While I am waiting for my trademark to be assigned to a US Patent and Trademark examining attorney (this takes several months), I thought this would be a good opportunity to explain why I am pursuing a trademark.
Like all businesses, we want to be successful and gain a competitive edge. A trademark distinguishes us from others in the same industry and gives us an identity in the marketplace. When consumers (and competitors) see the trademark, they more often than not remember the goods or services associated with it. Granted Soaping101 has the word “soap” and the allusion “101” directly in the title which right away indicates that this is an introductory course about soap. Perfect- exactly how I intended it when inventing the name.
I have received much success with my name, Soaping101. So much so that the unauthorized use of my brand by competitors is growing by leaps and bounds. I value competition as a good thing. It drives my focus, it encourages me to look beyond what others see and it fuels my fire to succeed. Unfortunately, completion also comes with the price of being imitated. Right down to using my exact name. I chose to pursue a registered trademark to own the legal right to dispute copycats and block barriers to entry.
The cost of applying for a registered trademark is relatively low (I paid $275 via USPTO.gov). In my opinion, this is a small price to pay for brand protection. I applied for my trademark with the help of Attorney Dave Perdue. You do not have to hire an attorney to assist you but quite frankly, it will ensure piece of mind. If something goes awry (and often times it does) your trademark attorney will fight for you and your application’s success.
The ideal time to apply for a trademark is when you are setting up your business structure and applying for your licenses. I regret that I did not take my own advice. Quite frankly, it would have saved me an abundance stress when defending my mark. Once trademarked, I will be the only business that may use my mark nationwide in connection with the services I provide. Shouldn’t that be the goal of your brand- to be the only one recognized for what you do? I think so.
Trademark Yourself: One Soaper’s Journey is a multipart series on my personal experience. Please subscribe so that you will be able to follow the complete story in its entirety. Next post I will explain at how exactly we filed my trademark application. And how easy it may be for some of you to do it as well.
Attorney David Purdue has been gracious enough to answer any questions you may have. You can leave your questions in the comment section below this post or contact him directly at Purdue Law Offices, LLC.
Useful Additional resources:
US Patent and Trademark Educational Videos
I have received much success with my name, Soaping101. So much so that the unauthorized use of my brand by competitors is growing by leaps and bounds. I value competition as a good thing. It drives my focus, it encourages me to look beyond what others see and it fuels my fire to succeed. Unfortunately, completion also comes with the price of being imitated. Right down to using my exact name. I chose to pursue a registered trademark to own the legal right to dispute copycats and block barriers to entry.
The cost of applying for a registered trademark is relatively low (I paid $275 via USPTO.gov). In my opinion, this is a small price to pay for brand protection. I applied for my trademark with the help of Attorney Dave Perdue. You do not have to hire an attorney to assist you but quite frankly, it will ensure piece of mind. If something goes awry (and often times it does) your trademark attorney will fight for you and your application’s success.
The ideal time to apply for a trademark is when you are setting up your business structure and applying for your licenses. I regret that I did not take my own advice. Quite frankly, it would have saved me an abundance stress when defending my mark. Once trademarked, I will be the only business that may use my mark nationwide in connection with the services I provide. Shouldn’t that be the goal of your brand- to be the only one recognized for what you do? I think so.
Trademark Yourself: One Soaper’s Journey is a multipart series on my personal experience. Please subscribe so that you will be able to follow the complete story in its entirety. Next post I will explain at how exactly we filed my trademark application. And how easy it may be for some of you to do it as well.
Attorney David Purdue has been gracious enough to answer any questions you may have. You can leave your questions in the comment section below this post or contact him directly at Purdue Law Offices, LLC.
Useful Additional resources:
US Patent and Trademark Educational Videos
