Trademark 101, choose a good business or product name and registration explained (LRM S1E6)

How can you create the most value in your brand? Start by choosing a great company or product name, then check to make sure no one else is already using it. Plus learn why a federal trademark registration could help your business. (Be sure to listen to Episode 5 first for an overview of the different kinds of IP; Episode 6 builds on Episode 5). Episode highlights: What kinds of brand and company names make the best trademarks? Fanciful, arbitrary, suggestive, descriptive and generic marks explained. How can you search to see if a trademark is already being used? Is checking for domain name availability good enough as a trademark search? When does it make sense to register a trademark? How does the federal trademark registration process work? Do you need to hire an attorney? How long does a trademark registration last? Should you use the ™ and ® symbols? KEY TAKEAWAY: One of the easiest legal protections you can DIY is a thorough trademark search to be sure you're not infringing anyone else's rights, and are building value in a brand you can actually protect. Sign up below for a Trademark 101 guide and cheat sheet to help you choose a great business or product name (plus be the first to know when new episodes are live). This podcast is information not legal advice specific to your situation.