What does Intellectual Property (IP) have to do with nonprofits, you ask? Well, protecting and enforcing brand assets is not just for for-profit companies. Just like other companies, nonprofits are just as likely to have their trademarks infringed!
Obtaining a trademark registration with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office makes it easier and less expensive to expand a nonprofit’s reach across the country---and prevent the unlawful use of its trademarks to divert donations.
According to attorney Jamie Sternberg, a partner at Saunders & Silverstein, LLP, obtaining a trademark registration should ideally happen when adopting a new brand name and/or logo, but it can be taken care of at any time.
Before adopting new trademarks for your nonprofit organization, consider having a trademark attorney conduct a clearance search to make sure you’re not stepping on another company’s toes!
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