Today . . . I am reflecting on the trademark process, and just how bloomin’ long it all takes.
Last November, I email my friend Laura Jacobs, Librarian at the University of Wisconsin, Superior. Laura and I go way back to when I was the Director of Choral Activities at South Dakota School for Mines and Technology. That's where Laura and I met--she was one of several faculty and staff who sang in my choir.
Laura is a library geek. She knows an awful lot about all things library. Through the years she has always been extremely helpful helping me track down obscure references to things, so it was only natural that I turned to her for information about the trademark process.
You see, I have been using the word Accidental Pren-her in my business since November, and wanted to know how to get the process going to get it trade marked. Though the US Patent and Trade Mark Office have an extensive and very informational web site, I was hoping Laura could cull that all down for me. She did. 'Natch! Thanks, Laura!
It took me seven months to read through everything on the site and do an informal search. Then, I contacted Legalzoom.com to do the legal filing for me, and now have a trademark pending. Here are a few things I learned:
- The entire trademark process takes a heck of a lot of time--up to 2 years.
- If you are willing to read through a lot of stuff on your own, you don't need a lawyer.
- Though, if what you are trade marking is closely related to something else, it's best to hire a trademark lawyer to carry the ball for you.
- In my case, it was quite straightforward.
- Legalzoom.com can file for you for 1/3 the price of what it will cost you to use an attorney.
Any one else applied for a trade mark or have an interesting trademark story to share?
The original Accidental Pren-her™
I must add . . . I am not an attorney. Nothing I have said should be taken as legal advice. If you are going to trademark anything, seek the advice of a competent attorney. The above is just my experience.
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