period.
4. Receive your registration.

The trademark registration process can take about six to eight months total, so it’s important to start the process as soon as possible.

You’re in a much better position to defend against a claim of infringement than to make a claim yourself against a party that may be infringing upon you, should your phrase become a lucrative commodity sooner than you expect.

By proactively safeguarding yourself, you can prevent even more lengthy legal entanglement and potential lost business down the line.

To learn more about how to trademark a phrase, visit gerbenlaw.com/blog/how-to-trademark-a-phrase/.

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Founded in 2008, Gerben Law Firm PLLC is a boutique Washington, DC based trademark, copyright and patent law firm. We currently serves clients in all 50 states and from over 30 countries around the world. Founder Josh Gerben opened the firm with the goal of providing big-firm quality legal services to businesses and individuals at affordable prices. In furtherance of this goal, the firm has obtained more than 5,500 trademark registrations for its clients since opening, and has been involved in over 500 trademark enforcement and defense matters.

Visit gerbenlaw.com to learn more.