VIEW: Identity Theft?
So you've hired a graphic design firm to develop a logo and branding materials to help you launch your new business or product. Congratulations on recognizing the importance of hiring a professional to create them! What you may not know is that another professional may need to enter the picture before you make your debut.

Hiring a trademark services firm will help you determine on local, state and national levels, if any other businesses are using the same name or name similar to the one you've chosen. Searches can also be performed on the logo (symbol) you've developed with your designer. These searches are particularly helpful if you are entering a very broad market or have a common business name. Trademark infringement is a costly mistake, and can be avoided.

When you start working on the new name for your business or product, it's helpful to be near a computer with an internet connection to conduct informal searches online for similar business names or web addresses. This will get you on the right foot before your designer even begins working on your new materials.