How to trademark a logo for photographers
Today, I started thinking about a logo for Fotograffie by G. I want something that I can put on my photographs that will let people know who the photographer is. So, I decided to come up with a logo. I have had over a year of college in visual communications and have a ton of books from that year. I however don’t have the programs yet.
Anyway, In thinking about a logo to put on photographs, I want something that is:
a.) SIMPLE
b.) BOLD yet not over the top
c.) Tells others who I am and what I do
d.) BRANDS my photographs and COPYRIGHTS at the same time
Now, first off, this is going to be a LONG process and I have to do many things before I can even start filling out the application.
√ 1.) Sketch several different logo designs
√ 2.) Search online (Trademarkia) and the US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE for anything that is close to any of my designs.
** What is a trademark or service mark?
A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services. Although federal registration of a mark is not mandatory, it has several advantages, including notice to the public of the registrant’s claim of ownership of the mark, legal presumption of ownership nationwide, and exclusive right to use the mark on or in connection with the goods/services listed in the registration. WARNING: NON-USPTO SOLICITATIONS MAY RESEMBLE OFFICIAL USPTO COMMUNICATIONS: Be aware that private companies not associated with the USPTO often use trademark application and registration information from the USPTO’s databases to mail or e-mail trademark-related solicitations.
I didn’t find anything with my name and the Fg ones that I did find weren’t close to my idea.
THIS SEARCH COULD TAKE YOU ALLLLL DAY IF YOUR DESIGN ISN’T SIMPLE.
√ 3.) RESEARCH some more. I found this article. Happy to read it because I DON’T want mine to suck.
I also searched many different sites for ideas and articles on HOW TO. Here’s a list of different sites I looked at (NOTE: this list is not all of the sites that I looked at, but ones I thought should be shared)
MY LOGO & DESIGNS
These are only a few of the sites that I looked at. You can do a search using different wordings, letter combinations, and even descriptions. Which I did.
My logo that I decided on is this
™ Here are the others from that brainstorming design session.Now to get the software to put that logo on my photographs and other items. I will also be paying the $159 for the trademark. I’m excited.
Anyone have a trademarked logo? Please share yours. What was your design process like? Did you trademark it state wide or country wide or not at all?
Thanks for sharing
HAPPY SHOOTING
G