How To Look Up Your Financial Trademark in 10 Easy Steps
Here’s the USPTO’s complete list of International Classes [IC].
GOODS
001 Chemicals
002 Paints
003 Cosmetics and Cleaning Preparations
004 Lubricants and Fuels
005 Pharmaceuticals
006 Metal Goods
007 Machinery
008 Hand Tools
009 Electrical and Scientific Apparatus
010 Medical Apparatus
011 Environmental Control Apparatus
012 Vehicles
013 Firearms
014 Jewelry
015 Musical Instruments
016 Paper Goods and Printed Matter
017 Rubber Goods
018 Leather Goods
019 Non-metallic Building Materials
020 Furniture and Articles Not Otherwise Classified
021 Housewares and Glass
022 Cordage and Fibers
023 Yarns and Threads
024 Fabrics
025 Clothing
026 Fancy Goods
027 Floor Coverings
028 Toys and Sporting Goods
029 Meats and Processed Foods
030 Staple Foods
031 Natural Agricultural Products
032 Light Beverages
033 Wines and Spirits
034 Smokers’ Articles
SERVICES
035 Advertising and Business
036 Insurance and Financial
037 Construction and Repair
038 Communication
039 Transportation and Storage
040 Material Treatment
041 Education and Entertainment
042 Computer, Scientific and Legal
043 Hotels and Restaurants
044 Medical, Beauty and Agricultural
045 Personal
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I could not agree more! Having come from the banking world where trademark protection is routinely taught and practiced, I was surprised to find that so many credit unions are quite cavalier in their approach to naming.
There are two very basic phases to choosing a name and they’re both surprisingly specialized( which is why the advice of using a firm with experience in name selection should be well-considered).
First, you have to choose a name or moniker that is applicable to your organization or your product. Does it apply? Will the reader readily be able to pronounce it? Is it too regional or culturally-based? And then there are the psychological ramifications. What image does it conjure up in the reader’s mind? Are there any potential unintended connotations? Lots to consider.
At the same time all the legal issues Jeffry noted above still apply. Once you have selected a name (or short list of candidates) they must be “cleared” by your legal staff. And here is where I highly recommend the help of a competent trademark attorney. While no one may be using the name you have in mind, you may have inadvertently chosen a name that comes close enough to a protected brand that confusion may arise. And if that confusion is with another brand having deep pockets on the legal side, prepare to receive a cease and desist letter right away. Again, a very costly situation.
A quick search on the USPTO’s site should always be your first stop. I don’t even suggest any new name to my boss before doing a cursory Web search and a PTO search using TESS.
Great advice.