As a proud small business owner, you would do anything to protect your business. From cybersecurity solutions to proper insurance, business owners are responsible for protecting their company’s assets. This includes your intellectual property, like your business name, logo, products, services, and more.
Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind, or the inventions, ideas, designs, and images a business creates. A unique business logo or brand name can set you apart from the competition by generating brand recognition and a loyal customer base. Over time, your customers will associate your logo with your business—and your business only. This is where a trademark comes in handy.
While trademarking your business name or logo isn’t necessarily required, it is recommended for legal protection, and can contribute to building brand awareness. Some small business owners assume that trademarking is only for huge, global brands, but protecting your hard work and brand identity is just as important for small businesses as it is for larger corporations.
Here, we’ll explore eight reasons to trademark your business name and logo.
Give yourself access to exclusive rights to your products and services. Securing legal protection should be a top priority for all business owners, as you will have the exclusive rights to your products and services. Registering a trademark for your business will do just that.
Strengthen your authority. Having a trademark can give you more assurance and authority as a business owner, as most trademarked brands and businesses are usually considered more serious than businesses without a trademark.
Ensure your brand isn’t misused. Trademarking your business name assures that your brand isn’t misused or misrepresented on the Internet, or outside of it. It deters third parties from using your brand and associating your business with unappealing, untrustworthy, or inappropriate content.
Avoid legal trouble with other companies. While standing out is important, you may find that the name you’re trying to trademark is already being used by another company, and they don’t want confusion with customers—and neither should you.
Improve reputation management. When other companies or individuals can use similar names to your business, you’re vulnerable to cases of mistaken identity. Your ultimate marketing goal should be to control public perception and the narrative surrounding your brand, and trademarking can help you focus on your own actions instead of monitoring the behaviors of others.
Steer clear of confusion. Once you secure a trademark, no other company or individual can use it without your permission. Sometimes, competitors may try to use your business name in sneaky ways which can lead to customer confusion. With a trademark, you have legal recourse to put an end to any use of your trademark that may confuse customers.
Increase recognition. Trademarks help customers find you, and help set your business apart from the competition. Trademarks act as a powerful communication tool for capturing customer attention and distinguishing your brand, products, and services.
Consumers are constantly exposed to trademarks in their everyday lives, so registering a trademark for your business should be a top priority. Not only can it protect your brand from the beginning, but can contribute to its success in the long run.