Trademark Blog

Plain-English guidance on trademarks & brands.

Practical insights on applications, oppositions, cancellations, Amazon Brand Registry, dilution, and the strategy behind every strong mark.

Read up. Then build smarter.

6 articles

Brand Building6 min read

Trademark a Character

Trademarking a character is one of the smartest moves any creator can make. If you're building IP around a recurring figure — protecting the name, look, and identity early matters.

Application Strategy5 min read

Can You Trademark Something That Already Exists?

Can you trademark a name that another business is already using? The short answer is — it depends on classes, geography, priority, and whether the existing use is registered.

Maintenance7 min read

Registration Cancelled — Failure to File Section 8 Declaration

Receiving a cancellation notice from the USPTO can be distressing, but it doesn't always have to be the end of your trademark. Here's what your options are.

Amazon Brand Registry8 min read

How Amazon Trademark Search Works — and How to Find a Good Mark for Amazon

If you're selling on Amazon, choosing a registrable trademark unlocks Brand Registry. Here's how to search and pick a mark that survives both USPTO and Amazon scrutiny.

Famous Marks9 min read

Trademark Dilution Examples — Charbucks, Nikesoft, and McDonald's Cars

Trademark dilution is a legal concept designed to protect famous marks from blurring and tarnishment, even where there's no consumer confusion. Here's how it works in practice.

Brand Protection6 min read

Is Trampoline a Brand Name? The Genericide of a Generic Trademark

Can you imagine going to a sporting goods store and asking for a 'Kleenex' to wipe down a 'Trampoline'? Genericide is what happens when your brand becomes the product.