I recently had the pleasure of being a guest on The Wise Practice Podcast, hosted by faith-based practice consultant Whitney Owens. We dove deep into some of the most common and costly trademark mistakes practice owners make—and how you can avoid them. Whether you’re a therapist, coach, or group practice owner, your brand is a vital part of your business and ministry. In this post, I’m breaking down three key trademark mistakes we discussed in the episode, plus some bonus tips to help you protect your business legally and spiritually.
Mistake #1: “I Don’t Need a Trademark Because I Already Have an LLC or a Website”
Having an LLC, a domain, or a social media handle feels official—but none of those give you trademark rights. Your LLC is like a backstage pass—it’s your legal structure. But trademarks protect your public-facing brand elements like your name, logo, and slogan. If those aren’t registered with the USPTO, you don’t own them in a legal sense.
Key takeaway: If your name isn’t trademarked, you could be forced to rebrand—often at great cost and stress.
Mistake #2: “I’ll Just Do It Later”
Every year, more than 500,000 trademark applications are filed in the U.S. That means every day you delay filing your trademark, someone else could beat you to it—and claim legal rights to a name similar to yours. This isn’t just a risk. It’s something I’ve seen happen to countless small business owners—many of them on vacation or during life’s busiest moments. You don’t want a cease-and-desist email ruining your time off.
Pro tip: Don’t wait until you “feel ready.” The earlier you file, the safer your brand becomes.
Mistake #3: “I Searched Online—It’s All Clear!”
Doing a quick Google or social media check can give you false peace of mind. Trademark law doesn’t just care about exact matches—it looks at similar names in similar industries that could confuse consumers. One of my favorite examples: Starbucks tried to trademark “Green Apron” but was denied because of “Blue Apron,” even though the names weren’t identical. It was considered too confusing for customers.
That’s why at Sleight Law, we provide a storm forecast with every trademark search—clear skies to tornado warning—so you know exactly what you’re walking into.
Why This Matters to Practice Owners
As Whitney said during our interview: “This is not just about business work. It is about God’s work, God’s work in us, and God’s work in our practice.” Your brand isn’t just a name. It’s your calling. And protecting it legally is part of being a good steward of what you’ve built.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Be Too Generic
Trademarks need to be distinctive. Names like “Christian Counseling Services” or “Family Therapy Group” are descriptive and nearly impossible to protect. The more unique your name, the easier it is to defend it legally—and the stronger your brand becomes.
Want to Learn More?
üéôÔ∏è You can catch the full podcast episode here: Listen on The Wise Practice Podcast
In our conversation, I walk through all three trademark mistakes, explain how the process works, and share how we help clients feel confident—even if they’re navigating a legal “storm.”
Thanks again to Whitney for the opportunity to share my heart and my legal know-how with such a thoughtful audience. If you’re building something meaningful, protect it‚Äîbecause your work matters.