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Getting the trademark process under way is fairly simple, but you’ll want to discuss the trademark process when you see an attorney (Week Three), as well as discussing other protections of your “intellectual property”— such as copyrights and patents.

To get started on your name and trademark search, begin at the website of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Find the section for Trademarks and follow the links for “Search.”

Try different ways to search (“New User Form,” “Structured Form,” etc.) to see the various results. Begin by searching as broadly as possible—singular and plural forms of your words, similar words, alternate spellings, and so on. Results may show both “live” and “dead” marks. Dead marks are those that previous owners have let lapse.

Keep in mind that even if a particular name or mark does not show up as being taken, this does not necessarily mean you will be able to trademark the name/mark. Some names may already be in use in interstate commerce but may not have been officially registered. Other names/ marks may not be allowed to be registered as trademarks. So don’t print up thousands of dollars worth of brochures just yet!