How Do I Protect a Trademark?

The best way to protect a trademark is to ensure that it is used consistently and for a long period of time.  Trademark protection begins with disciplined use rather than upon registration.

Usage is the most significant factor for trademark protection in the United States.  Consistent use is the means through which trademark rights are established.  Sometimes it is appropriate to register a mark, and different types of marks may require different forms of registration.

  What are the differences among Copyrights, Trademarks, and Service Marks? 

• Copyrights identify original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression such as books, motion pictures, photography, and musical compositions.
• Service marks are distinctive signs used by an individual or business to identify a service and distinguish it from those of its competitors. Some services that may use marks are educational, entertainment and financial services.
• Trademarks are distinctive signs used by an individual or business to identify a product and distinguish it from those of its competitors. Examples of products include software, clothing, and gift items. Trademarks can be placed on product labels, tags, containers, packaging, or on the product itself.

Copyrights, service marks, and trademarks are among USC's foremost assets and must be treated with care to remain viable.

When is registration an option?

If use of a mark meets certain criteria it may be advisable to seek registration for a trademark.    In order to evaluate a mark's potential to be registered, we have developed the Trademarks Questionnaire Form above.  Please fill out the trademark questionnaire for each mark for which a registration is sought.  The online form at left will submit the required information directly to us by email.

USC's identifying marks

The name, seal, and other identifying marks of the university are registered trademarks. TLS works in conjunction with the Office of the General Counsel and outside counsel to manage the university's portfolio of identifying marks.

Other trademarks and service marks

Academic departments within USC may also have reason to register a trademark or a service mark. TLS coordinates the searching, filing and prosecution of non-identifying USC marks with in-house and outside legal counsel.