As an entrepreneur, your business is everything. Whether your business is in its fledgling stages or you are already at the next level and hiring your second, third, or fourth employee, your idea and your vision for the future is what matters. We know there are many reasons why entrepreneurs choose to leave the “traditional” work experience to forge ahead and blaze their own trail to success. Just a few of them to consider are:
You want to live a life according to your own rules. In other words, you do not want to take instruction, criticism, or negativity from another person. Instead you want to set the rules and decide what is right for you and the business that you love.
You do not want to be confined to an office. You want to be able to explore the freedom that comes from being able to work, truly, from anywhere.
Your work life balance is more important than anything else. You want to be able to spend more time with those you love, as well as focus on your own goals for your health, education, and legacy goals.
No matter what drives you to become an entrepreneur, you are unique. Only YOU are able to describe what YOU want. Only YOU are able to find your path to success and define what success will look like in the future. While there is uncertainty involved, most entrepreneurs we meet thrive on it. The risk factor drives them to the next level of success and, often, due to the creative environment, they are able to create something amazing that no one has ever thought of before.
Knowing this is what matters most, how are you protecting the entrepreneur lifestyle you love? Do you know, right now, what you need to ensure that the business you are creating is always protected? Have you considered the fact that someone else may be able to step in and try to steal your idea out from under you?
This is a serious concern that all successful entrepreneurs face. You may find yourself asking: When is the right time to be protected? Should I wait until a problem arises? Should I just “let it ride” because bad things typically do not happen?
We want you to enjoy the journey of self-discovery and creating something amazing. Part of enjoying the journey, however, is making sure that you do everything you can to protect your business and your entrepreneur lifestyle. If you have not yet talked to an intellectual property attorney, you should not wait to do this. Your business, your livelihood, and your lifestyle, are all at risk if you do not put the proper protections in place to ensure no one can infringe on what you do best.
You may not realize it but, ultimately, one of the best things to do is register your trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Federal registration of a trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has several advantages, which can include a notice to the public of your claim of ownership of the mark, a legal presumption of ownership nationwide, and the exclusive right to use the mark in connection with the goods or services set forth in the trademark registration.
We know that this article may raise more questions than answers. We also know how challenging it can be to think about a time when someone may jump in and try to steal your idea for your business out from under you. Whether you just have the idea or are ten years in, there is never a wrong time to ensure you are protected. Do not wait to contact our law firm and schedule your first meeting today.
