What steps should I take to protect my company's trademarks and prevent others from using them without permission?

As a lawyer, I would advise you to take the following steps to protect your company's trademarks and prevent their unauthorized use by others:

1. Conduct a thorough search: A comprehensive trademark search can help you identify any existing trademarks that are similar to yours or may cause confusion with your brand. This search will allow you to determine the strength of your trademark and help you avoid potential legal disputes.
2. Register your trademark: Registering your trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is the most effective way of protecting your brand. Once registered, your company's name, logo, tagline, and any other distinctive marks will be protected, and you will have legal ownership of the trademark.
3. Use your trademark consistently: The more you use your trademark, the stronger it becomes. Consistent use of your trademark also helps to establish its distinctiveness and can prevent others from improperly using it.
4. Monitor for infringement: Monitoring for any unauthorized use of your trademark is crucial to protecting it. Regularly search for similar or identical trademarks and monitor social media and other online platforms for unauthorized use. If you find any infringement, take prompt legal action to protect your trademark.
5. Enforce your trademark rights: If someone else attempts to use your trademark without your permission, enforcing your trademark rights can stop them from doing so. Before taking legal action, send a cease and desist letter, outlining your trademark rights and demanding that the infringing party stop using your trademark. If they continue to infringe, you can bring legal action against them.

While these steps can help protect your company's trademarks, it is important to note that there are limitations and exceptions to trademark protection. For instance, a trademark that is too generic, descriptive, or similar to an existing trademark may not be eligible for registration or protection. It is also essential to stay up to date with changing laws and regulations to ensure your trademark rights remain protected.

If you need further assistance in protecting your company's trademarks or dealing with trademark infringement, it is advisable to seek the help of a licensed attorney who can provide you with legal advice tailored to your specific needs.