Official Luthiers Forum!

Out of those of us that are part timers that build for sale or by commission, who all has registered or trade marked their logo. My logo is registered through my engineering and drafting business but not my luthierie.

Michael, that is a great question.

I am not even sure how to begin with this process. Is it time consuming? Is it expensive? It would help some to know more about how the process works.

Any info you have would be appreciated.

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Dave Rector
Rector Guitars

It is about $325 for a trademark... depending on the category etc.

You can learn a lot about it here http://www.uspto.gov/teas/, and you can even submit your application electronically.

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Brock Poling
Columbus, Ohio
http://www.polingguitars.com

Well as far as time is concerned It took about 30days to get mine registered. But my lawyer did that. I just wrote a check. It was all part of my structuring when I started my business. I am not sure it paid any noticeable dividends to me but does protect my logo from being used by someone else. I am not sure if that protection is inplied to my luthierie business as well. I need to check into that.

[QUOTE=MichaelP] I am not sure if that protection is inplied to my luthierie business as well. I need to check into that.[/QUOTE]

Careful Michael, you could wind up litigating against yourself

I wish someone else would use my logo...then I could blame them for all my wrong doings.

Actually I don't see the value in that. If someone tried using my logo and it was trademark protected I would still have to sue them to make them stop. I mean by the time I found out, I assume they would have had to have a hugh promo/advtg. program in place. If THEY could afford that... they probably could afford the lawyers to fight...so how would I enforce my rights?

My lawyer is an ex-Marine who would rather fight on the court house steps ( actually just behind the bar) than in court. So far he has lost every case we have ever filed in court. But, he does have a wicked left hook. Between him and my Green beret, Black belt, 5', little tasmanian devil of a friend we get most cases settled out of court. It's amazing what pain does to people. How did I get off on this tangent...time to go

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Dave Bland

remember...

"If it doesn't play in tune...it's just pretty wood"

I have registered my business name but not my logo. I have wondered if I can register it as all it is is an A in Amazone BT font. can that be registered?

I think you could get a "service mark" for it. A trade mark might be tougher... I have been denied a few times for trade marks, but the same thing passed muster as a service mark.

I am not entirely clear on the distinction.

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Brock Poling
Columbus, Ohio
http://www.polingguitars.com

Hmm, Never heard of a service mark.

I think that a trademark is goods and a service mark is for services.

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Scott Thompson
Port Townsend,WA

"In a perfect world we'd all sing in tune
But this is reality so give me some room"
-Billy Bragg