The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recently announced a series of price increases for trademark applications, which will go into effect on January 18, 2025.

The price hikes aren’t necessarily dramatic — a base application fee, for example, will jump from $250 to $350 — but they might make some small businesses think twice about securing trademarks in the first place. If your business is considering this, don’t let the higher prices stop you from filing for trademarks.

Small business trademark protection is more critical than ever before. If you don’t take full advantage of it, other businesses may infringe on your intellectual property rights.

Read our guide to trademark protection for small businesses below to learn which steps you can take to protect your brand identity.

Apply for Trademarks Regularly

You may apply for a small business trademark for a variety of items that you use to promote your business. A few examples include:

• Business names
• Names of products and/or services
• Logos
• Slogans
• Phrases
• Packaging designs
• Color combinations
• Digital assets (the names of podcasts, YouTube channels, etc.)

You will need to go through the trademark registration process for each, which could drive up your company’s costs. However, doing so offers your small business trademark protection you need.

Register for Trademarks With Help From a Trusted Attorney

Even if you only need to trademark one or two items for a brand-new small business, or if you have multiple items you wish to trademark, why not hire someone to help?

Let a trusted attorney from a firm like Initiating Protection Law Group, LLC, assist you. They will handle everything from trademark registration to infringement prevention.

Utilize the Trademark Symbol

You’ve likely seen companies use the trademark symbol next to their business names, logos, slogans, etc. You may have even wondered, “Can my small business use that?”

Once you’ve registered items, you may utilize the trademark symbol. Take advantage of this as part of your plan to prevent other companies from using your trademarked items.

Take Legal Action Against Companies That Commit Trademark Violations

Trademarks are legal safeguards that stop other companies from using items you have trademarked. If you spot any companies violating your company’s trademarks, don’t hesitate to call them out for doing it.

Another advantage of relying on a law firm like Initiating Protection Law Group, LLC, to register your trademarks is that it will establish a working relationship between your businesses. Reach out to our firm if you wish to take legal action against companies for infringing upon your company’s trademarks.

Contact Us for Assistance With the Small Business Trademark Registration Process

Going through the small business trademark registration process equips your company with the protection it needs. Initiating Protection Law Group, LLC, can help you determine whether you need trademarks and show you how to secure them.

Call us at 678-965-3268 to start the process.