Trademarks protect your brand, and your business reputation. Trademarks represent the goodwill your business has among customers; how likely they are to come back and buy your goods and services again. How many repeat customers you have. Trademarks are best used as a shield to protect your business, rather than as a sword to attempt to stifle legitimate competition. Protect the names of your goods and services, your website, your business, your tag lines and sales phrases. State trademarks are a cost effective alternative for local businesses. Federal trademarks offer nationwide protection, if you are doing business in interstate commerce. If you sell goods from a website, chance are that some of your buyers are from out of state, meaning that you could qualify. Federal trademarks are more expensive and time consuming to acquire, but are the best defense for your brand. Matthew Van Ryn. For a free consultation, call me at (315) 877-1741. www.mattvanrynlaw.com
