Why You Need to Register Your Trademark

Trademarks are our jam!

Growing a successful brand includes taking measures to protect it—from the very beginning. Our federal trademark services allow you to do exactly that.

Why Your Service Business Needs Federal Trademark Registration

For service-based businesses, federal trademark registration is a strategic move that provides nationwide protection against infringement. It’s a declaration of your brand’s credibility and an essential step in establishing a robust business foundation.

At Off The Mark, safeguarding your brand’s legacy is our mission. As a trademark attorney in Alabama, we specialize in providing affordable trademark services to service-based business owners like you, who are dedicated to launching and growing their businesses with confidence.

How We Help:

Our team of experienced attorneys is committed to protecting your intellectual property through federal trademark registration. We conduct thorough trademark searches and handle all aspects of the filing process, ensuring that your brand stands out and remains protected. Our trademark services include:

Signature Trademark Registration Service $2100

Grow your brand with confidence knowing it is protected.

Federal Trademark Registration

We help clients throughout the United States protect their brand through federal trademark registration with the USPTO.

Federal Trademark Maintenance

We help clients maintain their federal trademark registration through Section, 8, 9, and 15 filings.

Office Action Responses

Receive a non-final or final office action? Our office can help. Whether we filed the application or not.

Statement of use filings

Received a Notice of Allowance from USPTO? We can advise you on the proper use of your trademark and prepare the Statement of Use filing for your application.

clearance searches

We search federal and state databases to determine if your trademark is infringing on another brand’s intellectual property. This is the foundation of any great brand.

Trademark Protection Strategy

Off the Mark consults with small business owners to help them identify their intellectual property and develop a strategy to build their IP portfolio.

Services Include:

Services do not Include:

Office Action support
Post-Filing Communication w/Trademark Examiner
Statement of Use Filing Fees, if applicable
Extension Filing Fees, if applicable
TTAB Representation
Post Registration Representation

Working With A Trademark Attorney

Our approach is centered around brand protection and intellectual property education. We believe in empowering you with knowledge while offering reliable and timely legal support. With Off The Mark, you’re not just another number; you’re a valued client whose business success is our priority.

With over a decade of experience, we bring a wealth of knowledge, commitment, reliability and quick turnaround of services to the table. Our legal support for entrepreneurs is designed to be accessible, with competitive pricing that fit your budget.

Choosing Off The Mark means you’re choosing a partner who cares deeply about your business. We leverage our team and technology to provide you with the best legal support, allowing you to focus on building your business while we handle the legal details.

At Off The Mark, we’re more than just your attorneys; we’re your partners in brand protection. Let us help you take “legal” off your to-do list, so you can build your business with confidence and peace of mind.

     Excellent  
     Based on 19 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Gabriella Calvanese 
 2024-03-14
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am so grateful for all of LaConya’s help! She helped me with a letter I received and I was so confused! She revoked the letter for me and gave advice. Thank you again !
  
 
       
   Evan Milligan 
 2024-01-16
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our company receives IP services from Off the Mark. We are very pleased with their customer service skills, especially the frequent and proactive nature of communication. Their staff keep us well informed about next steps, and all documents are managed via a user friendly platform. They do what they say they will do, and make it simple to monitor the process.
  
 
       
   Malliron Hodge 
 2023-08-25
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It has been an honor and pleasure working with LaConya and her team. They provide proactive and constant communication. I highly recommend any small business and/or entrepreneur to utilize their services immediately!
  
 
       
   Mary Walton 
 2023-06-13
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I solicited trademark services from Off the Mark IP Solutions at a very important time of transition. Attorney LaConya Murray was referred to me and I reached out. I received an immediate and personal response of accommodation. Within days, I’d had a consultation and began the process of trademarking my brand. My experience included detailed information and the most professional and timely assistance. I’d confidently refer Off the Mark IP Solutions to anyone in need.
  
 
       
   Shelene Giles 
 2023-01-12
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am a small business owner and met Attorney LaConya Murray at a nursing conference.  She carved out time during this busy conference to discuss some questions/concerns that I had regarding a lawsuit against my company.  The lawsuit was dismissed, but I was concerned this may resurface.  I was impressed by her knowledge and generosity to share - so my company retained LaConya.  Since retaining LaConya, we have had many discussions about how to protect & grow the business the right way.  I've recently been presented with a business merger and immediately involved LaConya in this discussion.  Knowing LaConya is in my corner, she has given me such peace of mind and confidence when running my company and negotiating with other businesses.  You are definitely missing the mark - not having LaConya (or an attorney) in your corner to be your guide and advocate.
  
 
       
   NOLA Event Planners - Production, Planning and Design 
 2022-08-31
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Laconya is amazing! She is informative and honest. This is the first attorney that I have hired that I actually trust with my business. Her knowledge and advice to small business owners is like no other. I didn't always have the best experience with other business attorneys. I don't feel like just another client. She is an excellent resource for business operations. She has saved me from some major business mistakes. She is worth the investment and is an asset to my business. I highly recommend Off The Mark IP Solutions for established and start up companies.
  
 
       
   Kim Rose Dietitian 
 2022-07-17
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Initially, I was hesitant to sign up, but I took a leap of faith and decided to go with Attorney Murray because of her caring, communicative, and friendly. She provided legal information about the avenue best for me in my business practice. Now I am more competent and confident I can move forward scaling my business in a manner that is legally sound and helpful for my clients.
  
 
       
   Barrett Vaughan 
 2021-01-16
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Genius Insider program is one of the best and most cost-effective investments in legal services for a small business. By offering consultations, document review, and discounts on IP filings as services included with the program, The Genius Insider demonstrates the commitment made by Murray Law Group to build long-term, substantial relationships with entrepreneurs. Not only are the business and IP legal services available, but also the opportunity to gain from the experience of the senior partner, LaConya Murray, Esq, in an informal mentorship capacity. Great service, great savings, and great advice, this program offers it all!
  
 
       
   WINNING FOUNDATION 
 2020-11-19
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
  
 
       
   Anwar Shahid 
 2020-11-04
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Off the Mar Ip Solutions has been doing an awesome job and we appreciate the quick response and consulting! We are looking forward to working with them more in the future to fulfill our IP needs!

Why Choose Us?

Solid experience

With over a decade of expertise, Off the Mark stands out with a proven track record of excellence, reflected in our numerous 5-star reviews and a remarkable 98% success rate, showcasing our exceptional skill and dedication in safeguarding your brand's legal interests.

Timely

Off the Mark is the epitome of punctuality in legal services, providing swift turnarounds that respect your time and accelerate your business's legal processes, making us the go-to choice for clients who value efficiency.

Reliable Service

Our unwavering commitment to reliability ensures that every trademark, copyright, contract, business development, and ongoing legal support service is delivered with the utmost precision and care, fostering trust and peace of mind.

At Off The Mark, we understand the challenges of balancing entrepreneurship with family and other responsibilities. That's why we offer experienced and reliable legal support to protect your brand and business.

We Love Our Clients

common questions

What can I expect when working with Off the Mark to protect my brand?

Off the Mark believes in letting the dancers dance and the singers sing. Our trademark registration service includes:

a comprehensive trademark clearance search
preparing and filing of the trademark application with the UnitedStates Patent and Trademark Office
Responding to any office actions that may be issued against the application
the filing fee for one mark in one class

Our trademark registration service is designed to allow our clients to operate in their realm of genius while we operate in ours.

When you work with Off the Mark you can expect to make informed decisions because education is the foundation of our business. We take our time to educate each of our clients on the trademark process and what to expect.

While working with us you can also expect competent service based on our almost 10 years of experience, timely communication, and a team that truly cares about the success of your business.

Can I hire you for the application only?

The trademark clearance search is a vital part of the trademark registration process. We cannot confidently file a trademark application without performing an in-house trademark clearance search For this reason we do not offer a trademark application only service.

Does my brand need to make money before I get a trademark?

No. The need for a profitable business prior to federal registration is a common misconception. Your business does not have to make money before you file for federal trademark registration. Despite what you see on social media, going from launch to profit can take time. If you wait until your business is profitable you risk additional legal fees to protect your brand.

Can I file for trademark protection if I'm not currently using the trademark?

Yes. Although trademark rights do not exist until the trademark is used to identify a good or service in commerce if you have a bona fide intent to use the trademark in commerce you can protect the mark. It is important for new businesses to take advantage of this.

Unfortunately, the process of starting a business has many steps and can take anywhere from a few months to a few years to go from conception to launch. Filing an intent to use trademark application can protect your brand during this phase and prevent you from having to rebrand for legal reasons down the road.

Is the trademark clearance search necessary?

ABSOLUTELY! During the application process the USPTO will search their database for not just same but also similar trademarks in the same or related industry. If there is a conflict your application will be denied and your investment will go down the drain. A trademark clearance search is designed to find potential conflicts prior to filing the application to allow us to strategically prepare your application for registration.

Does my brand really need federal trademark protection?

It depends. If you have a hobby rather than a business the investment may not make sense. However, if you are building a business that provides a good or service in commerce a federal registered trademark is an investment that

will help protect your unique presence in your market
can increase the overall value of your brand. McDonald’s brand value is approximately $150 billion dollars.
can be used a collateral in the future
can be used to create an additional stream of revenue through licensing

What is the cost of federal trademark registration?

Off the Mark trademark registration service is an all inclusive service offered at a flat fee rate. This means no surprise fees during the registration process.

Our fee varies depending on our client’s needs which are accessed during the consultation process.

What does the trademark registration process look like?

The trademark registration process can take anywhere from 9 months to 3 years depending on the type of application filed and whether any office actions are issued. Fortunately, your protection starts from the time your application is filed.

Once your application is filed it will sit in the USPTO database for 6-7 months before it is assigned to an examining attorney.
Once the application is assigned to an examining attorney they will review the application. If the find any issues with the application they will issue a non-final office action. You will have 6 months to respond. Your response will either be accepted or another office action will be issued.
If the issues are resolved or if there are no issues, your application will be published to the public for 30 days. If a third party believes the registration of your mark will harm their trademark they can object to the registration.
If there are no objections your application will either 1. go into final review before registration or 2. be issued a Notice of Allowance depending on the type of application filed.

How long will my trademark registration last?

Your trademark protection will last as long as you are using the trademark in commerce. To maintain your trademark registration the USPTO requires maintenance or proof that you are still using the trademark in commerce. Trademark maintenance is due between year 5 and 6 after the initial registration then between year 9-10 after the initial registration. Maintenance is due every 10 years after that. Off the Mark can help you maintain your trademark registration.

Where is your office located?

Our office is located in Montgomery, Al. Although we are Alabama trademark attorneys, we serve clients throughout the United States.

Why should I hire your firm over LegalZoom?

While LegalZoom may seem to be a viable solution for trademark registration it’s important to note that the people at LegalZoom are not attorneys. In most instances working with them involves completing a questionnaire without speaking to anyone. If your business can benefit from legal advice and support during the trademark process hire Off the Mark. In addition, while the additional fee may be low, LegalZoom is known for charging additional fees during the process. There are no surprise fees at Off the Mark. Learn more about hiring our team versus LegalZoom here.

Do I need a consultation?

Yes, unless we have previously discuss your trademark needs. Our consultations our designed to answer your questions, education you on the trademark process, identify your intellectual property, and develop a strategy to protect it. The consultation fee is taken into consideration in the overall trademark registration fee.

Still not convinced? Check out this video.