Best & FlanaganBest & FlanaganTrademarks are distinctive words or symbols used in connection with the sale of goods or services. Famous trademarks include the Apple computer logo and the Target bull’s-eye. Even things such as the sound of the NBC chimes or the shape of a Coca-Cola bottle can be distinctive enough to serve as trademarks. The selection of a trademark is a critical component of a brand strategy and requires advance planning to ensure that the mark is sufficiently unique to enable registration and that the mark is not confusingly similar to one already in use by another entity. We work with our clients to identify and select trademarks, run trademark clearance searches, and obtain federal trademark registrations, as well as state and international registrations. After registration, we continue to manage trademark portfolios to maintain trademark protection. Trademarks require regular monitoring to avert the risk of dilution by competitors using confusingly similar marks. We enforce the rights of trademark owners through cease and desist letters and negotiations, opposition proceedings, and infringement litigation.