Before You Post or Print, Is Your Brand Name Even Yours?
Let’s talk about that moment. The one where you finally find the name. You’ve designed the logo, bought the domain, maybe even started selling merch. You’re hyped. Your audience loves it. But then you open an email that says: “We own the trademark. Cease and desist.”
Oof.
I’ve seen this scenario play out too many times. And the worst part? Most of these brilliant entrepreneurs could’ve avoided it with one simple search.
This post is your legal love letter and warning: before you post or print, make sure your brand name is actually yours.
What Is a Trademark (and Why Should You Care)?
A trademark is more than a logo. It’s your brand’s identity. Legally, it’s any name, slogan, design, or symbol that distinguishes your goods or services from someone else’s. It’s how people know they’re buying your candles, your coaching, or your skincare line—not someone else’s knockoff.
The Mistake Most Entrepreneurs Make
They skip the search.
You wouldn’t build a house on land you didn’t own, right? So why build a brand on a name that could belong to someone else?
Social handles and domain availability do not mean your name is legally available.
Example:
You grab @GlowByGoddess on IG.
You buy GlowByGoddess.com.
You even print tees.
But if another business filed a federal trademark for “Glow by Goddess” back in 2020, they can send you a cease and desist—and yes, they can win.
What Happens If You Don’t Check First?
You could get sued for trademark infringement.
You might be forced to rebrand (and lose all your momentum).
You’ll spend thousands undoing what you rushed to build.
And let’s not even talk about the emotional toll. I’ve had clients sob in my inbox because their "dream brand" got snatched. Sis, it didn’t get snatched. You built on someone else’s land.
Here’s What You Should Do Instead
Step 1: Run a USPTO Trademark Search. Go to USPTO.gov and search for your brand name in their TESS database.
Step 2: Look for similarities, not just exact matches. Even names that are "confusingly similar" could be blocked.
Step 3: Work with a trademark attorney. This isn’t the time to DIY. A good attorney can:
Search comprehensively (even beyond USPTO)
Spot potential risks
File your application correctly
And trust me, it’s much cheaper to do it right than fix it later.
But What If You Already Started Using the Name?
It’s not necessarily over—but it’s urgent. Contact an attorney immediately to assess your risk and possibly pivot or file before someone else does.
My Story: The Day I Almost Lost My Brand
I once had a client whose beauty brand hit 10K in sales within months of launch. She was flying. Until she got a legal letter from a massive cosmetics company with a nearly identical name. She hadn’t filed anything. We had to rebrand everything—website, packaging, labels, even email lists.
The cost? Over $7,000 in changes. The lesson? Priceless.
Your Brand Deserves Protection
You’ve poured your heart into this business. Late nights. Canva marathons. Every caption. Every testimonial. Don’t let all that effort get snatched because you skipped one crucial step.
A registered trademark:
Gives you exclusive rights to your name nationwide
Lets you sue for infringement
Adds value to your business (investors love it!)
Protects you from having to rebrand down the line
The First Step Is Easy
I created bit.ly/mytrademark to make starting your trademark journey simple and clear. Whether you need a comprehensive search, full filing, or help fixing an issue—you’ll get it done with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Your brand isn’t just a vibe. It’s an asset. And assets should be protected.
Before you post. Before you print. Before you build momentum—own your name.
CTA: Start your trademark search today at bit.ly/mytrademark. Because claiming your brand is the first step in building your legacy.