What to Do After Your Trademark Is Registered: A Small Business Guide to Protecting Your Brand
Learn how small restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and inns can protect their names, logos, and signature items through USPTO trademark registration. Safeguard your brand and secure your business with Lin IP, LLC.
Registering a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is a major achievement for any small business owner. A federal trademark registration gives you nationwide rights and strengthens your brand identity. But many businesses don’t realize that trademark protection requires ongoing action after registration. Knowing what to do next is critical to maintaining your trademark rights and avoiding costly mistakes.
Start Using the ® Symbol Correctly
Once your trademark registration is issued, you should begin using the ® registered trademark symbol with the mark as it appears in your registration. This symbol signals to the public that your brand name or logo is federally protected. Proper use of the ® symbol can help deter infringement and support your legal rights if enforcement becomes necessary. Using the symbol incorrectly—or failing to use it at all—can weaken your trademark protection.
Save Your Trademark Registration Certificate
The USPTO now issues electronic trademark registration certificates, so it’s important to download and save a copy for your business records. Your certificate may be needed when working with e-commerce platforms, payment processors, investors, or licensing partners. Some businesses also choose to order a printed presentation copy to showcase their registered trademark as part of their brand credibility.
Understand Trademark Maintenance Requirements
Trademark registration is not permanent unless you meet the USPTO trademark maintenance deadlines. Between the fifth and sixth year after registration, trademark owners must file a declaration confirming continued use of the mark in commerce. Additional renewal filings are required every ten years. Missing these deadlines can result in cancellation of the trademark registration—even if your business is still actively using the brand.
Use Your Trademark Consistently
Consistent trademark use is essential. Your trademark should appear the same way across your website, packaging, advertising, and social media as it does in the registration. Significant changes to wording, spelling, or design may reduce your legal protection. If your brand evolves, you may need a new trademark filing to cover the updated version.
Watch Out for Trademark Scams and Misleading Notices
After trademark registration, many businesses receive unofficial trademark notices requesting payment for renewals or monitoring services. These are often scams or private solicitations. Official USPTO trademark correspondence comes only from email addresses ending in “@uspto.gov.” When in doubt, consult a trademark attorney before responding or paying any fees.
Consider Trademark Enforcement and Customs Protection
If you sell physical goods, especially online, recording your trademark with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can help prevent counterfeit products from entering the U.S. market. CBP recordation is a powerful tool for trademark enforcement and brand protection.
Keep Your Trademark Registration Accurate
As your business grows, periodically review the products and services listed in your trademark registration. Removing items that are no longer in use can reduce legal risk and simplify future filings.
A registered trademark is one of the most valuable intellectual property assets a business can own. With proper trademark use, monitoring, and maintenance, your registration can protect your brand for decades and support long-term business growth.
If you have questions or want more guidance, please connect and send me a message, or visit our website at www.liniplaw.com.
