Can I Trademark My Logo?
Yes, as a design mark — here's how that works.
Yes, a logo can be filed as a design mark, either on its own or combined with your brand name as a composite mark.
What makes a logo registrable?
- It functions as a source identifier — customers associate it with your specific goods/services
- It's distinctive rather than a generic symbol commonly used across an industry
- It isn't confusingly similar to an existing registered or pending design mark for related goods/services
Design mark vs word mark: what's the difference?
A design mark protects the specific visual presentation of your logo — its stylization and layout. It's different from a word mark, which protects the underlying text regardless of styling. If your logo includes stylized text, you may want to consider filing both a word mark and a design mark for broader coverage.
What you'll need to provide
- A clear image file of your logo as actually used
- A description of the goods/services the logo identifies
- A specimen showing the logo in actual use (for use-based applications) — such as packaging, a website screenshot, or promotional materials
Color can sometimes be claimed as part of a design mark, or the mark can be filed in black-and-white for broader coverage across color variations — this is a decision worth discussing before filing.