A trademark allows you or your business to identify goods or services and distinguish them from others made or rendered by other parties. For example, if you create a name for a product you develop, the trademark cannot be used by other companies without permission from you. Should another business use your trademark unwarranted, this is considered trademark infringement. To understand what are the penalties for infringing on a trademark, it’s crucial to know how trademarks protect your unique business identity. In this situation, it is vital to speak with a Colorado trademark lawyer as soon as you can.
When you or your business better understand what the penalties for trademark infringement are, you can be better prepared to hold other businesses accountable for infringing on your trademark rights.
Trademark infringement can lead to a wide range of severe consequences. Colorado takes this crime very seriously, and if you are unknowingly violating someone else’s trademark rights, you could still find yourself in trouble. For infringing on someone else’s trademark rights, you could experience one or all of the following:
The penalties for trademark infringement can be drastic and alter your financial situation when you least expect it. If you are charged with trademark infringement, it is advised to seek legal representation as soon as you can.
You may believe hiring a lawyer to defend you and hold other parties liable for damages may cost you more than navigating this alone. However, having legal assistance may help you secure more compensation in the end, and if you can’t properly defend yourself, you may not be able to properly take action against infringers.
You likely have your own business and tasks ahead of you, meaning you don’t have the time or resources to create your own legal defense. Instead, your lawyer can gather the appropriate evidence and build a case for you. Also, having a lawyer at your side allows you to ask any questions about your situation as needed. In order to protect the trademarks you’ve worked hard to create, make sure you have a lawyer who is ready to support you through the process.
A: If you attempt to trademark something that is too similar to a trademark already in use, you may not be able to file your trademark. You may need to research ahead of time to determine if the trademark you want is already in use. Also, using a generic or descriptive word may not allow you to seek the trademark. For example, calling a product “good” isn’t descriptive enough and may not be eligible for a trademark.
A: You can trademark a name, logo, or symbol and use it in your business’s products or services. If someone tries to use your trademark without permission, you can take legal action against the other party. Using a trademark that is too confusing or similar to another can also be grounds for infringement, depending on the situation. Overall, trademarks are a way to protect your business, and you must take legal action if someone else infringes on your rights.
A: Generally speaking, most trademarks require a payment of $250 to $350 to file. While this can seem like a lot at first, it is necessary to effectively protect your business’s designs, products, services, and more. If you’re also having legal representation assist you with filing a trademark, you can expect to pay at least $500 more on top of the filing fee. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your lawyer if you have concerns about pricing.
A: According to law, the unauthorized use of a trademark is considered infringement and can result in strict penalties. For example, if you violate someone’s trademark and use it to confuse or deceive consumers, you could be held liable for the damages the business that owns the trademark accumulates. It’s highly advised you speak with a lawyer if you’ve been accused of infringement, as well as if you believe someone else is infringing on your rights.
Trademark laws can be confusing to understand, especially if you’re focused on running other parts of your business. When someone violates your trademark rights, or if you infringe upon someone else’s, you could experience hefty legal fees and other complications. To ensure you navigate these legal matters with as little hassle as possible, you need a knowledgeable and trustworthy trademark lawyer at your side.
Four Reasons Legal is determined to help clients navigate complicated trademark laws so businesses sustain as little damage as possible from trademark infringement. If you’ve been accused of trademark infringement, you need to act quickly so you don’t lose out on finances you’ve worked hard to build up. To learn more about trademark infringement, as well as how we can support you, get in touch with us today.