A brand or trademark is a legally protected sign that a company or person uses to identify their goods or services and to distinguish them from competing products. It serves as a distinguishing feature and proof of origin for consumers.<\/p>\n
Companies often have to apply for and register both - logo and company name - separately as a figurative and word mark in order to obtain full trademark protection for their brand identity.<\/p>\n
It is perfectly possible to register only one of the two types of trademark (image or word). However, many companies register both separately, as this provides the most comprehensive protection.<\/p>\n
It is also important to note that a separate application must be filed with the USPTO for each individual category of goods\/class of services for which trademark protection is desired. The Costs<\/a> increase accordingly for each additional class.<\/p>\n The cost of registering a trademark with the USPTO, if the application is filed electronically using the TEAS Plus form, is 250 $ per class of goods. In addition, there may be legal fees of between 600 $ and 3,000 $, trademark search fees (approximately 500 $) and design\/illustration fees (approximately 500 $). Renewal fees between the 5th and 6th and 9th and 10th year and every 10 years thereafter also apply.<\/p>\n Brands fulfill several important functions: Firstly, the labeling and distinguishing function to differentiate products from different manufacturers. Secondly, the proof of origin and quality assurance function, so that consumers can recognize the origin and expected quality. Thirdly, the advertising function, in that Brands<\/a> facilitate marketing and customer loyalty.<\/p>\n To obtain the legal benefits of a registered trademark, it must be applied for and registered with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). A registered trademark gives the owner exclusive nationwide rights to use the trademark for the specified products\/services and legal protection against trademark infringement by third parties.<\/p>\n A trademark that is registered with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is protected at the federal level in the United States. However, the protection does not automatically apply worldwide.<\/p>\n A trademark registered with the USPTO gives the owner exclusive rights to use that mark throughout the United States. Other parties are legally prevented from using the same or a similar mark for related products\/services.<\/p>\nCosts of a trademark registration<\/h2>\n
Functions of a brand<\/h3>\n
Trademark registration and legal protection<\/h2>\n
Here are the details:<\/h2>\n
Nationwide protection in the USA<\/h3>\n
No automatic worldwide protection<\/h3>\n