Best Trademark Services in North Carolina: In the business environment of North Carolina, protecting your brand becomes increasingly essential as businesses compete in the marketplace. To start an LLC in North Carolina and ensure your brand’s long-term success and recognition, enlisting the help of the best trademark services is an important step. These services assist entrepreneurs and established businesses in securing their unique trademarks, preventing potential disputes, and maintain their competitive edge.
In this article, we will explore the Best Trademark Services in North Carolina, highlighting their key features and outlining how they can help businesses of all sizes reach new heights in today’s competitive landscape.
Through thorough research and market study, Webinarcare Editorial Team selects these trademark service providers. You must cross-check all the factors before choosing the right one for your North Carolina business.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
What Are Trademark Services?
Trademark services are professional assistance providers that help businesses like North Carolina Corporations, LLCs, and individuals protect their brand names, logos, slogans, and other intellectual property through trademark registration. The services include trademark search, application and filing, monitoring, renewal and maintenance, and legal support. We reviewed some of the best trademark services and provided features as an add-on with their packages.
LLC Service | Rating & Price | Top Features | Learn More |
#1 Recommendation  | $599 + Federal Fee |
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 | $239.99/year |
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Trademark Search
This involves conducting a comprehensive search of existing trademarks to determine if your desired trademark is already in use or if it is too similar to an existing trademark. This is a crucial step in the registration process as it helps avoid potential legal disputes and infringement claims.
If you would like to search on existing trademarks in North Carolina, North Carolina Secretary of State trademark search tool will help you with that.
Trademark Application Preparation and Filing
Trademark services providers can help draft and file your trademark application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) or the relevant trademark office in your country. They ensure that your application meets all the necessary requirements, increasing the chances of successful registration.
You can check out the other State Trademark Information Links for more information about other trademark search tools in the United States.
Trademark Monitoring
Once your trademark is registered, trademark services can help monitor its use in the marketplace to identify potential infringements or unauthorized uses. This is essential to maintain the strength and value of your intellectual property.
Once you’ve filed your application, you can monitor its status using the USPTO’s Trademark Status and Document Retrieval (TSDR) system. You should regularly check the status of your application, as the USPTO may issue “Office Actions,” requiring you to provide additional information or address issues within a specified time frame.
If the USPTO issues an Office Action, you must respond within the given deadline, typically six months. Failure to respond may result in the abandonment of your application. Once your trademark is published in the Official Gazette, third parties have 30 days to file an opposition if they believe it infringes on their rights. If an opposition is filed, you must address the concerns and defend your trademark in the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB).
You can check out the North Carolina Trademark Search if there are unauthorized uses of your chosen trademark.
Trademark Renewal and Maintenance
Trademark registrations need to be renewed periodically to remain in force. Trademark services can assist with the renewal process, ensuring that your registration does not lapse and your trademark rights remain protected.
Maintain and renew your trademark: To keep your trademark registration active, you must file maintenance documents and pay the required fees regularly. The first maintenance filing is due between the 5th and 6th year after registration, followed by a second filing between the 9th and 10th year, and subsequent filings every ten years after that.
Legal Support
Some trademark services providers also offer legal support in case of disputes, infringement claims, or oppositions to your trademark registration for your North Carolina LLC. It is better to consult with North Carolina Business Attorney regarding legal matters.
While it’s possible to file for a trademark on your own, the process can be complex, and mistakes may result in delays or the rejection of your application. Many businesses work with a trademark attorney or service provider to help navigate the process and ensure the best possible outcome.
If you are in favor of having trademark service for your North Carolina LLC, you should be aware that the costs of forming an LLC in North Carolina takes around $125, which you can pay in ND Secretary of State.
The Best Trademark Services in North Carolina
Trademark Services are really important in North Carolina. We have provided the best trademark services for your North Carolina business in this article.
1. LegalZoom
LegalZoom is one of the most well-known and reputable providers of online legal services, including Trademark Registration. They offer a comprehensive range of trademark services, including trademark search, application filing, and monitoring. LegalZoom’s experienced attorneys and professionals will guide you through the process, ensuring your trademark application is accurate and complete.
Their trademark registration package includes the following;
- Federal Trademark Search – Starts at $199
- Trademark Registration – $599 + Federal Fees
- Trademark Monitoring – $175 per year
LegalZoom offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee, meaning they will refund your money if you’re unsatisfied with their services. They also provide trademark monitoring costs of $175/year. You can check out Webinarcare Editorial Team’s LegalZoom Review if you are still undecided whether you will get LegalZoom for your trademark registration.
2. Rocket Lawyer
Rocket Lawyer is another popular online legal services provider that offers Trademark Registration assistance. Their trademark services include trademark search, application preparation and filing, and unlimited customer support from their legal professionals.
Rocket Lawyer’s trademark registration package includes a comprehensive federal, state, and common law trademark search, application preparation and filing, and ongoing support throughout the registration process. They also offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, allowing you to request a refund if unsatisfied with their services within the first 30 days. Also, check out the RocketLawyer Review if you want to choose RocketLawyer for your trademark registration.
3. Gerben Law
Gerben Law is a boutique intellectual property law firm specializing in trademark services. Founded in 2008 by trademark attorney Josh Gerben, the firm has helped thousands of clients register and protect their trademarks in the United States and worldwide.
Gerben Law offers a $350 UPSTO filing fee per class and a $1,500 trademark registration package (plus government fees) that includes the following;
- Federal Trademark Search using CORSEARCH software
- State Trademark Search using CORSEARCH software
- Common Law Trademark Search
- Attorney Consultation Time
- Drafting and Filing of Trademark Application
- Responding to Non-Substantive Office Actions
- Sending Registration Certificate
They also provide free consultations, allowing you to speak with an experienced trademark attorney before committing to their services. You can start registering a trademark by visiting their website.
4. Trademark Engine
Trademark Engine is an online trademark services provider that offers affordable and straightforward trademark registration assistance. Their services include federal and state search, federal, state & common law, and global U.S. & international search. Here is the list of Trademark Engine plans to look out for.
- Federal and State Search – $149
- Federal, State, and Common Law – $299
- Global U.S and Internation Search – $499
Trademark Engine offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee, allowing you to request a refund if unsatisfied with their services. You may click the button to learn more about their services, and the trademark engine will offer you the best trademark services for your business.
5. My Brand Mark
My Brand Mark is a trademark services provider helping businesses and entrepreneurs protect their brand identity through trademark registration. Their services include trademark search, application filing, and monitoring. The service costs $799, including government filing fees of $250 per international class.
My Brand Mark’s trademark registration package includes a comprehensive trademark search, application preparation, filing with the USPTO and ongoing monitoring of your trademark’s status. They also offer a 100% money-back guarantee if the USPTO does not approve your trademark application.
Step-By-Step Guide to Registering a Trademark
Filing for a trademark in the U.S. involves several steps. Here’s a general outline of the process:
- Step 1: Determine if a trademark is appropriate for your intellectual property: Trademarks protect brand names, logos, slogans, and other distinctive symbols associated with your business. They do not protect ideas, inventions, or creative works. Make sure that what you want to protect is a suitable candidate for trademark registration.
- Step 2: Conduct a trademark search: Before filing for a trademark, it’s essential to perform a comprehensive search to determine if your desired trademark is already in use or too similar to an existing trademark. You can start by searching the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) database. Search state trademark databases based on the state trademark information links and conduct a general internet search to identify potential conflicts.
- Step 3: Identify the appropriate class(es) of goods or services: Trademarks are registered under specific classes representing the goods or services related to the mark. You need to choose the correct class or classes for your trademark. The USPTO follows the International Classification of Goods and Services, comprising 45 classes.
- Step 4: Prepare and file your trademark application: You can file your trademark application online using the USPTO’s Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS). There are three TEAS forms: TEAS Plus, TEAS Standard, and TEAS RF (Reduced Fee). Each form has different requirements and fees. You’ll need to provide information such as the trademark owner’s name and address, a clear representation of the trademark, a description of the goods or services associated with the trademark, and the appropriate class(es) of goods or services. Additionally, you may need to submit a “specimen” showing the trademark’s use in commerce.
- Step 5: Pay the appropriate fees: The filing fees for a trademark application vary depending on the type of TEAS form you choose. As of October 2021, the fees are $250 for TEAS Plus, $350 for TEAS Standard, and $275 for TEAS RF. These fees are non-refundable, regardless of whether your trademark is approved.
- Step 6: Receive your trademark registration: If your application is approved and no oppositions are filed (or if you successfully defend against any oppositions), the USPTO will issue a registration certificate for your trademark. This process can take several months to a year or longer, depending on your application’s complexity and any issues arising during the examination.
While it’s possible to file for a trademark on your own, the process can be complex, and mistakes may result in delays or the rejection of your application. Many businesses work with a trademark attorney or service provider to help navigate the process and ensure the best possible outcome.
Why Is North Carolina Trademark Registration Required?
Trademark registration in North Carolina is one way to protect your brand legally. Your company’s logo, digital images, slogan, and visual identity must be secure. This safeguards your brand name, logo, and slogan against unauthorized use.
Trademark registration is not required. You can operate your brand without a trademark reservation. However, it is recommended that you register your trademark to avoid future confusion. Your brand will be legally protected.
What Kinds of Things Can Be Trademarked?
- Company name
- Digital image, logo
- Tagline, slogan
- Drawing or design
- Sound
Trademark Security
In North Carolina, you must register your brand with the USPTO to legally protect your trademark. Along with registering your trademark, you must also legally protect it. There are three ways to safeguard your trademark. These are as follows:
Common Law
Using a brand name, logo, or other similar things without registering it is considered a common law trademark. You can obtain Common Law Trademark protection by registering your mark. In this case, your trademark rights will be limited to the area/region where you operate your business.
Trademark Protection at the Federal Level
Your trademark will be protected nationwide in this case. You can operate your North Carolina business nationally once you have protected your trademark. Your brand will be safeguarded across the country.
Protection for State Trademarks
State trademark protection grants you rights only within the state. Because the brand name or logo is not protected outside of the state, others can use or register it.
Can I Register My Own Trademark?
You can register your trademark by submitting your application and filing the fee to the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). While this may save you money, remember that a small error or oversight can be costly, so using an attorney or trademark registration service is usually a good idea.
How Long Does It Take To Register a Trademark?
Depending on the potential issues that may arise, the trademark registration process typically takes between 6 and 12 months. Although some applications are approved in much less time, it is best to expect a longer wait; the USPTO receives hundreds of thousands of trademark applications each year, which increases processing time. In addition, the trademark office may request additional documentation or communication. As a result, applicants should be prepared to provide all requested information as soon as possible to expedite the registration process.
FAQs
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Conclusion
In conclusion, protecting your brand identity, products, and services through North Carolina trademark registration is crucial to any successful business strategy. The best trademark service providers offer comprehensive and reliable assistance, making registering and maintaining your trademark more manageable and efficient. LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, Gerben Law Firm, Trademark Engine, and My Brand Mark are some of the top providers in the industry, each offering various features and support to cater to your specific needs.
By investing in the best trademark services in North Carolina with the assistance of your Registered Agent, you can ensure that your intellectual property is protected, avoid potential legal disputes, and maintain the strength and value of your brand. Whether you’re a small business owner or an entrepreneur, partnering with a reputable trademark services provider can help you navigate the complex world of intellectual property law, safeguarding the future of your North Carolina business.