Whether or not a slogan can be trademarked depends on several factors. This is a slippery slope when it comes to what can and cannot be trademarked. A slogan such as "The best fried chicken in Florida" could not be trademarked because it is merely stating that an eatery has the best fried chicken in Florida, a claim that could also be used in any number of locations in Florida that sell fried chicken.

For a slogan to be eligible for trademark protection, it must advertise the brand, but not be overly ambitious in its advertising of the product. For example, McDonald's slogan "I'm lovin' it" and Nike's slogan "Just Do It" have nothing to do with either hamburgers or shoes, but everyone knows what products those slogans are promoting. As you see, slogans do not typically mention the product they are the slogan of.

Once you have settled upon a slogan for your business, you should search and make sure no one else is using your chosen slogan, either trademarked or not trademarked. Once you have found that your chosen slogan is not protected or used by anyone else, it is time to register your slogan. You should always register your chosen trademarks.

If you register your slogan as a trademark, you will maintain the legal right to bring trademark infringement lawsuits to court to litigate against those who would use a slogan similar to yours or to otherwise try to cause confusion in the marketplace by using a slogan that could be confused for yours.

Registration with the USPTO allows you to obtain registration for the mark in foreign countries under the Madrid Protocol, this allows a trademark owner to register a trademark in other countries that abide by the Madrid Protocol by using a single, English-language application. There are over 70 countries that abide by this protocol.

You may also file your trademarked slogan with the US Customs and Border Protection Service to prevent the importation of foreign goods with your trademark on them if the use of the trademark is unauthorized. For example, if your legit, trademarked goods are manufactured and shipped from Canada, then goods shipped from another country with your trademarked slogan upon them will most likely be unauthorized pirated versions.

You have the exclusive right to use the trademark nationwide; if you filed the Madrid Protocol form, then you can use the trademark worldwide. You are allowed to license trademarks to third parties, just as patents and copyrights can.

The U.S. Trademark Office recommends checking on your application's status at least once every four months. In a few cases, the application process can take several years. Once the Office approves your application, you can legally use the ® symbol.

Once the Trademark Office approves your application, you can use it for an unlimited length of time. You will be responsible for file renewals during the fifth and sixth years. You will then need to renew your trademark between the ninth and tenth years, and then again every ten years afterwards.

If your trademark registration expires, you will need to reapply to protect your trademark.

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