Protecting your brand is crucial for success in today’s competitive marketplace. With over 20 years of experience guiding businesses through the trademark registration process, Trademark Access is your trusted advisor for trademark law & intellectual property. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or a budding startup, our trademark attorney in Tulsa offers comprehensive legal services to safeguard your brand identity and ensure your creativity is recognized and respected.
Let Trademark Access be your partner in protecting your intellectual property and turning your ideas into success stories.
Why Should You Get a Federal Trademark Registration Instead of an Oklahoma State Trademark Registration?
Don’t settle for limited protection – take your brand national with a federal trademark registration from the USPTO. This powerful legal tool grants you exclusive rights to use your trademark across the U.S., preventing others from using confusingly similar marks. Federal registration also strengthens your ownership rights with a legal presumption in your favor. Even better, it trumps state registrations, giving you nationwide priority. The benefits extend beyond legal muscle. The ® symbol puts potential infringers on notice and allows you to pursue them in federal court, a more effective legal battleground. Furthermore, federal registration paves the way for global protection and helps shield your brand from counterfeit imports by working with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Finally, the USPTO database listing increases public awareness of your trademark, making it a less attractive target for copycats. Investing in federal trademark registration is a strategic move that safeguards your brand’s value and reputation on a national and potentially international scale.
Our Trademark Attorney Servicing Tulsa
Our leading trademark attorney is a highly-rated lawyer with over 18 years of experience. His area of expertise includes the preparation and prosecution of trademark registration applications, as well as litigating opposition and cancellation proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. He has filed for and obtained hundreds of trademark registrations for clients. He has successfully argued cases against Fortune 500 companies and is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court. Considered one of Utah’s Legal Elite, he can represent clients in Tulsa on all proceedings before the US Patent and Trademark Office.
Trademark Registration and Application For Tulsa Businesses
Navigating the trademark application process can be a legal minefield, even for savvy business owners. Their expertise might lie in running the company, but the legalese involved in filing a trademark application can be a whole different ball game. Many companies end up having to pay to re-file applications after submitting them on their own – according to a University of North Carolina study, the USPTO only grants 57% of applications filed without an attorney. In contrast, applications with an attorney see an approval rate of 83%. The clear advantage here is efficiency and avoiding costly re-filings.
A trademark attorney is your partner in both speed and accuracy. Beyond navigating the legalities, they ensure your application is drafted meticulously. A poorly constructed description of your trademarked goods or services can lead to rejection or even infringement on existing trademarks. An experienced attorney collaborates with you to develop a clear and concise description that avoids confusion and potential penalties from the trademark office. In short, a trademark attorney is an investment that safeguards your brand and streamlines the entire application process.
Our Simple 4 Step Process to Getting Your Federal Trademark Registration
How a Federal Trademark Registration Benefits Your Business
Trademark registration isn’t just a formality – it’s a powerful tool that safeguards your brand and fuels your business strategy. Owning a registered trademark grants you exclusive rights and legal muscle. It becomes a shield against copycats, simplifying legal action if infringement occurs. This legal recognition not only strengthens your position in disputes but also deters others from using similar marks that could confuse customers.
Beyond legal protection, trademarks are valuable assets. They build brand recognition, fostering customer trust and loyalty in a crowded marketplace. Your registered trademark acts as a beacon, clearly differentiating your products or services from the competition. This long-term protection, often lasting 10 years with the ability to renew indefinitely, ensures your brand has staying power. Looking to expand globally? A registered trademark becomes the foundation for international protection. It even helps prevent counterfeit imports and offers advantages online, from managing domain name disputes to potentially boosting search engine rankings. The ability to license your trademark to others opens doors for additional revenue streams. In short, trademark registration is an investment that pays dividends for the health and longevity of your brand.
Why You Need an Attorney to Perform a Trademark Search
A trademark search conducted by a trademark attorney is an essential first step in protecting your brand. Here’s why it’s important for nearly every business:
Avoid Infringement Issues: A thorough search helps ensure your chosen trademark isn’t already in use by someone else, preventing potential infringement lawsuits that can be costly and damage your brand reputation.
Identify Potential Registration Hurdles: The search uncovers existing trademarks that might be confusingly similar to yours, even if not identical. This allows you to explore alternative brand names before investing in a potentially unregisterable trademark.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) frequently rejects applications due to trademark similarity concerns. While appealing a rejection is possible, it’s a difficult and expensive process. A professional trademark search upfront can significantly improve your chances of a successful registration and avoid the hassle and expense of a rejected application.
What is Trademark Infringement?
Trademarking protects a business’s unique brand identity, whether it’s a word, symbol, or phrase. It prevents others from using similar marks that could confuse customers.
Imagine two companies selling athletic shoes. If one uses stripes very similar to a famous brand’s stripes, that’s trademark infringement. The courts consider several factors to determine infringement, including how similar the marks are, the type of products they’re used on (think tennis shoes vs. cleaning supplies), and even how similar their marketing channels are.
If a business believes its trademark is being infringed, they can sue in federal court. Often, they’ll send a cease-and-desist letter first, hoping to resolve the issue outside of court. Examples include Adidas suing Forever 21 over a similar stripe design and WWF being forced to become WWE because of a trademark conflict with the World Wildlife Fund. The key takeaway? Trademarks protect your brand and prevent customer confusion – and it’s always best to avoid infringement lawsuits altogether.
Schedule a Trademark Consultation Now
As a Tulsa business owner, your brand identity is your armor in the marketplace. Don’t leave it vulnerable to copycats! A trademark attorney can be your trusted shield. They’ll help you navigate the trademark registration process, ensuring your brand is federally protected. This not only deters imitators but also strengthens your legal position if infringement occurs. Don’t wait until a competitor tries to steal your shine. Consult an Tulsa trademark attorney today and safeguard the brand you’ve worked hard to build!
Trademark Law Resources in Oklahoma
Most established Oklahoma businesses have attorneys they regularly use or their own in-house counsel that prepares most of their trademark applications. If you are a single individual or on a tight budget, you may prefer to try to do your own trademark application. Even though the USPTO recommends against doing your own trademark, and it is only marginally cost efficient, we have compiled a list of resources to assist you. We have an online learning center, and blog. If these don’t answer your questions or you want to learn more about trademark law on your own, try the Edmon Low Library at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater.