What is the process of registering a trademark?
Registering a trademark in Michigan is an important process for businesses to protect their intellectual property. A trademark is a unique symbol, design, or slogan used by a company to identify and differentiate their products from those of their competitors. The first step to registering a trademark is to perform a search to make sure that the mark has not already been claimed by another company. To do so, check your state’s trademark office’s online searchable database, and USPTO’s Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS). If the mark is not found in either database, then it is likely that you can register it. The next step is to fill out the application for a trademark and submit it to the Michigan Secretary of State. Along with the application, you must include a description of the mark, the goods and/or services it applies to, and the filing fee of $105. Once the application is received, the Secretary of State will review it and conduct an examination. Then, they will either approve or reject the trademark. If approved, the trademark will be published in the Official Gazette, which is a weekly publication that lists all new trademarks registered with the Secretary of State. During the publication period, the public has a chance to object to the registration. If no objections are received within the publication period, the trademark is officially registered with the state. Overall, the process of registering a trademark in Michigan is not overly complicated. However, it is important to make sure that the mark is unique and not already being used by another company. Once the application is approved, the trademark is officially protected from usage by others.
Related FAQs
What is data protection?What is a copyright duration?
How long does it take to obtain a patent?
How can I determine if a particular work is copyrighted?
What is the difference between a patent and a trade mark?
What is International Intellectual Property Law?
What is patent law?
What is a trade secret misappropriation?
How can I find out if a trademark is available for registration?
What is the protection afforded by a trademark?
Related Blog Posts
The Supreme Court’s Role in Intellectual Property Law - July 31, 2023Benefits of Protecting Intellectual Property Rights - August 7, 2023
Understanding Trademark Law Basics - August 14, 2023
What is the Difference Between a Patent, a Trademark and a Copyright? - August 21, 2023
How Can an Intellectual Property Lawyer Help Your Business? - August 28, 2023