In-depth guides on trademark protection, brand safety, copyright, and IP strategy for founders and creators.
32 guides published
Yes — you can trademark a name even if someone else owns the domain. But domain ownership and trademark rights are entirely separate legal systems, and confusing them is one of the most expensive branding mistakes early founders make.
If someone trademarks your business name, you may face a cease and desist letter, a forced rebrand, or a legal dispute — even if you've been using that name for years. This guide explains exactly what happens, what your options are, and the steps to take to protect yourself.
Before you file a trademark application, you need to choose between two filing types — and picking the wrong one can delay or kill your application. This guide explains the difference between Intent to Use and Use in Commerce in plain English, so you file correctly the first time.
Learn how to find out if a slogan or tagline is already trademarked using free official tools — before you launch, file, or print a single thing. A step-by-step guide that explains what a clean search actually means (and what it doesn't).
If you've been using your business name or logo in the marketplace, you may already hold trademark rights — without ever filing a single form. This guide explains exactly what common law trademark protection is, what it covers, and what it cannot protect you from.
Unsure whether your podcast name needs a trademark or copyright? This guide explains the difference, when protection matters, and how to avoid costly naming mistakes before or after launch.
Your name is your brand — but using it online doesn't automatically protect it. This guide explains exactly when creators need a trademark on their name, what risks they face without one, and how to decide if now is the right time to file.
Yes, you can trademark a color — but only under very specific conditions that most brands will never meet. This guide explains exactly how color trademarks work, who actually has them, and what founders should do instead.
Not sure if your logo is too close to an existing brand? This guide explains exactly how trademark law evaluates logo similarity — and the practical steps every founder should take before launch.
Adding your city name to a trademarked brand name does not automatically make it legally safe to use. This guide explains exactly why — and what to do before you launch, name, or file.
Dupes are everywhere — but the legal lines around selling them are shifting fast. This guide explains exactly what's legal, what's not, and where most creators accidentally cross the line without realizing it.
Trademark squatting happens when someone registers your brand name in another country before you do — then holds it for ransom. This guide explains exactly how it works, who gets targeted, and the steps you can take right now to protect yourself.