There’s a lot of talk in these internet streets about what makes a successful business. Everything gets thrown on the table, from marketing to the right people to setting up proper operations. 

Although all those answers hold their weight in helping a business owner succeed, none of them hold a candle to what can make your business a true success: Registering your business for a federal trademark. 

Most businesses that have achieved federal trademark status are more successful than those that don’t and more likely to sustain their success. Why is that? Here are 5 reasons: 

Federal Trademarks Establish Your Business in ALL 50 States

Thinking long-term is imperative for businesses that want to grow beyond their state lines, and trademarks allow you to do that. If you can successfully get a federal trademark from the USPTO, you will have a presence in ALL 50 states without visiting every single one. 

Additionally, individuals in those states won’t be able to utilize your trademark. 

You can tell ’em, “get back, get back, you don’t know me like that” in your Ludacris voice.

A Federal Trademark Creates a New Asset for Your Business

A trademark becomes a valuable asset in your business because you can leverage it in the event (or opportunity) you need to. 

For example, if it’s popping off in your industry and you have a logo, slogan, tagline, etc., that is of value or interest to others. You can sell that to other people in your industry for a high premium, especially if you have brand recognition and you’ve done the hard work. 

A Federal Trademark Can Outlive Copyright Protection

Most sauce makers (aka business owners) start a business to create generational wealth and leave behind a legacy. A federal trademark is a legacy-building tool. 

Trademarks can last forever as long as you are using them, whereas copyright gives you protection only for the life of the author and/or co-author and a designated amount of years later. But if you have a federally registered trademark and are continually using it, you can sell it or leave it in your estate as long as it’s being used in the area where you sought protection. 

It’s forever. Forever. Ever. Forever, ever. 

A Federal Trademark May Allow You to Stop Idea Thieves

Suppose your slogan can lead people to you instead of your competitor. Congrats, friend. You’ve got this game on lock, AND you’ve got an advantage like no other. But, unfortunately, the desperate darcys out there struggling to find their secret sauces may see yours and want to get a taste of it, then rebrand it as their own. 

A federal trademark may give you the legal protection you need to stop others in the industry from using similar stuff like your slogan or brand name. Of course, it’s no guarantee, but as an IP attorney, we can do so many things to support people who have federally registered trademarks than we can with those who don’t.

A Federal Trademark Makes You More Trustworthy

Friend, I don’t know about you, but even in the age of Elon Musk, I’m quicker to trust a profile with a blue checkmark than one without. And this is precisely how your clients/customers feel. Getting that ™️ symbol establishes you as a good source for that good or service in the industry.

Nowadays, more people are searching online for goods and services, which means that these people are out here RESEARCHING, okay? These consumers know more about you and what you offer than you think they do, and it’s better they catch you looking right than looking shady. 

Put a Trademark on It.

There it is. Registering for a federal trademark gives you an invaluable asset in your business, securing your success in many ways. 

Not only does registering a trademark turn your hard work into actual coins, but businesses that protect their intellectual property via trademarks are successful for one main reason. They are investing in the “time and growth” strategy to grow and sustain their business. 

They’re sticking their flag in the ground, saying, “this is where I’m gonna be. This is where you can find me. This is what I’ll be good for.” 

So if you’re a sauce maker who wants to protect the wealth they’ve generated and the wealth they’re building, invest in your business and get a trademark. Show consumers (and yourself) that you’re in it for the long haul.

If you’ve heard enough and are ready to protect your sauce with a federally registered trademark, click here and let the ALF team get it done for you. (Less than 50% of trademark applications applied for without an attorney fail.)