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Great info. What's you take on branding trademarks, such as my company name? Is this something I can do myself, or is a lawyer required? Is it even worth the ti

Great info. What's you take on branding trademarks, such as my company name? Is this something I can do myself, or is a lawyer required? Is it even worth the time to trademark my company name? Thanks.

camz 16y ago
You know, I honestly didn't even consider trademarks as a question for some reason. But, I think that's an awesome point that I can't believe I overlooked, so thanks for pointing out a huge oversight on my part. I think trademarks have their place, but it's something that's really only useful when you're a larger competitor in your industry. Ex: The crocodile or american alligator is a keystone species that allows an entire ecology to survive and thrive. Twitter's "trademark" is a keystone because it has allowed numerous companies develop through it's trademark such as tweetdeck and etc. The term tweet has become a dictionary term at this point so their trademark is very valuable. But, it's only valuable now because they've reached critical mass. The irony is that if you don't trademark your name early, then someone else will steal it before you do. I think that it's a decision that needs to be examined thoroughly because it is somewhat expensive. I will definitely start another podcast series on trademarks specifically to address this issue! Thanks!
- 619Cloud 16y ago
  Makes sense. Any idea ballpark what a trademark of a company name would cost in California?
  - camz 16y ago
    Honestly, off the top of my head I have no idea. I've registered a few trademarks but its been a while so I need to refresh my memory and do some due diligence before I give you any numbers or facts. Sorry, but I'll definitely write a post and record a podcast that will go over the highlights and specifics.
  - eschutte2 16y ago
    US trademark filing fee is $325. That's $50 more than I paid a few years ago.
- cperciva 16y ago
  The term tweet has become a dictionary term at this point Technically, the word 'tweet' has been in dictionaries since long before Twitter came along...
  - anamax 16y ago
    > Technically, the word 'tweet' has been in dictionaries since long before Twitter came along... The word "windows "was in dictionaries long before Microsoft, yet Microsoft has a trademark on "Windows" when used in certain circumstances.

camz 16y ago

You know, I honestly didn't even consider trademarks as a question for some reason. But, I think that's an awesome point that I can't believe I overlooked, so thanks for pointing out a huge oversight on my part. I think trademarks have their place, but it's something that's really only useful when you're a larger competitor in your industry. Ex: The crocodile or american alligator is a keystone species that allows an entire ecology to survive and thrive. Twitter's "trademark" is a keystone because it has allowed numerous companies develop through it's trademark such as tweetdeck and etc. The term tweet has become a dictionary term at this point so their trademark is very valuable. But, it's only valuable now because they've reached critical mass. The irony is that if you don't trademark your name early, then someone else will steal it before you do. I think that it's a decision that needs to be examined thoroughly because it is somewhat expensive. I will definitely start another podcast series on trademarks specifically to address this issue! Thanks!

619Cloud 16y ago
Makes sense. Any idea ballpark what a trademark of a company name would cost in California?
- camz 16y ago
  Honestly, off the top of my head I have no idea. I've registered a few trademarks but its been a while so I need to refresh my memory and do some due diligence before I give you any numbers or facts. Sorry, but I'll definitely write a post and record a podcast that will go over the highlights and specifics.
- eschutte2 16y ago
  US trademark filing fee is $325. That's $50 more than I paid a few years ago.
cperciva 16y ago
The term tweet has become a dictionary term at this point Technically, the word 'tweet' has been in dictionaries since long before Twitter came along...
- anamax 16y ago
  > Technically, the word 'tweet' has been in dictionaries since long before Twitter came along... The word "windows "was in dictionaries long before Microsoft, yet Microsoft has a trademark on "Windows" when used in certain circumstances.