If you are looking to make a name for yourself in your particular industry, you absolutely need to file for a trademark. It can comprise a slogan, logo, symbol or product. As the leader of your business, it is your responsibility to protect your company’s brand, and obtaining a trademark is one of the most important first steps you can take to protecting your intellectual property. The following list includes a variety of reasons why obtaining a trademark is beneficial for your business.

Helps Brand Your Business

A trademark sets your business apart from other organizations by identifying your brand to the public, helping customers know and recognize your business. You work hard to make your product or service the best it possibly can be, and you should protect that work with a trademark that can be obtained. It is not often talked about, but the actions of a consumer in terms of choosing a product often comes down to the brand. Two products may be identical, but when one features strong branding, then the consumer is more likely to choose your product rather than the competition’s.

Easier to Expand Your Business

The goal of any company is to grow and eventually expand into other markets. This, however, will not be possible if other people don’t know who they are dealing with. When giants such as Starbucks wanted to get into the in-store retail coffee bag business, they first needed to ensure that customers all around the world knew who they were. This expansion would not have been possible without first trademarking their logo. This logo assured them that when customers stepped into the store and saw the packaging that they knew what they were getting. It is only through trademarking your product or service that would make expansion possible.

Protects Against Copiers and Infringement

The marketplace today is extremely crowded, and as a small business, you can easily be taken advantage of if you are not careful. Therefore, a trademark is a great thing to have in order to avoid copycats from infringing on your brand. Without this protection, you are open to being run out of business by your very own product. Trademarks keep these other smaller companies from creating, marketing or selling a similar version of your merchandise or service.

In the age of information, protecting your brand is one of the most important things you can do. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you only adhere not only to the list above but also take the appropriate steps to obtain a trademark as soon as possible.