Trademarking and ownign rights to....?

Question

I want to trademark and own rights to a name or a phrase. How do I do this and what's the website? Thanks.

Answer 1

To register a trademark, that's done either through your Secretary of State for a State trademark or the US Patent & Trademark Office for a Federal trademark.

If you are only conducting business in one state, then a State trademark is most appropriate. If you conduct (OR are planning to conduct) business in at least 2 states OR between the US & any other country, you can file for a Federal trademark.

Prior to investing your time, money & effort into a name, it is strongly advised that comprehensive research be conducted to ensure that the name you're interested in is truly available.

This entails searching the pending & registered Federal and State trademark files as well as the US National Common-Law files. Then, if clear, you can decide if you would like to file for a Federal or a State trademark.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

http://biztaxlaw.about.com/od/research/a... -- Contacting your Secretary of State, a listing of links for all states

http://www.uspto.gov – United States Patent & Trademark Office

http://www.uspto.gov/main/trademarks.htm -- USPTO's Main Trademark Page