January 10, 2024

Are you eager to kickstart the trademark process for your business? Before you rush onto the government website to file your application, there’s a crucial aspect we need to discuss. Did you know that over half a million trademark applications are filed every year, yet more than half of them end up denied? The primary reason for trademark denials often boils down to something known as the “likelihood of confusion.”

Now, you might assume that your application could be refused because another company is already using the exact same trademark. While this can happen, most rejections occur due to the perceived similarity between trademarks rather than a direct match. This is where comprehensive trademark searches come into play.

Why should you invest time and effort in conducting a comprehensive search? The key reason is that you don’t want to risk throwing your hard-earned money down the drain. If your application is denied, those funds won’t be refunded.

At Sleight Law, our law firm specializes in helping clients navigate the trademark process successfully. One of the essential services we provide is running rigorous and thorough trademark searches before initiating the application process.

Here’s why it matters:

  1. Cost Savings: Our comprehensive searches aim to identify any major red flags that could lead to trademark rejection. By addressing potential issues early on, we help you save money in the long run.
  2. Strategic Drafting: Beyond cost savings, our goal is to strategically draft your trademark application. We work diligently to describe your goods and services in a way that sets your trademark apart as distinctly as possible from anything that might be considered too similar in the market.

So, before you dive headfirst into the trademark process, take the time to run a comprehensive search. It’s a crucial step that can save you money, time, and potential headaches down the road. Trust Sleight Law to guide you through this essential process and set your trademark on a path to success.

Our rercent blog

Is Hiring a Trademark Lawyer Worth It for Chicago Entrepreneurs?

Understanding the True Value of a Trademark Lawyer For many entrepreneurs and small business owners in Chicago, launching a brand is an exciting step toward growth and recognition. Yet one question often comes up early in the process: “Is a trademark lawyer really...

Back-to-School Marketing: Is Your Trademark Protected?

Every August, brands across the U.S. launch Back-to-School marketing campaigns—ads, emails, social posts, and in‑store promotions. It’s one of the busiest retail seasons of the year. But with more exposure comes a greater risk of competitors or copycats using your...

When and Why to File a Trademark Opposition

You’ve spent time and money building a unique brand. But what if someone else tries to register a trademark that looks or sounds a lot like yours? That’s where a trademark opposition comes in. Filing an opposition is your legal right—and often your best chance to stop...

Trademark Mistakes Small Businesses Should Avoid

Starting a business is exciting—but skipping trademark protection can cost you big time later. Many small businesses make the same common trademark mistakes, often because they don’t know how trademark law works. The good news? These errors are easy to avoid with the...

How to Respond to a USPTO Office Action

If you’ve applied to register a trademark and received an Office Action notice from the USPTO, don’t panic. This does not mean your application is denied—it means the examining attorney found an issue that must be resolved before your mark can be approved. In...

How to Monitor Competitors’ Trademark Activity

Keeping an eye on your competitors is a smart part of any business strategy, but it’s especially critical when it comes to trademarks. Monitoring your competitors’ trademark activity helps you spot potential threats, protect your brand, and stay competitive in your...

The Impact of AI on Trademark Searches

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how we do business—and that includes how we protect trademarks. What used to be a slow, manual process is now faster, smarter, and more powerful thanks to AI. But like all new technology, AI in trademark law comes with both...

How to Trademark a Podcast Name

If you’ve started a podcast, you’ve likely invested significant time and energy creating a unique name that resonates with your voice, topic, and audience. But what happens if someone else uses your name—or worse, trademarks it before you? That’s why it’s...

What to Include in Your Trademark Licensing Agreements

Licensing your trademark can be a great way to grow your brand, earn extra income, and expand into new markets. But if your trademark licensing agreement isn’t clear or legally strong, you could lose control of your brand—or even your trademark rights. Here’s a...

3 Costly Trademark Mistakes Faith-Based Practice Owners Must Avoid

Insights from My Interview on the Wise Practice Podcast with Whitney Owens 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...

Ready to Protect Your Brand?

Book a free consultation call with us today to get expert guidance on trademark registration and protection.

(Or at least download our Ultimate Trademark Checklist to make sure you’re covering all the bases.)

Did you know?

Without Trademarks, You Have ZERO Rights To Your Brand.

We’re talking business names, logos, slogans… even podcast titles. Lots of entrepreneurs don’t protect their trademarks until it’s too late.

So we made a short, free video to help you avoid the biggest, most dangerous mistakes that business owners make.