Properly protecting your business’s intellectual property is an absolute must, especially if you’ve garnered some success and are concerned about bad actors trying to imitate your brand. Along your trademark journey, you’ll need a capable trademark lawyer to help with things like trademark registration, trademark violations, and everything in between. In this article, we’ll share the top 5 questions to ask a Toronto trademark lawyer before hiring them.
- Do you have experience in my industry or with similar businesses?
A trademark lawyer with experience in your industry or with businesses like yours will likely be equipped to keep others from cashing in on what you’ve built. Every industry has nuances that play into trademark protection, so you’ll want to ensure that the lawyer knows a thing or two about your business/industry. Think about it: trademark lawyers who typically work with companies in the food service industry may not be the best choice for those in the robotics industry.
And give them extra points if they have a verifiable track record.
- What Services Do You Offer Beyond Trademark Registration?
Yes, trademark registration is a big part of intellectual property protection. But down the line, you may need one or more of the following services:
- Ongoing monitoring to keep an eye out for infringement.
- Drafting of cease-and-desist letters or legal proceedings related to them.
- Renewal of your trademark to prevent lapses in protection.
- Advice and assistance with international trademark filings for business expansion.
So, ask about any other services they can handle for you on an as-needed basis. If they only offer trademark registration services and you’re looking for something more comprehensive, another lawyer or law firm would be best.
- What Are Your Fees and Payment Structure?
Before choosing a legal professional, always ask how much their trademark services will cost. Every lawyer handles pricing a little differently, and you don’t want surprises down the line. Be sure that the attorney tells you about their fees for different service types and whether any additional costs might come into play. Their answers will determine whether they’re the right fit for your budget.
- What Challenges Do You Anticipate With My Trademark?
If you’re looking to get a trademark registered, it could be helpful to know if the lawyer anticipates any issues with it. If they do, that’s a segue for a conversation about proactively addressing them. Lawyers who try to convince you that there won’t be any issues are probably not the best choice. With all of the moving parts involved, there’s always a possibility of something going wrong or being delayed. The main thing you’re looking for here is a game plan for when challenges arise.
- How Will You Keep Me Updated Throughout the Process?
Trademark matters are often long and drawn out – at any given time, you could be playing the waiting game. That’s why communication is so important. Simply ask the lawyer how they plan to keep you updated throughout the trademark registration process (and any other trademark-related proceedings and processes). A quality Toronto trademark lawyer will provide regular updates, offer several modes of communication, and ideally have a direct phone number for clients.
So, there you have it – the top 5 questions to ask a Toronto trademark lawyer before hiring them. In addition to the questions above, feel free to ask about anything else that comes to mind as you weigh your options. Remember that there are no stupid questions. We hope you found all the information you were looking for, and we wish you the best in your search for a trademark expert.
