TMG Protects Each Trademark According to the Client’s Specific Needs

When clients come to The Trademark Group for trademark protection, we work with each to tailor a practical and affordable system relevant to their unique needs.

Protection Beyond the US Patent and Trademark Office

The program we put into place for one particular client effectively saved the company from considerable damage to profits and reputation. Some clients simply require serving constructive notice that “this is my trademark; don’t use it” when necessary while others demand worldwide watches for any names similar to their mark being used. But some need an even deeper level of protection. In the case of one client, the company sought protection from a probable high incidence of illegal counterfeiting of instructional videos. We recommended recording the company mark with the United States Customs and Border Protection Office. As a result, Customs this year seized a sizable shipment of illegal counterfeit goods at the Long Beach Port of Entry.

Brand Protection Begins Even Before the Launch

From the embryonic stages all the way through the product’s life cycle, The Trademark Group is there to protect its clients’ brands. For our bigger clients, we are routinely asked to participate in worldwide product launches from the very beginning stages. Even before a final product name has been selected, we conduct a comprehensive search to advise the client on the availability of three or four names under final consideration. After a potential mark is cleared, we file an intent-to-use application in the United States, usually followed by a subsequent rollout of applications and registrations in major markets such as Canada, the European Community and China. If the product is successful and further expansion is on the horizon, we will extend the applications to Japan, Australia, New Zealand, or anywhere the client’s product, or a potential infringer, may surface. After the mark is registered in the desired countries, we put in place watch notices to monitor the mark and the marketplace to ensure that the trademark is being used properly and that no infringement is taking place.

Quality Service Regardless of Portfolio Size

Big or small, The Trademark Group works hard on your behalf. Not all of our clients have huge international trademark portfolios, yet we strive to provide the same level of service whether a portfolio has 5 or 500 trademarks. For example, when a local beverage company recently sought to register several word and design marks to put on a limited run of promotional t-shirts and other apparel, the Patent and Trademark Office initially refused to register the marks. Through tireless, but cost-effective advocacy, including several calls with the Examining Attorney and some creative briefing, we were able to get the client’s mark registered on the Principal Register. The promotional campaign has led to the desired results—increased sales of the client’s beverage products.

Trademark Registration Anywhere in the World

The Trademark Group utilizes a comprehensive network of foreign associates to provide a totally global service for its clients. If you would like to register a trademark anywhere in the world, chances are we have a relationship in that country or region with specialized, local IP practitioner who can help us guide you through the process in that country. Similarly, The Trademark Group serves as United States counsel for an array of foreign firms. The Trademark Group has handled hundreds of applications for foreign companies, ranging from one of South America’s largest cosmetics companies to a tiny electronics company based in New Zealand.