In this episode of Securing Your Brand, co-hosts Melissa Jeda and Holly McFall explore a crucial yet often misunderstood aspect of brand protection: design marks. Unlike standard word marks, design marks cover stylized logos, colors, shapes, and other brand identifiers. This episode walks entrepreneurs and creatives through what counts as a design mark, when and how to register one with the USPTO, and common pitfalls to avoid when working with third-party designers or apps.

Melissa Jeda and Holly McFall are the founders of SecureMark Legal, a law firm that specializes in brand protection for modern entrepreneurs. Together, they demystify trademark strategy, enforcement, and growth in accessible, practical ways on their podcast, Securing Your Brand.

Expect to Learn

• The difference between word marks and design marks (logos, colors, trade dress).
• Strategic tips on when and how to file a design mark with the USPTO.
• Why filing in black and white can offer more flexibility than color.
• Risks of using Canva, Adobe, or freelancers to create logos without ownership agreements.
• Why evolving logos require updated registrations to maintain protection.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

• [00:00] -Trailer
• [01:36] - Design Marks vs. Word Marks: Key Differences
• [03:59] - Example: “Duck in a Bowtie” Branding Scenario
• [08:55] - Timing Strategy: Word Mark First, Logo Later
• [10:30] - Black & White vs. Color Trademark Filings
• [13:36] - Stylized Fonts as Design Marks
• [14:18] - Why Black and White Offers Maximum Flexibility
• [16:31] - Using Canva, Adobe, and Freelancers, Who Really Owns Your Logo?
• [18:20] - Closing Thoughts + Next Episode Tease on AI and Copyright

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• Website: https://securemarklegal.com/
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• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/securemark_legal
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/securemarklegal/

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