When you’re building a brand, your logo is more than just a pretty picture—it’s a symbol of your business’s identity. But here’s the million-dollar question we hear all the time: Can you trademark your logo and your name? The short answer? Yes—but there are some key details you need to know first.
Let’s break it down.
What Does It Mean to Trademark Your Logo?
When you trademark your logo, you’re legally protecting the visual element that represents your business—think your custom design, font, color combo, or symbol. A trademark gives you exclusive rights to use that design in connection with your products or services.
So if someone else tries to copy or use something confusingly similar? You’ve got legal grounds to stop them.
Why It’s Smart to Trademark Your Logo Early
A lot of small business owners wait to trademark their logo, thinking it’s only necessary once they’re “big enough.” The truth? If you’re investing in your brand at all—using your logo on your website, social media, packaging, or marketing—it’s worth protecting early.
Here’s why:
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You’ll avoid future disputes or rebranding headaches
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You build brand credibility and trust
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You can enforce your rights against copycats or counterfeiters
Plus, the longer your logo is in use without being registered, the more you risk someone else claiming it first.
Can You Trademark a Logo Made on Canva or Fiverr?
Good question. Just because you paid for a logo doesn’t mean you automatically own the copyright rights to it.
If your logo was created using pre-made design elements or by a freelance designer, you need to make sure:
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The design is original and distinctive
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You have a contract transferring copyright ownership to you
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You’re not violating someone else’s trademark or design rights
Before you try to trademark your logo, it’s a smart move to run a legal check for potential conflicts—and clean up any ownership issues first.
What’s the Difference Between Trademarking Your Logo and Your Name?
Here’s the breakdown:
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Trademarking your name protects the word(s) used to identify your brand
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Trademarking your logo protects the visual design that includes specific fonts, colors, or symbols
You can register them separately or together. In some cases, it’s strategic to do both.
Think of it like this: Trademarking your name gives you broad coverage. Trademarking your logo gives you protection over the specific look and feel.
How to Trademark Your Logo with Confidence
The trademark process involves more than just submitting a form. You’ll need to:
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Conduct a clearance search to avoid conflicts
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Choose the right classes of goods/services
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Decide whether to file based on current use or intent to use
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Submit a strong application that’s less likely to get rejected
At Griffith Suazo Law, we help small business owners trademark their logo the right way—from start to finish. That means strategic filing, proper documentation, and real legal support when you need it.
Final Thoughts: Protect the Brand You’re Building
Your logo is one of the first things people recognize about your brand. If you’ve worked hard to design it and build trust around it, don’t leave it vulnerable.
If you’re wondering whether now is the time to trademark your logo, the answer is: probably. And we’re here to help make that process smooth and stress-free.
Ready to protect your brand? Schedule a Consultation!
