Beware of Trademark Scams: How Business Owners Can Identify Fake USPTO Calls, Misleading Notices, and Unauthorized Trademark Solicitations Filing a trademark is an exciting step for any business but it can also make you a target.   Many business owners begin receiving calls, emails, letters, or even text messages shortly after submitting a trademark application. These messages often look official. They may include your trademark name, serial number, or filing details. Some demand urgent payment to “protect” or “complete” your application. Here’s the reality: once your application is filed, certain details become public. Bad actors use that information to create convincing scams. Even the United States Patent and Trademark Office warns that fraudulent or misleading trademark solicitations are common and increasingly difficult to identify. This guide will help you recognize trademark scams, verify legitimate communications, and protect your business from costly mistakes.   Why Trademark Owners Are Targeted When you file a trademark application, key details become publicly accessible, including:   Owner name Mailing address Trademark name Filing date Serial number   Scammers mine this data to craft messages that look legitimate. They often:           Target new applicants and existing trademark owners        

How to Trademark a Logo: The Complete 2026 Step-by-Step Guide Your logo is often the first thing a customer sees — and in a visual-first marketplace where brands compete on TikTok, Amazon, and Instagram, it’s frequently more valuable than your company name. Yet most business owners don’t know that trademarking a name and trademarking a logo are two entirely different filings. This guide walks you through exactly how to trademark a logo in the United States, from the initial search to the final certificate. Why a Name Trademark Doesn’t Protect Your Logo A word mark (name trademark) only protects the text itself, in any font and style. A design mark (logo trademark) protects the specific visual elements — the unique combination of shapes, icons, colors, and stylized lettering that make your brand recognizable. If a competitor copies your visual identity — using a similar icon or color scheme — a word mark alone won’t stop them. Only a registered design mark gives you the legal basis to issue a cease and desist or file an infringement lawsuit for visual copying. What Types of Logo Marks Can Be Registered? The USPTO recognizes several types of marks that cover logos: Design Mark:

Who Does Trademark Registration? Choosing the Right Expert for Your Brand If you are wondering “who does trademark registration,” you’ve likely realized that the process is more than just filling out a form. In the United States, federal trademarks are handled by the USPTO, but how you submit that application determines your brand’s future security.In 2026, business owners have three main paths to registration. Here is a breakdown of who can handle your filing and why Secure Mark USA offers the most balanced solution for modern entrepreneurs. 1. The USPTO (The Government Body)The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is the only entity that grants trademarks. However, they do not “do” the registration for you. They act as the judge and jury. If you file yourself (Pro Se), you are responsible for every legal nuance—and the USPTO staff cannot give you legal advice. 2. Specialized Trademark Service Providers (Secure Mark USA)This is the most popular choice for small to mid-sized businesses. Secure Mark USA acts as your professional filing partner. What we do: We handle the comprehensive search, prepare the technical descriptions, and navigate the USPTO 2026 Updates to ensure your application meets the newest digital evidence standards. The Benefit: You get Expert US Brand Security at a fraction of the