When should I trademark my name?

Once you're committed to the name and have some traction. Application takes 8-12 months. Don't wait until you're big—earlier is cheaper to defend.

What's the difference between TM and ®?

TM means you're claiming trademark rights. ® means federally registered. You can use TM immediately, ® only after registration. Registration gives stronger protection.

How do I check if a name is available?

Search USPTO database (free), do Google searches, check domain availability. Professional clearance search is more thorough but costs money.

What does trademark registration cost?

USPTO filing: $250-350 per class. Attorney help: $1000-3000 additional. DIY possible but attorney reduces rejection risk.

What are trademark classes?

Categories of goods/services. Software is typically class 9 and 42. Need to file in relevant classes. More classes = more cost but broader protection.

Patents protect inventions, not ideas. Expensive ($10K-30K+) and take years. Most software startups don't patent. Consider if you have truly novel technology.

What about copyright?

Copyright protects creative works—code, content, designs. Exists automatically when you create. Registration provides additional legal benefits. Cheap to file.

How do I protect trade secrets?

NDAs with employees and contractors. Access controls. Documentation of what's secret. No registration—just keep it secret. Once disclosed, protection gone.

What if someone is using our name?

Depends who was first. Consult trademark attorney. Options range from coexistence to cease and desist. Earlier registration helps.

Should contractors sign IP assignment?

Absolutely. Without it, contractors may own their work. Standard in contracts. Critical for code, design, content. Non-negotiable.

What about international trademark?

Trademarks are territorial. US registration doesn't protect abroad. Madrid Protocol simplifies multi-country filing. Expensive to protect everywhere.

How long does trademark last?

Indefinitely if you maintain it. File maintenance documents at 5-6 years, then every 10 years. Keep using the mark—non-use can lose rights.

Can I trademark a logo and name separately?

Yes, and often recommended. Word mark protects name in any style. Logo mark protects specific design. More protection but more cost.

What's a trademark watch service?

Monitors for similar applications. Alerts you to potential conflicts early. Services available for ongoing monitoring. Important for valuable brands.

When do I need an IP lawyer?

Complex situations, disputes, patent applications. Simple trademark filing can be DIY. When stakes are high, professional help worth it.

Back to all problems

Important

Best Trademark and IP Protection Services for Startups

Protect your brand before someone else takes it

2-4 hours

Founder, Legal

About This Problem

Your brand name and logo are valuable assets. Trademark protection prevents others from using your brand. IP protection covers your innovations.

You might have this problem if:

✓No trademark on company name or logo
✓Worried someone will copy our brand
✓Received cease and desist about our name
✓Don't know if our name is even available
✓No protection for our unique technology

Success Looks Like

Trademark application filed
Brand clearance search completed
IP assignment from all contributors

Relevant For

launch stagegrowth stagescale stage

Trademark protection for startups ensures that the brand name, logo, and identity you are building cannot be copied or claimed by someone else. Many founders skip this step and later discover another company owns their name. These services make it affordable to search for conflicts, file trademark applications, and monitor for infringement so your brand stays yours.