How can I protect my trademark from infringement?

In Washington, the best way to protect your trademark from infringement is to register it with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This registration allows you to put others on notice that you claim exclusive rights to use your trademark in connection with the goods and/or services identified in the registration. With a USPTO trademark registration, if someone else begins to use your trademark or a confusingly similar trademark in connection with similar goods and/or services, you can send a cease and desist letter, which will put the infringer on notice that you are claiming exclusive rights to the trademark. Another way to protect your trademark from infringement is to monitor the use of your trademark in the marketplace. If you notice that another company is using a confusingly similar mark, you can take action to stop them, either through the USPTO or through the judicial system. Finally, when you are creating marketing materials or advertising, it is important to use a trademark notice such as a ®, ™, or SM to indicate that you are claiming exclusive rights in the trademark. This puts potential infringers on notice that you are claiming exclusive rights to the trademark and makes it easier for others to recognize your trademark.

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How can I protect my trademark from infringement?

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