Scary Trademark Tales

We are living in some scary times, that’s for sure and definitely not scary in a good way.  Not fun Halloween scary, like, what is happening to this world scary!  But it’s important during this time to take pleasure in the little things, and this week that’s Halloween, one of my favorite holidays 🎃.

I take costumes pretty seriously, last year we did a family costume and won the contest at our local bar (Old McDonald & His Farm!). 

Since that won’t be happening this year we are planning a “treat scavenger hunt” for our little guy and doing a lighter version of dressing up (stay tuned). 

A Halloween costume is something you just wear for a day, but your business name, program name, or other branding is something you and your business wears FOR A LONG TIME.  

It defines you, it’s how people know and recognize you.  It’s one of the most important business assets you can have.  Which is WHY it’s so important to protect it. 

If you go to a Halloween party and see 4 other people in your peacock costume, it’s not the end of the world, just that night :(.  

BUT … if you have the same name for your coaching biz or group program as 4 other people? That’s not cool and can be mega confusing for your audience and water down the power and strength of your brand!  

That’s why registered trademarks exist, they allow you to be the ONLY peacock in the room.  How awesome (and reassuring!!) is that?

So here’s a REAL scary story for you.  Let’s say you’ve been in business for a couple of years, you finally left that 9-5 job, and are pulling in a nice $5-$10K every month.  Your biz is growing and things are going well! 

You have a great brand, your 1:1 spots are filled, and you’re launching a group program.

Until...you get a letter claiming trademark infringement from an attorney that says you have been infringing on their client’s trademark and not only do you have to stop using it immediately and rebrand your entire BUSINESS but you have to pay them $$$ damages - like $15,000 in damages because they are claiming you stole some of their market share because another person in your industry is operating with a similar name and they OWN the trademark.

This is a scary story but it’s also REAL LIFE.  When you get a letter like that you can’t just turn the other way.  You have to pay up somehow even if that means closing down your business to do so.

The good news?!  You may be asking yourself … How can I avoid getting a trademark infringement letter?  With a trademark registration of your own of course.  That’s really the only way to be sure this nightmare never comes true for you!

Are you ready to secure your brand with the silver bullet that keeps the trademark infringement werewolves (attorneys) at bay? Click HERE to get your trademark today!

Sarah Kornblet Waldbuesser, Esq.
Attorney for Coaches & Online Business Owners

After several years at a law firm and a few career jumps, she ended up falling in love with online business and loves helping entrepreneurs achieve their dreams in a smart and protected way. She is also an adventurer, traveler, and food and wine lover. When not at her computer, she loves hanging with her family, having wine with friends, flying around the globe and connecting with other online business owners.