The USPTO's bimonthly publication for the independent inventor community
Your Trademark is Your Invention's Brand Protection A Message from the Commissioner for Trademarks
In this issue of Inventors Eye, we are focusing on the importance of trademarks and how federal trademark registration adds value to the products you have invented. Patents, of course, provide protection for the things that you have invented. Trademarks, on the other hand, provide protection for the brand name of the products produced as the result of your invention. More specifically, a trademark is the name, symbol or logo that you have created to let consumers know that the product sold under your trademark comes from you or your company. If your product is a successful one, customers who recognize it by its trademark will want to buy it long after the patent protection has expired.
Have you ever needed help from a large organization and not known where to turn for assistance? Have you ever wished there was an easy and dedicated place to seek assistance in dealing with the USPTO?
Julia Rhodes, owner of KleenSlate Concepts, came up with an idea for a new invention in 2001. She did her homework by researching the industry in which her invention would be most useful, and then researched the companies in that market segment before moving forward. Once she decided her idea was a good one, she filed for intellectual property protection.
advice Save Money Using TESS So you've got a great product or service to offer the world and you've come up with a great name to identify or distinguish yourself from your competitors?
events Where Inventors Meet The USPTO hosts an online chat July 15 and the Houston Inventors Association's tradeshow.
network Organizations Organizations and resources for the independent inventor community.