How to Trademark a Slogan or Phrase?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nTrademark registration can be a bit complicated, but it\u2019s also rewarding, as it helps you make your business recognizable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) manages your trademark application, as well as the entire registration process. To be clear, you don’t have to trademark a slogan you came up with to use it for your product, but if somebody else does too, you won’t have any legal grounds to oppose that. On the other hand, if you\u2019re using something that\u2019s already been trademarked, the entity that protected it will very much be able to sue you. Trademarks do not have specific time frames like patents or copyrights, either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How much does it cost to trademark a phrase, you ask? The price depends on the option you picked, but the cheapest application costs $250 per class of goods or services. These are the application steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Check USPTO\u2019s website to see if your phrase is available and make sure there are no existing similar phrases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Submit an online application to get your trademark certified. This step also includes a filing fee which can be paid via USPTO\u2019s Financial Manager, using a credit card, electronic funds transfer, or a USPTO Deposit Account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Memorize your application identification number so that you can check up on your trademark application process later on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wait for the response. This step might take a while, but once you receive a reply, write back to the USPTO; if you don\u2019t respond within six months, it will close your application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Enjoy your trademark! But don\u2019t forget to maintain it. Now that the phrase is 100% your property, you\u2019ll need to check in with the USPTO to make a statement every five years to confirm that your trademark is still active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most people would like to know how to trademark a phrase for free, but if you want to get a real, certified trademark, this isn\u2019t really possible. There are Common Law Trademark rights, but they don\u2019t apply throughout the USA and are mostly used by companies focused on local markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can also consult with a trademark attorney, who will give you some useful tips and guide you through the procedure if needed. This service adds a fee of $1,000 to $2,000 to your original costs, but it can make the whole process a lot easier for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n