How to Trademark a Corporation's Name

Trademarking your corporate name protects your organization's reputation and helps your target audience remember who you are and what you sell. Follow these steps to trademark your company's name.

Things You'll Need

• Corporation name

Instructions

1. File your application for a trademark electronically with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's Trademark Electronic Application System (see Resources below). Your trademark application must include the following: the name of the applicant, an address for your correspondence, a drawing of the mark for your corporation, a list of the goods offered and the filing fee as listed on the USPTO Web site.

2. Alternatively, print out your application and sign it, and mail this hard copy to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

3. Keep your delivery confirmation and serial number. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office will give you the serial number when your application is complete. You will receive it immediately via e-mail if you complete your application online. If you mail a hard copy of the application, the serial number will be mailed back to you.

4. Wait to hear from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as to the outcome of your request. It will take between six months to a year to finalize a trademark.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider working with a corporate or trademark attorney to police your trademark once it's awarded by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

• It is your responsibility to pursue those who infringe upon your trademark. You can lose it if you fail to pursue those who use it unlawfully.