Entrepreneurs and Fortune 100 CEOs understand that their company logos are the public face of their businesses and are valuable corporate assets. Misuse of your company logo by others will harm your company’s name and good will.
To protect your logo, incorporate with the Virginia State Corporation Commission ("SCC"). As part of the incorporation process, Virginia will ensure that your logo name is not in use in Virginia. For more information consult www.scc.virginia.gov.
Trademark your company logo with the SCC. Registration creates a presumption of ownership and exclusive right to use within Virginia. To trademark your logo, contact the SCC Division of Securities.
Register your logo with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Prior to filing, conduct a search for conflicting marks to ensure that your mark does not infringe. Conflict searches may include a review of the USPTO database, the Internet and local papers and business directories. Federal registrations provide protection within the U.S. and its territories. Electronic applications can be prepared and filed at www.uspto.gov.
For some companies, an international registration may be appropriate. For more information go to www.uspto.gov.
After registration, you must monitor for potential infringements. To monitor your mark: search the Internet for infringing references; encourage customers and employees to report infringements; send cease-and-desist letters to infringers and file a lawsuit if infringement continues.
Trademarks are an integral part of the public’s perception of your business. Protecting your marks can ensure a secure future for your company’s good name. For additional information or assistance, please contact Mary Elizabeth Davis.
