If you are getting ready to trademark something, you may think that the application process looks simple enough. All of the info you need is online, right? Just follow the instructions and you’ll be fine! Unfortunately, many DIY trademark applications run into trouble. Sometimes they run into trouble immediately, but other pitfalls can make themselves known as you make your way through the process. This is why you should have an Orange County, California trademark lawyer help you if you’re serious about protecting your intellectual property.
When Can Mistakes Be Made in DIY Trademark Applications?
Mistakes can be made at basically every step of the application process. Mistakes can be made on DIY trademark applications before you have even filled out the paperwork! There’s a lot of research that needs to be done before you can get a trademark, and this is part of the reason why hiring a lawyer is recommended.
What Are Some Ways That You Can Get Tripped Up in DIY Trademark Applications?
Some of the mistakes commonly made in DIY trademark applications include:
An insufficient search: You need to do a comprehensive search of trademarks before you try and apply for one of your own. If something similar is already trademarked, your application can be denied outright.
Making a trademark application too generic: Your proposed trademark needs to be distinctive and unique. Trying to be too broad will not work here.
Not classifying your application correctly: You must also be specific about how your goods or services should be categorized. Make a mistake here and that will likely mean office actions or a rejection.
A lack of proofreading: Double-check and triple-check your application before submitting! Any tiny mistake, like a blank field or an incorrect address, can sideline your application.
Do I Really Need to Hire a Lawyer?
If you want to save yourself a lot of trouble, hiring a lawyer who knows this process well is the way to go. A lawyer can help you carry out a comprehensive search and they can help you make sure that your trademark is unique enough and categorized correctly. They can help you avoid all of the mistakes that can plague someone during DIY trademark applications.
Trying to save money and do everything by yourself may not be worth it if it means that you have to waste a ton of time and resources fixing an application or dealing with third-party challenges to your requested trademark. Even just leaving out some information or making a tiny error can lead to delays or even outright rejections. Why take the risk?
Contact Our Law Firm Today
So if you have any questions about applying for new trademarks and how DIY trademark applications can be a mistake, contact Burns Patent Law. We can schedule a consultation and tell you more about how an experienced attorney can help you protect your intellectual property.
