The beauty industry can be extremely competitive, which is one of the reasons it’s so important to protect your intellectual property. Trademarking your brand name, logo, slogan, and individual products can help protect them from imitators. Adding a clearly identifiable mark to your products also helps consumers know they are purchasing legitimate products from your brand.
However, trademarking a beauty brand requires more than a simple name or logo filing. There are some specific rules to follow to ensure that your brand is protected. Here are the most important things to think about when you’re trademarking a beauty brand.
1. Brand Name
One of the first things to consider trademarking is your beauty brand’s name. It’s crucial to pick a unique name that aligns with your vision for your brand and stands out. Choosing a distinctive brand name makes it easier for potential customers to recognize your brand.
Additionally, selecting an uncommon brand name reduces the chances that you’ll have to compete for the trademark you want. Inventing a word for your brand, for example, can eliminate concerns over similar names in your space. Another option is to choose an existing word but use it in a way that’s unrelated to its meaning (e.g., Gap).
2. Logos, Slogans, and Products
Your beauty brand’s name isn’t the only thing you can trademark. You may also want to trademark your logo, tagline, slogan, and products. In some cases, you may be able to trademark a specific color (think Tiffany Blue®), which can be especially important in the beauty industry.
3. Trademark Visibility
Once you have your trademarks, it’s time to figure out how to display them. Many beauty brand owners believe that the only place they need to display their trademark(s) is on their website.
However, just having your logo or trademark on your website or online shop isn’t enough. You must add your marks to your products and packaging so that consumers can easily identify your brand and know they are purchasing a legitimate product.
4. Trademark Defense
Unfortunately, obtaining your trademark(s) isn’t the last step in protecting your beauty brand’s IP. You have to be vigilant about monitoring your market and identifying imitators. Competitors may try to dispute your trademark or confuse consumers with similar products or marks.
Protecting your trademark may require you to send cease and desist letters. In some cases, a dispute may go all the way to court. Trying to defend your trademark alone can be expensive and time-consuming, which is why it’s often best to work with a lawyer who specializes in trademark law.
Contact Watson & Young for Help With Your Trademark
While it is possible to apply for trademarks for your beauty brand yourself, the DIY process can be time-consuming and stressful. Building a strong trademark application requires a significant amount of market research and a thorough understanding of the USPTO’s decision process.
At Watson & Young, we are experts in trademarks and intellectual property law — and we’ve worked with hundreds of beauty brands, wellness product creators, and more. Our team of experienced trademark attorneys can help apply for the trademarks you need while also ensuring support, communication, and timely responses to the USPTO and other agencies. Plus, you can rely on us to help you through any potential trademark disputes.
To find out how Watson & Young can help with your beauty brand trademark application, book a complimentary consultation with our team.
