How To Trademark A Restaurant Name?

Thinking about starting your own restaurant? One of the first things you’ll want to do is make sure your restaurant name is protected. That’s where trademarking comes in. It’s like getting a special seal of approval for your name that says it’s yours and nobody else’s. Take a look at McDonald’s, for example. Their name and those famous golden arches are not just signs; they’re also legally protected trademarks.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to trademark a restaurant name, so you can stand out in the food world while keeping your name safe and sound.

Why To Trademark a Restaurant Name?

Trademarking your restaurant name is crucial for several reasons. Imagine you’ve put your heart and soul into building your restaurant’s reputation, only to find another establishment using a similar name, causing confusion among customers. By trademarking your restaurant name, you establish legal ownership and prevent others from using it without your permission. For instance, Starbucks has trademarked its name, ensuring that no other coffee shop can operate under the same name and potentially dilute its brand identity.

In a crowded marketplace, having a unique and recognizable name is essential for attracting customers. Trademarking your restaurant name helps avoid confusion among consumers, ensuring they can easily distinguish your establishment from competitors. Think about how Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) has trademarked its abbreviation, preventing any other fried chicken joint from using the same initials and riding on its success.

Your restaurant’s name is a key component of your marketing strategy. Trademarking it provides peace of mind, allowing you to invest time and resources into promoting your brand without the fear of someone else capitalizing on your hard work. For example, Chipotle has trademarked its name, enabling the company to build a strong brand image through advertising campaigns and promotions without worrying about imitators.

How To Trademark a Restaurant Name?

Choose Your Filing Option: The USPTO offers three filing options through the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS). Each option comes with different fees and features. For instance, if you opt for TEAS Plus, you’ll pay a $250 basic filing fee, with an additional $125 fee for each extra class of goods or services. This option allows you to receive communications via email. If you choose TEAS Reduced Fee, you’ll pay a $275 basic filing fee with the option to add classes later for $125 each. Like TEAS Plus, you’ll also receive communications via email. Lastly, TEAS Regular involves a $350 basic filing fee, additional fees for adding classes, and the option to submit further application materials outside of the TEAS system.
Prepare Your Application: Gather all necessary information and documents for your application. This includes your restaurant name, a description of your services, and the classes of goods or services you want to register under (e.g., restaurant services in Class 43).
File Your Application: Submit your application through the USPTO’s TEAS system. Provide accurate information and pay the required filing fees based on your chosen filing option.
Monitor Your Application: After filing, monitor the progress of your application through the USPTO’s online portal. You may receive communications from the USPTO regarding your application, so it’s essential to stay informed and respond promptly if necessary.
Respond to Office Actions: If the USPTO issues an office action, carefully review it and respond within the specified timeframe. Office actions may request additional information or clarification regarding your application.
Wait for Approval: Once your application is approved, your restaurant name will be officially registered as a trademark. This grants you exclusive rights to use the name in connection with your restaurant services, protecting it from unauthorized use by others.

How Much Does It Cost To Trademark A Restaurant Name?

The cost of trademarking a restaurant name varies depending on the filing option you choose through the USPTO’s Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS). Here’s a breakdown of the fees associated with each option:

TEAS Plus: The basic filing fee for TEAS Plus is $250. If you need to register your restaurant name under additional classes of goods or services upfront, it incurs an extra $125 fee per class. This option allows you to receive further communications via email.
TEAS Reduced Fee: Choosing TEAS Reduced Fee involves a basic filing fee of $275. You have the option to pay $125 for each additional class of goods or services at a later stage. Similar to TEAS Plus, you’ll also receive further communications via email.
TEAS Regular: The basic filing fee for TEAS Regular is $350. There’s also a fee for adding classes of goods and services. Additionally, this option allows you to submit further application materials outside of the TEAS system.

Considering these fees, the total cost of trademarking your restaurant name depends on factors such as the number of classes you register under and the filing option you select. It’s essential to weigh your options carefully and choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.

For instance, if you’re operating a restaurant with additional services like catering or merchandise sales, you may need to register under multiple classes, which could increase the overall cost. However, investing in trademark registration ensures legal protection for your restaurant name, safeguarding your brand identity and preventing unauthorized use by other

What Is The Attorney Fee To Trademark A Restaurant Name?

Typically, attorneys who specialize in intellectual property law or trademark law charge either an hourly rate or a flat fee for their services. Hourly rates can range widely depending on the attorney’s location, reputation, and level of experience, but they generally range from $150 to $500 per hour.

Alternatively, some attorneys offer flat fee packages for trademark registration services, which varies. These packages often include services such as conducting a trademark search, preparing and filing the trademark application, responding to any office actions from the USPTO, and monitoring the application process.

It’s important to discuss the specifics of your case with potential attorneys and obtain a clear understanding of their fee structure before engaging their services. Additionally, keep in mind that while hiring an attorney is not required to file a trademark application, it can be beneficial to ensure that the process is conducted correctly and efficiently, potentially saving you time and money in the long run.

What Are The Legal Consequences If Someone Unlawfully Uses A Trademarked Restaurant Name?

If someone infringes on your trademarked restaurant name by using it without your permission, you have legal recourse to protect your rights. You can start by sending a cease and desist letter to the infringing party, informing them of your trademark rights and demanding that they stop using your restaurant name. This letter typically outlines the legal basis for your claim and gives the infringer a chance to rectify the situation voluntarily.

If the infringing party refuses to comply with your cease and desist letter or continues to use your restaurant name without authorization, you may need to take legal action. This could involve filing a lawsuit for trademark infringement in federal court. If successful, the court may issue an injunction to stop the infringing activities and award damages for any harm caused to your business.

Alternatively, you can pursue administrative proceedings through the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The USPTO provides procedures, such as trademark cancellation or opposition proceedings, to challenge the registration or use of conflicting trademarks.

In some cases, it may be possible to resolve the dispute through negotiation and reach a settlement with the infringing party. This could involve licensing your trademark to the infringer or agreeing on terms for them to rebrand their business.

It’s important to consult with a qualified intellectual property attorney who can advise you on the best course of action based on your specific circumstances. Additionally, having a registered trademark provides you with stronger legal protection and easier enforcement options in case of infringement.

Is Renewing A Trademarked Restaurant Name Important?

It is essential to renew a trademarked restaurant name in order to keep it protected legally and to keep your exclusive rights to it. The initial protection period for trademarks is usually 10 years, with the possibility of renewal after that. Your restaurant’s name could be at risk of infringement if you don’t renew your trademark before it expires. Promptly renewing your trademark will keep your brand identity protected and stop others from using your restaurant name without your permission.

Contact Us

If you’re interested in learning how to trademark a restaurant name, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team is here to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to get started on securing your restaurant’s name!