Can I trademark a name already in use but not trademarked?

While it is possible to trademark a name that is already in use but not registered, doing so involves careful consideration of existing use, potential conflicts, and the geographic and industry-related scope of the intended use.
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Can you trademark a name that already exists?

Best of all, they will not consider the other business who is using the same name if they haven't filed for trademark protection. This means you can get a trademark even if someone else is using your business name. This doesn't mean the person using your name first isn't without legal rights.
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Can I use a name that is already in use?

In trademark infringement cases, courts look at whether consumers would be confused by two businesses that operate in the same industry. Essentially, if your name is likely to cause consumer confusion because it's the same or like another business name, then you cannot use that name.
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Can you trademark a phrase already in use?

Can I trademark a phrase if someone else is already using it? Generally, you cannot trademark a phrase if someone else is already using it for similar goods or services in a way that could cause confusion among consumers.
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Is it illegal to put TM on something that isn't trademarked?

The symbol lets consumers and competitors know you're claiming the trademark as yours. You can use “TM” for goods or “SM” for services even if you haven't filed an application to register your trademark. Once you register your trademark with us, use an ® with the trademark.
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Can I Trademark A Name that Already Exists? | Registering Trademarks | Entrepreneur Tips

Can you trademark a name that is being used but not trademarked?

In the United States and some other jurisdictions like Canada, using a name in commerce can establish "common law" trademark rights, even if the mark has not been officially registered with a government agency like the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Can you put a TM on your logo without registering?

So to answer the question, yes, it is legal to use the 'TM' symbol without registering. It is the 'R' symbol that you cannot use. As long as you are sure that there are no companies that are already using the trademark, you should be able to put 'TM' on your mark.
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Can you trademark a word that is already trademarked?

Names and logos that are too similar to an existing trademark cannot be trademarked. Confusion could result. Generic terms and phrases cannot be trademarked because they are never recognized as a brand.
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Can the same name be trademarked twice?

“Trademarked a Word”

Federal Trademark Registrations are not granted without identifying particular goods or services used with the mark. And, a second owner can co-exist for the same mark, if the use of the same mark is in association with different goods or services.
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Is it better to trademark or copyright a phrase?

Generally, copyrights protect creative works, and trademarks apply to brand names, phrases, and logos. Copyrights primarily protect the rights of people who create literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other original works (like history tests, and software code).
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How do you use a name that's already taken?

17 Social Media Handle Ideas When Your Name Is Taken
  1. Use Your First or Last Name. ...
  2. Add an Acronym or Job Title. ...
  3. Shorten Your Name. ...
  4. Add “the” in Front of Your Social Media Handle. ...
  5. Use Your Initials. ...
  6. Use “I am” ...
  7. Use “HQ” ...
  8. Let Them Know You're the “Real” Deal.
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Can I use a name for a business that already exists?

State law requires it

Each state stipulates that a new business cannot choose a name that's identical to an entity that already exists, nor can the name be only marginally different.
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Can I trademark a name already in use but not trademarked in the UK?

You would have a hard time keeping the mark at that point - because you are using a name which belongs to someone else. So yes, in the short term you can trademark a name, but it may well be open to challenge.
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What are the rules for trademarking a name?

You can only trademark a brand name that you're using in business or that you intend to use in business in the near future. Don't register a generic or descriptive name. Your trademark name has to be distinctive or unique in some way to be approved.
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Can I trademark a name that someone else uses?

So, just because someone else is already using your name, even if it's in connection with the same business as you, you could still obtain trademark protection.
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When can you not use a trademarked name?

When you use someone's mark without their permission in a way that infringes on or dilutes their mark, then your use is usually unlawful. The trademark owner can normally sue you to stop you from using their mark, and they can collect money damages.
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Can you trademark a name and add a logo later?

Yes, you can file applications for both a word trademark and a logo trademark at the same time. The process of registering trademarks typically involves submitting separate applications for each mark.
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What happens if you use a trademark without permission?

Trademark infringement is prosecuted under civil laws, and is not a criminal act. Instead, lawsuits over trademark infringement will usually require you to stop using the trademark, and you may have to return any profits made off of the infringing use, or pay money damages for the use of the trademark.
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Can I trademark a name that is similar to another?

A: It may be possible to register a trademark with a similar name when the goods or services for the respective trademarks are not similar, however if the goods or services are similar (ie. you mentioned similar sodtware), it is likely that the USPTO will refuse to register the trademark due to likelihood of confusion.
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What if your name is already trademarked?

If you start a business using a trademark that another business has already registered, you won't be able to register that trademark for your business. More importantly, you risk being sued for trademark infringement.
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What terms Cannot be trademarked?

Descriptiveness / lack of distinctiveness: Terms that literally describe items as they are ("tomato," "beer," "copper" or any other common word) cannot be trademarked as they must be reserved for general use. Similarly, marks that fail to indicate a particular commercial enterprise to consumers will not be registered.
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Should I use TM or R?

You do not have to have registered a trademark to use it and many companies will opt to use the TM symbol for new goods or services in advance of and during the application process. The R symbol indicates that this word, phrase, or logo is a registered trademark for the product or service.
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Is it illegal to use an unregistered trademark?

Under US trademark law, unregistered trademarks are protected under common law, although they have less protection than registered trademarks. In contrast to federal registration, common law trademarks are usually enforceable only within the geographic region or locale where the trademark owner is using it in business.
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Can I put TM after my logo?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS When Am I Allowed to Put TM Next To My Brand? You can put the TM next to your brand at any time without seeking permission from anyone. You can still employ the TM symbol if you have no plans to register your trademark anywhere.
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