How to Enforce Trademarks Without Spending Much Money or Time

Are there inexpensive ways to enforce trademarks?

Yes, it is possible to enforce trademarks without much money. You need to know how to use certain platforms and governmental agencies to your advantage, but don’t expect everything to be free. You can use a cost-effective strategy for registering and enforcing trademarks, but a reasonable investment will be required. These costs, however, should pale in comparison to the costs of litigation.

In addition to reducing costs, saving time in trademark enforcement is a huge advantage. Some of these programs require no ongoing effort by the trademark owner. Once you start them, the trademark protection is automated.

Start By Filing Your Trademark With USPTO

If you have not yet filed a trademark application, stop what you’re doing. Stop fantasizing about common law rights and all that you theoretically will accomplish without a registration. Get your trademarks registered, period. Your trademark registration will open doors and unlock value that can far exceed the cost of registration.

How to Get Amazon to Enforce Your Trademarks

If you or your competitors will sell goods on Amazon, then register your trademark on Amazon Brand Registry. No need to wait until your mark is registered. Amazon’s registry will accept a trademark that is not yet registered as long as it is covered in a pending USPTO trademark application.

So what does registering your trademark with Amazon Brand Registry give you? First, you will be able report infringing listings and get Amazon to take down those listings. Second, you may be able to take advantage of their Project Zero program which will scan listings for counterfeits. It appears that they are trying provide automated protections that do not require trademark owners to manually identify counterfeit products.

How To Get the USPTO To Block Trademark Applications

Wouldn’t it be so nice to have the USPTO in your corner? Imagine examiners rejecting trademark applications by others without you even knowing it? Well, this fantasy is a reality for all federal trademark registration owners. Even a registration on the Supplemental Register can block future applications for similar marks.

If your trademark application has not yet matured into a registration, your pending application may nonetheless cause subsequently filed applications to be put on hold until your application either registers or dies.

Of course, other applicants will have the option to argue that their marks are different than your trademark. If they prevail, it will be up to you to monitor when their application is published for opposition and then timely file an opposition to their application.

In terms of return on investment of time and money, this is easily one of the best ways to protect your trademark. Other than what you spent registering your trademark, you literally spend no time or money in getting the USPTO to reject other trademark applications.

How to Get US Customs to Enforce Your Trademarks

Did you know that US Customs and Border Protection can block the import of goods on your behalf? As long as you own a registration on the Principal Register that covers goods, you can record your trademark registration with US Customs. For a flat rate estimate to record your registered trademark with Customs, email me your USPTO trademark registration number.

Need to enforce trademarks without spending a lot of money?

Contact trademark and patent attorney Vic Lin by email or call (949) 223-9623 to explore strategies for enforcing your trademarks without spending much money or time.

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Frenda Williams
Frenda Williams
2023-02-21
I have had the pleasure of working with Vic and his team at Innovation Capital Law Group on Trademark creation and contracts. As a solo and non-tech founder, the assistance, guidance and recommendations from Vic and his team have been INVALUABLE. And, with the knowledge that I have a Solid, well versed and caring legal team I can turn to, I have the confidence I need to navigate the intricacies of the tech industry as a solo founder. With that being said, If you’re a startup and you’re looking for a legal team that speaks your language, knows the industry and makes you feel like family…. Innovation Capital Law Group is a Perfect fit for you, your company and your team. Five out of Five Stars… don’t let their brilliance blind you 😁
Shiwei Liu
Shiwei Liu
2023-02-20
Excellent service and quick response. Lots of informative documents on its website.
Chang Chien Michael
Chang Chien Michael
2023-02-20
I have worked with iCap for more than 7 years. I am very glad with his professional knowledge that 7 utility patents were granted by USPTO. Vic and his team are very efficient and knowledgeable. Every time he can transcribe my design idea perfectly in two weeks and file it with no rejection from USPTO. The other service including the granted patent following up is always in time to remind me to take actions. That is why I still stick on iCap as my first priority when I want to file a US patent.
Mats Johansson
Mats Johansson
2023-02-20
We have been happy client for 10+ years. Awesome Patent Law Firm!
Hanson Chang
Hanson Chang
2023-02-16
Glad to write a review for Innovation Capital Law Group. We previously worked with a big law firm (2200 employees) on our patents, and decided to shift over to Innovation Capital. It was a great decision, this team got our patents done faster, more effectively, at a lower cost, and with broader claims. Win all around
Genevieve Springer
Genevieve Springer
2022-09-09
Clear, discernible tools and strategies couched within a business conceived from a genuine interest in doing right by founders.
InPlay Inc
InPlay Inc
2022-06-30
Vic and his team have been providing us with the best patent application experiences we could ever have in our entire career life! Their professionalism and technical knowledge have really saved us a lot of communication effort and time on the applications. Definitely highly recommend if anyone is looking for help with IP protection for their business.
Meg Crowley
Meg Crowley
2022-03-05
After working with Vic and his team at Innovation Capital Law Group, our organization is confident our trademarks were solid and protected. Thank you team.
Andy Dong
Andy Dong
2022-02-28
I have been using Innovation Capital Law Group for a few years and continue to use them. They have provided an excellent services on our legal issues including intellectual properties and patents . They are very responsive, easy to work with and very competent . I highly recommend them.

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