Basic Facts About Trademarks: What Every Small Business Should Know

Part 1 of Basic Facts about Trademarks Series

Published on: April 27, 2017 10:44

This video is a must for anyone interested in starting a business to sell a product or offer a service. It highlights the important role of trademarks in that process, including a discussion of how trademarks, patents, copyrights, domain names, and business name registrations all differ. It gives guidelines on how to select the right mark--one that is both federally registrable and legally protectable. It also explains the benefits of federal registration and suggests resources if you need help with your application. By the end of the video, you'll understand why having a trademark component of your business plan is critical to your success.

Basic Facts about Trademarks Series

Part 13

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

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This video in the Trademark Information Network (TMIN) series outlines the differences between trademarks, patents, and copyrights.

TMIN News 02: Before you file

This video in the Trademark Information Network (TMIN) series provides an overview of the most important issues you should be aware of when filing a trademark application.

TMIN News 12: Post-registration issues

This video is part of the Trademark Information Network (TMIN) series and provides an overview of the most important issues you should be aware of after your application has matured into a registration.

TMIN News 11: Petitions to revive

This video is part of the Trademark Information Network (TMIN) series and explains when you may file a "Petition to Revive" to bring an unintentionally abandoned application back to life.

TMIN News 03: Searching

This video in the Trademark Information Network (TMIN) series focuses on the importance of conducting a search of existing trademarks before filing your trademark application.

TMIN News 04: Applicant information

This video in the Trademark Information Network (TMIN) series focuses on what is meant by the term "applicant."

TMIN News 05: Drawing Issues

This video in the Trademark Information Network (TMIN) series focuses on what is meant by the term "drawing."

TMIN News 06: Goods and services

This video in the Trademark Information Network (TMIN) series focuses on what is meant by the phrase "identification of goods and services."

TMIN News 07: Filing Basis

This video in the Trademark Information Network focuses on what is meant by the term "basis."

TMIN: Specimen

This video in the Trademark Information Network focuses on what is meant by the term "specimen."

TMIN News 09: After you file

This video in the Trademark Information Network series provides an overview of the most important issues you should be aware of after filing your application.

TMIN News 10: Statement of Use

This video in the Trademark Information Network (TMIN) series and introduces the "Statement of Use" and explains when the document is required for registration of a trademark.

TMIN News 13: TTAB

This video is part of the Trademark Information Network (TMIN) series and provides an overview of the three main types of Trademark Trial and Appeal Board ("TTAB" or "Board") proceedings a trademark owner may encounter.

TMIN News 14: Response to office action

This video is part of the Trademark Information Network (TMIN) series and provides an overview of the most common type of USPTO Office action: a non-final Office action issued by a USPTO examining attorney.

TMIN News 15: Assignments and ownership changes

This video is part of the Trademark Information Network (TMIN) series and provides an overview of three of the most common types of assignments and ownership changes.

TMIN News 16: Solicitation alert

This video is part of the Trademark Information Network (TMIN) series and highlights the potential harm to you posed by non-USPTO solicitations.

Basic Facts: Trademarks, Patents, and Copyrights

This video is part of the Trademark Basic Facts video series and provides a quick and easy breakdown of the three main types of intellectual property: trademarks, patents, and copyrights.

Basic Facts: Selecting A Mark

This video is part of the Trademark Basic Facts video series and provides guidance on the properties of a strong trademark.

Basic Facts: Should I Register My Mark?

This video is part of the Trademark Basic Facts video series and provides guidance on the properties of a strong trademark.

Basic Facts 05: How Do I Get Help With My Application?

This video explains what the Trademark Office does and does not do.

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TEAS Nuts and Bolts 02: Applicant Information

This video explains how to fill out the Applicant Information page of the USPTO’s federal trademark registration application. The information applies to TEAS Plus and TEAS Standard applications.

TEAS Nuts and Bolts 03: Mark Drawing Page

This video explains how to fill out the Mark Drawing page of the USPTO’s federal trademark registration application. The information applies to TEAS Plus and TEAS Standard applications.

TEAS Nuts and Bolts: Additional Statements

This video explains how to fill out the Additional Statements section of the USPTO’s federal trademark registration application. The information applies to TEAS Plus and TEAS Standard applications.

TEAS Nuts and Bolts 05: Goods and Services (TEAS Plus)

This video explains how to fill out the Goods and Services page of the USPTO’s federal trademark registration application. The information applies to TEAS Plus applications only.

TEAS Nuts and Bolts: Goods and Services (TEAS Standard)

This video explains how to fill out the Goods and Services page of the USPTO’s federal trademark registration application. The information applies to TEAS Standard applications only.

TEAS Nuts and Bolts: Filing Basis

This video explains how to fill out the Filing Basis page of the USPTO’s federal trademark registration application. The information applies to TEAS Plus and TEAS Standard applications.

TEAS Nuts and Bolts 08: Correspondence information

This video explains how to fill out the Correspondence Information page of the USPTO’s federal trademark registration application. The information applies to TEAS Plus and TEAS Standard applications.

TEAS Nuts and Bolts 09: Fee/Signature Information

This video explains how to fill out the Fee/Signature Information page of the USPTO’s federal trademark registration application. The information applies to TEAS Plus and TEAS Standard applications.

TEAS Nuts and Bolts: Validation Page

This video explains how to fill out the Validation page of the USPTO’s federal trademark registration application. The information applies to TEAS Plus and TEAS Standard applications.

TMIN News 19: Fees

This video gives an overview of the most common filing fees required to apply for and maintain a federal trademark registration. Your initial fee depends on (1) your application filing form, (2) your filing basis, and (3) the number of international...

TMIN News 18: Ornamental

This video introduces the concept of “ornamentation” and the “ornamental” refusal. If you submit evidence that shows you only use your mark in an ornamental or decorative manner on your goods, we will refuse to register your mark. Learn how to overcome...

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