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What steps should I take to protect my business's trademarks and copyrights?

Picture of Chris Battis By   ·  1 minute read

To protect your business's trademarks and copyrights, there are several steps that you can take:

  1. Register your trademarks: Register your trademarks with the relevant government agency, such as the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This will provide you with several legal benefits, including the exclusive right to use your marks in connection with your goods or services, and the ability to sue for trademark infringement.
  2. Put others on notice: Use the ® symbol to indicate that your trademark is registered, and use the ™ symbol to indicate that your trademark is being used but is not yet registered. This will put others on notice of your rights in your marks and can deter infringement.
  3. Monitor your marks: Regularly monitor your marks to ensure that others are not using them without your permission. You can do this by conducting regular Internet searches and by monitoring domain name registrations.
  4. Enforce your rights: If you discover that someone is using your marks without your permission, take action to prevent them from continuing to do so. This may include sending a cease and desist letter, filing a lawsuit, or other legal action.
  5. Protect your copyrights: Copyright protection automatically attaches to original works of authorship, but you can enhance your rights by registering your works with the U.S. Copyright Office. This will provide you with several legal benefits, including the ability to sue for copyright infringement.
  6. Use proper licenses and contracts: When licensing your trademarks or copyrights to others, use proper licenses and contracts to ensure that your rights are protected and that you are properly compensated for the use of your intellectual property.
  7. Consult with an attorney: Consult with an attorney to ensure that you are taking all necessary steps to protect your trademarks and copyrights, and to help you navigate any legal issues that may arise. An attorney can also help you enforce your rights if necessary, and can provide guidance on potential limitations and exceptions to your rights.