Understanding Trademark Protection and Your Policing Responsibilities

Did you know that just having a trademark isn't enough to keep it protected? Trademarks, like your business name or logo, are great for setting your brand apart, but they come with some rules. If you’re not careful, you could lose your trademark rights.

Here’s how it can happen:

1.      Not Using It: If you stop using your trademark in business for a long time (usually three years), you might lose it.

2.      Not Controlling Its Use: If you let others use your trademark without making sure they meet your standards, you could lose your rights. It’s like lending your brand without checking how it’s being used!

3.      Becoming Too Generic: If people start using your trademark as a general word for a type of product (like “zipper” or “thermos”), you could lose your exclusive rights.

4.      Improper Sale or Transfer: Selling your trademark without including the business behind it can cause you to lose the rights.

To keep your trademark safe, make sure to use it properly, monitor how others use it, and enforce your rights if someone misuses it. Your trademark is a valuable part of your business—don’t let it slip away!