As one of the smallest businesses in the City of Alexandria, VA, I never really considered getting a trademark.
My previous employer, a small software development firm applied and received trademarks, but it was always an expensive and lengthy process that was accomplished by the law office that represented the company.
In the summer of 2013, I decided to maximize the use of my home and increase my income. My home and garden became an AirBnB. And the first guest to stay with us was an attorney for the U.S. Patent and Trade Office, just down the street. We hit it off right and were friends. He stayed with us for over a month while searching for a permanent place to live.
After moving here and getting settled in at his new office, our friend offered to help file my trademark application. At that point, I figured it was a great opportunity to add creditability to my small business. And receiving inside help with my trademark meant my application went through the full process without any problems in just five months, they had a four month backlog when I applied.
Looking back, the biggest issue with applying for a trademark is that it is public record. There are entire businesses set up in the City of Alexandria to trick you into thinking you are getting information updates about your application from the Patent Trade Office (PTO), which includes payment requirements that are the exact amounts PTO will soon be charging for your trademark. These fake communications come in emails and U.S. Mail with titles and addresses very similar to the real PTO. If you’re not paying attention, you fall for it. Several times I sent these along to our friend asking if it was real or fake. PTO knows this is going on and some clients do not have the funds for their application because they’ve already paid the fake businesses, not knowing. For now, you just need to pay close attention to not fall victim to these scams.
As a small business, be open to finding new ways to build your credibility. Recognize a great opportunity when it presents itself. It may not always be within your timetable.