Why a Strong Trademark is Essential for Your Brand
What Makes a Trademark Strong?
A strong trademark helps consumers quickly recognize and trust your brand. The stronger the mark, the easier it becomes to protect your brand and prevent competitors from using something confusingly similar.
Types of Trademarks – Strong vs. Weak
Acceptable (Strong) Trademarks
- Suggestive: Hints at a quality or characteristic without directly describing it.
Example: “Coppertone” for sun-tanning products. - Arbitrary: Common words used in an unrelated context.
Example: “Apple” for computers. - Fanciful: Completely invented words created only for branding.
Example: “Pepsi” for beverages, “Exxon” for petroleum.
Why Choose Strong Marks?
Strong trademarks are easier to protect legally and have higher chances of successful registration by licensed agents.
Unacceptable (Weak) Trademarks
- Descriptive: Directly describe a feature of the product.
Example: “Creamy” for yogurt. - Generic: Common terms for the product itself that cannot be protected.
Example: “Bagel Shop” for bagels.
Avoid generic or purely descriptive names.
Choosing the Right Trademark for Your Business
When selecting a mark, consider:
- Memorability – Is it easy to remember and pronounce?
- Spelling – Is it simple for consumers and search engines?
- International Meaning – Could it have unintended meanings abroad?
Protecting Your Trademark
A strong trademark deserves strong protection.
- Conducting preliminary searches in public databases.
- Preparing descriptions of goods/services and branding materials.
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There are several different ways that you can protect your invention. we provide a free consultation on what the best approaches for you.