Trademark Lawyers Protecting Your Brand Identity

Your brand is more than just a name or a logo, it’s the identity customers associate with your reputation, service, and value. Whether you’re launching a new business, growing an e-commerce presence, or expanding into new markets, protecting your intellectual property from the start is essential.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we advise clients throughout South Jersey on registering, maintaining, and enforcing trademarks. We work with early-stage startups, established businesses, and family-owned companies who want to secure their brand assets before conflicts arise—or defend what they’ve built.

What Trademarks Actually Cover

Trademarks are legal rights that apply to words, phrases, images, packaging, or sounds used to identify the source of goods or services. Common examples include:

• Company or product names

• Slogans and taglines

• Logo designs

• Unique packaging styles (known as trade dress)

Registering a trademark through the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) gives you the exclusive right to use that mark in commerce and provides remedies under federal law if someone else uses it without permission. You can review the federal rules under the Lanham Act (15 U.S.C. §§ 1051–1141n) or consult the USPTO’s Trademark Basics page.

Why Work with a Trademark Lawyer Instead of Filing on Your Own

Filing a trademark application may seem straightforward,but mistakes during registration can cost time, money, and legal protection down the line. Common issues include:

• Choosing a name that’s too generic or descriptive

• Conflicts with existing trademarks

• Incomplete filings that lead to delays or rejection

• Responding incorrectly to USPTO “Office Actions”

We conduct clearance searches, guide clients through the registration process, and help resolve procedural obstacles from the USPTO. Our goal is to help you secure a strong, enforceable trademark and avoid disputes later.

Support Beyond Registration

Our work doesn’t stop at filing paperwork. We also advise businesses on how to monitor their marks, enforce their rights, and resolve conflicts without unnecessary litigation. Services include:

• Drafting cease and desist communications

• Resolving disputes over confusingly similar names or logos

• Opposing trademark filings that infringe on your brand

• Representing clients in federal court or before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB)

• Licensing or assigning trademarks to third parties

We focus on practical protection, what will actually safeguard your brand in the real world.

FAQs About Trademark Law

Is trademark registration required to use my business name?
No. You can use a mark without registration, but your rights will be limited to the geographic area of use. Federal registration gives you broader protections and access to federal courts.

How long does the registration process take?
Most USPTO applications take 8–14 months from filing to approval, depending on objections, publication, and review.

Can I stop someone from using a similar business name?
Maybe. It depends on who used it first, how similar the names are, and whether customers are likely to be confused. We evaluate these situations case by case.

What happens if my application is denied?
You may be able to respond to the refusal, modify your application, or appeal. We help clients review the reasoning behind the denial and pursue next steps.

Start with a Consultation

Before you invest more time and money in your brand, make sure it’s legally protected. At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we help New Jersey businesses secure trademark rights and respond confidently to infringement or registration issues. With offices in Cherry Hill and Trenton, we serve clients throughout Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester Counties.

Call (856) 209-3111 or email [email protected] to speak with a trademark attorney.