How many trademark applications should I submit if my trademark includes both text and design elements in the USA?

The number of trademark applications you should file depends on your mark's features, your budget, and the level of protection you desire in the United States.

If your trademark has unique text and design elements (like graphics or logos) and you want to protect both, we suggest filing two trademark applications: one for the text alone (a "Word Mark") and another for the combined text and design (a "Combined Mark").

Filing two applications offers several benefits:

• Wider and stronger protection: If someone else files a "Combined Mark" with similar text but a different design, their mark might be registered if you only filed a "Combined Mark" and not a "Word Mark." This is because their mark is seen as different overall.

   

• Protection for logo changes: Companies often change their logos. If you only file a "Combined Mark" and not a "Word Mark," your updated logo won't be protected. You must use your trademark exactly as registered, or it could be canceled.

  
   

• Complete text and design protection: A "Word Mark" application allows more flexibility in using your mark in different styles or designs (as long as they don't closely resemble other registered trademarks). At the same time, a "Combined Mark" protects your design elements.

  
   

If your trademark includes a slogan or a unique design symbol, consider filing separate applications for each to ensure extra protection.