There has been a notable increase in trademark squatting, where individuals register unprotected brand names before the actual brand can do so.
Trademarking your brand name is essential for small businesses to protect themselves from copycats and potential legal disputes. This point was emphasized by Nayan Padrai, president of EcomBack and member of the Forbes Business Council, in a recent Forbes article.
Padrai advises businesses to register a trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as this not only provides legal protection but also enhances the overall value of their business. Additionally, it grants access to brand registry programs on platforms like Amazon and Walmart. These programs offer valuable tools for identifying intellectual property infringements, managing product listings, and gaining insights into customer behavior.
Additionally, businesses should be aware that common phrases and slogans can be trademarked, which could affect their operations. For example, fight announcer Michael Buffer has trademarked the phrase “Let’s get ready to rumble” and has successfully sued entities for infringing on that trademark.
Ultimately, it’s important for businesses to secure their trademarks early to safeguard their identity and future growth. Read the full article to learn more about the importance of trademark registration and strategies for successfully navigating the process.
