Trademark Readiness Scorecard

Have you chosen a brand name that’s legally strong and distinctive (not merely descriptive)?

📛 1. Name Selection

Yes, it's unique, not descriptive, and unlikely to conflict with others (5 pts)

Somewhat — it’s descriptive or generic, but not in use by others (3 pts))

No, it’s common or potentially confusingly similar to existing marks (0 pts)

Have you conducted a professional trademark search before using the name?

🔍 2. Trademark Search

Yes, a comprehensive search (U.S. + common law + international) was done (5 pts)

We did a basic USPTO or Google search ourselves (3 pts)

No, we just started using the name (0 pts)

Have you filed a trademark application with the USPTO (or internationally)?

📝 3. Trademark Filing

Yes, and it’s already registered or pending (5 pts)

We’re planning to file soon (3 pts)

No, we haven’t filed anything (0 pts)

Do you plan to use your brand name in international markets?

🌎 4. International Use

Yes, and we’ve filed (or plan to file) in those countries (5 pts)

Yes, but we haven’t taken steps yet (3 pts)

No, we're only using it domestically (0 pts)

Are your trademarks properly owned by the company, and documented in contracts?

💼 5. Ownership and Licensing

Yes, they’re assigned and recorded correctly (5 pts)

Partially — we’ve missed some formalities (3 pts)

No, we haven’t documented ownership/licensing (0 pts)

Do you monitor for infringers or misuse of your brand name?

🛡️ 6. Brand Enforcement

Yes, we actively watch and enforce our rights (5 pts)

Sometimes, but we don't have a system (3 pts)

No, we haven’t monitored at all (0 pts)

Are you using the mark correctly in marketing, packaging, and digital media?

🧩 7. Trademark Use in Commerce

Yes, consistently with proper TM or ® symbols (5 pts)

Sometimes — but inconsistently or informally (3 pts)

No, we’re not following best practices (0 pts)